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French Onion Gruyere

Featured in: Comfort Food Favorites

Caramelized onions create a rich base for this comforting dish, transforming in butter till they're golden. A splash of broth adds flavor to the onions before it's topped with toast that soaks all goodness, holding thick layers of melted Gruyère. It's cozy and perfect to warm you up with sweet onions, hearty broth, and gooey cheese.
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punchofyummy
Updated on Tue, 18 Mar 2025 18:26:09 GMT
Golden onion soup with butter cubes, fresh bread slices, garlic bulbs, sprigs of thyme, and shallots around. Pin it
Golden onion soup with butter cubes, fresh bread slices, garlic bulbs, sprigs of thyme, and shallots around. | pinchofyummy.com

I became obsessed with French Onion Soup after tasting it in a small Parisian cafe and tinkered with this method for ages. The unhurried caramelized onions, flavorful stock and bubbling cheese topping transport me straight back. With a bit of patience and basic items from your pantry, you can bring this warm restaurant favorite into your home.

Absolute Wonder

Everything hinges on those onions going mellow and amber through gradual cooking. Toss in robust beef stock, a dash of red wine, that gooey Gruyère crowning it all - it's total bliss in every spoonful. It's wild how basic ingredients turn into something so magical.

Your Shopping List

  • Butter and Oil: For getting those onions just perfect.
  • Salt and Pepper: Nothing fancy needed.
  • Fresh Thyme: Tiny bursts of herbal goodness.
  • Crusty Bread: Creates that ideal crunchy layer.
  • Gruyère Cheese: The meltiest option around.
  • Red Wine: Gives amazing richness.
  • Beef Stock: Better quality equals better soup.
  • Sweet Onions: Tons of them cut into thin slices.

Cook Along With Me

  1. Serve With Love: Steaming hot and bubbly for those chilly evenings.
  2. Make It Cheesy: Stack bread and cheese then broil but watch carefully.
  3. Toast Your Bread: Get those pieces nice and golden brown.
  4. Build Your Broth: Mix in wine, stock and herbs so flavors can mingle.
  5. Start With Onions: Gentle heat and lots of time until they turn deep gold.

Nail Every Detail

Don't rush those onions, stick with gentle heat. Big fan of red wine? Try some Pinot Noir or Cabernet. Go for really crusty bread and don't skimp on the Gruyère for that dreamy top layer. Let your broth bubble away, it'll only get tastier.

Fast Facts

Want other cheese ideas? Gruyère can't be beat but Swiss works in a pinch. Got white wine instead? Go for it but expect a lighter flavor. Going vegetarian? Veggie broth works fine just tastes a bit different.

Store It Right

Stays good in your fridge about 3 days. Heat it back up gently on the stove. Want to freeze some? Don't add bread or cheese until you're ready to eat. Better if you thaw it overnight.

A bowl of French onion soup topped with a slice of melted cheese. Pin it
A bowl of French onion soup topped with a slice of melted cheese. | pinchofyummy.com

Fresh Twists

Throw in beef chunks or mushrooms for something heartier. Switch to chicken broth if you want it lighter. Try different bread types for new textures. Nobody ever complained about too much cheese.

Great Pairings

A fresh green salad on the side really balances things out. Grab a glass of red wine to make it feel fancy. Always keep extra bread nearby for soaking up that tasty broth.

Pro Tips

Go slow and low with those onions, don't try to speed things up. Use quality ingredients especially the broth part. Lightly toast your bread so it won't get mushy. Don't hold back on cheese that's what makes it amazing.

Time Well Spent

This soup brings a taste of France straight to your table. It's deep, warming and perfect whether you're sharing or enjoying alone. Stick with these steps and you'll create cafe-quality magic at home.

Common Mistakes

Never hurry those onions they need time to get their sweetness. Quality broth really counts avoid the overly salty kinds. Always toast your bread first keeps everything balanced. Watch that cheese under the broiler it can burn fast.

All About That Cheese

Gruyère works wonders here it's got that nutty flavor and melts beautifully. Make sure you cover all that bread with cheese completely. Just a quick trip under the broiler until you see it turn golden and bubbly.

A bowl of melted cheese-topped French onion soup garnished with thyme, accompanied by slices of bread. Pin it
A bowl of melted cheese-topped French onion soup garnished with thyme, accompanied by slices of bread. | pinchofyummy.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why does caramelizing onions take so much time?
It takes time for onions to release their sweetness while developing that deep flavor. Rushing it won't give the same results.
→ Can I use different onions?
Yellow onions are great, but combining them with red, sweet ones, or shallots gives an even more flavorful mix.
→ What’s the purpose of adding fish sauce?
Fish sauce, though optional, gives an umami kick. It blends in without adding a fishy flavor.
→ Do I have to use Gruyère cheese?
Gruyère melts beautifully and has perfect flavor, though Emmental or Swiss can work for a different twist.
→ Can I prepare it ahead of time?
You can make the soup base in advance and store it. Save toasting the bread and adding cheese for when you're ready to serve.

French Onion Gruyere

Deeply caramelized onions in savory broth, finished with crispy bread and melty Gruyère cheese topping.

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
120 Minutes
Total Time
140 Minutes
By: Amelia


Difficulty: Difficult

Cuisine: French

Yield: 4 Servings (4 bowls)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

01 Six tablespoons of butter, unsalted.
02 Three pounds of sliced yellow or mixed onions.
03 Half a cup of dry sherry.
04 Two quarts of chicken or beef stock.
05 Two sprigs of fresh thyme.
06 One bay leaf.
07 A teaspoon of fish sauce.
08 A teaspoon of apple cider vinegar.
09 Eight slices of crusty bread.
10 One garlic clove.
11 One pound of grated Gruyère cheese.
12 Two tablespoons of minced fresh chives.

Instructions

Step 01

Let onions cook in the butter on medium-low and stir now and then. Wait until they turn a rich golden brown, which takes 1-2 hours.

Step 02

Stir in sherry and allow to simmer for about 3 minutes. Pour in the stock and add the thyme and bay leaf. Let it all cook for 20 minutes.

Step 03

Mix in the vinegar and fish sauce, if you want. Sprinkle with some salt and pepper. Take out the herbs before moving on.

Step 04

Toast the bread slices, spread butter on them, and rub them with the garlic clove.

Step 05

Spoon soup into oven-safe bowls, then layer with bread and cheese. Broil until the cheese melts and gets golden. Top it with chives before serving.

Notes

  1. Using a mix of onion varieties gives it a deeper flavor.
  2. If the onions start sticking, add some water.
  3. Fish sauce is optional, but it boosts the flavor.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large skillets or a big stainless steel pot.
  • Baking sheet with edges.
  • Bowls safe for the oven.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains milk.
  • Includes gluten.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 1011
  • Total Fat: 59 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 71 g
  • Protein: 52 g