Description
This Rich and Simple French Onion Soup combines deeply tender onions simmered in savory beef broth with a hint of dry sherry and thyme. Topped with toasted French bread and a blend of provolone, Swiss, and Parmesan cheeses, then broiled until bubbly and golden, it’s a comforting classic perfect for chilly evenings.
Ingredients
Scale
Soup Base
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cups sliced onions
- 5 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons dry sherry
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 pinch salt and pepper to taste
Toppings
- 4 slices French bread
- 4 slices provolone cheese
- 2 slices Swiss cheese, diced
- 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Gather Ingredients: Collect all the necessary ingredients listed to ensure everything is ready before starting the cooking process.
- Sauté Onions: In an 8-quart stock pot over medium heat, melt the butter with olive oil. Add the sliced onions and stir continuously until they become tender and translucent without browning.
- Simmer Soup: Add the beef broth, dry sherry, and dried thyme to the pot. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Reduce heat and let the soup gently simmer for 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Preheat Broiler: While the soup simmers, preheat the oven's broiler to prepare for finishing the soup with the cheesy bread topping.
- Assemble Bowls: Ladle the hot soup into oven-safe serving bowls. Place one slice of French bread on top of each bowl, optionally breaking the bread into smaller pieces.
- Add Cheese Toppings: Layer each bread slice with one slice of provolone cheese, half a diced slice of Swiss cheese, and 1 tablespoon of grated Parmesan cheese.
- Broil: Set the bowls on a rimmed sheet pan and place under the preheated broiler. Broil for 2 to 3 minutes until the cheese bubbles and develops a light golden brown crust.
- Serve: Carefully remove the bowls from the oven, serve the soup hot, and enjoy the rich comforting flavors.
Notes
- This recipe uses three types of cheese to add richness and depth to the classic French onion soup.
- Ensure onions are only cooked until translucent and tender but not browned to keep a delicate sweetness.
- You can break the bread slices into pieces if preferred for easier eating.
- Use oven-safe bowls suitable for broiling to prevent cracking or heat damage.
- For a richer taste, use homemade beef broth if available.
- Adjust salt and pepper seasoning according to taste preference and the saltiness of broth and cheese.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 586 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 1592 mg
- Fat: 44 g
- Saturated Fat: 24 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 21 g
- Cholesterol: 98 mg
