## Introduction
In the world of comfort food, few dishes can compete with the Classic French Onion Soup, especially when it’s crowned with an undeniably tasty layer of Gruyere Cheese. This dish pairs a savory soup base, filled with caramelized onions, fresh thyme leaves, and redolent of a hearty beef broth, with the unctuous texture and luxurious taste of melted cheese.
## Why Make This Recipe
Creating this Classic French Onion Soup with Gruyere Cheese recipe allows you to bring a piece of France right into your kitchen. It’s perfect for dinner parties, given its elegance, or you can simply enjoy it as a warming dinner when you’re longing for something nourishing and satisfying. Additionally, refining your skills on this elegant and timeless dish can boost your culinary prowess.
## How to Make Classic French Onion Soup with Gruyere Cheese
Creating this inviting soup entails few steps and simple cooking techniques that any home cook can tackle.
## Ingredients:
– 4 large onions, thinly sliced
– 2 tbsp unsalted butter
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp sugar
– 4 cups beef broth
– 1 cup dry white wine
– 2 bay leaves
– 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 baguette, sliced
– 2 cups grated Gruyere cheese
## Directions:
1. In a large pot, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add sliced onions and cook
2. Add sugar, and continue to caramelize the onions.
3. Stir in wine, followed by beef broth, bay leaves, thyme, salt, and pepper.
4. Toast baguette slices under a hot broiler.
5. Ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls, add toasted baguette slices and sprinkle with Gruyere cheese.
6. Broil until cheese is melted.
## How to Serve Classic French Onion Soup with Gruyere Cheese
Serve the French Onion Soup piping hot straight from the oven, with extra slices of crusty baguette on the side.
## How to Store Classic French Onion Soup with Gruyere Cheese
Store any leftover soup (without the bread and cheese topping) in the refrigerator within two hours of cooking. It can be kept for up to three days.
## Tips to Make Classic French Onion Soup with Gruyere Cheese
– Thinning your onions uniformly allows them to caramelized evenly.
– Don’t rush the caramelization of the onions, as this step is key for unlocking the soup’s deep flavor profile.
– Always opt for quality beef broth, it impacts the overall taste significantly.
## Variations
For a vegetarian twist, you could use vegetable broth instead of beef. For an extra layer of flavor, add a splash of cognac along with the white wine.
## FAQs
**Q1: Can I use other types of cheese if I don’t have Gruyere?**
Susbtitue with other good melting cheeses like Mozzarella or Emmental.
**Q2: Can I make the soup in advance?**
Yes, you can prepare the soup a day or two prior to serving. Add the bread and cheese topping just before broiling and serving.
**Q3: Can this soup be frozen?**
Yes, but only the onion and broth base. The bread and cheese topping should be added after the soup has been defrosted and is about to be served.