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French Onion Soup (Soupe à l'Oignon Gratinée)

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 15 minutes
Servings 4 bowl
Calories 450
This classic French onion soup is rich, savory, and topped with melted Gruyère cheese, making it the perfect comfort food.

Ingredients

Butter

  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (plus more for bread)

Onions

  • 3 pounds yellow or mixed onions (sliced 1/8 inch thick)
  • kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/2 cup dry sherry ((such as Amontillado))
  • 2 quarts low-sodium chicken stock (homemade or store-bought)

Herbs

  • 2 sprigs thyme
  • 1 leaf bay leaf
  • 1 teaspoon Asian fish sauce ((optional))
  • 1 teaspoon cider vinegar
  • 8 slices rustic bread (bowl-size, toasted until crisp)
  • 1 clove garlic (medium)
  • 1 pound Gruyère cheese (grated)
  • Freshly minced chives (for garnish)

Instructions 

  • Melt butter in a saucepan, add onions, and cook until softened. Lower heat and cook until golden-brown, about 1-2 hours.
  • Add sherry, simmer, then add stock, thyme, and bay leaf; simmer for 20 minutes.
  • Add fish sauce and cider vinegar, season, and discard thyme and bay leaf.
  • Preheat broiler, butter toasts, rub with garlic, and layer in bowls with soup and cheese.
  • Broil until cheese is melted and browned, garnish with chives, and serve.

Notes

For a deeper flavor, use homemade stock and allow onions to caramelize longer.
Calories: 450kcal
Cost: $15
Course: Soup
Cuisine: French
Keyword: onion