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Easy French Onion Soup Gratinée Recipe

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A comforting and approachable French onion soup recipe perfect for beginners, featuring caramelized onions, rich broth, and a cheesy gratinée topping.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 6 cups beef broth
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional)
  • 2 sprigs fresh thyme or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 small loaf baguette or crusty French bread, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
  • 1 1/2 cups grated Gruyère cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated sharp white cheddar cheese

Instructions

  1. Slice the onions thinly using a sharp knife for even cooking.
  2. Heat butter and olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium-low heat. Add onions and a pinch of salt. Cook slowly, stirring occasionally, for 30-40 minutes until onions are deep golden brown and caramelized.
  3. Add minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Pour in white wine (if using) and scrape the pot bottom to deglaze. Let wine reduce by half, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Add beef broth, thyme, and bay leaf. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook uncovered for 20 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Remove thyme sprigs and bay leaf before serving.
  5. Preheat broiler. Toast baguette slices on a baking sheet until crisp, about 2-3 minutes. Ladle soup into oven-safe bowls, top each with a toasted bread slice and a generous amount of grated Gruyère and cheddar cheese. Broil for 2-4 minutes until cheese bubbles and browns. Serve immediately.

Notes

Keep heat low to medium-low when caramelizing onions to avoid burning. Stir occasionally, not constantly. Use a kitchen timer to track caramelization. Watch broiler carefully to prevent cheese from burning. For gluten-free, use gluten-free bread or omit bread. Vegetarian version uses mushroom broth and skips wine.

Nutrition

Keywords: French onion soup, gratinée, caramelized onions, comfort food, easy soup recipe, beginner friendly

Find it online: https://rowanrecipes.com/easy-french-onion-soup-gratin-e-e-recipe-5-steps-for-beginners/