French Onion Soup Recipe

French Onion Soup Recipe

Photos © John Mitzewich

French onion soup is one of America's most popular "restaurant soups," but with this easy recipe you can make it at home anytime you want. This French onion soup recipe is topped with the traditional Gruyere cheese, but any melting cheese will work.

Makes 8 Portions French Onion Soup

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour, 15 minutes

Ingredients:

• 4 large yellow onions, cut in large dice
• 1/2 stick unsalted butter
• 1 tbsp sherry vinegar
• 1/4 cup dry sherry wine
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme
• 1/2 tsp salt
• fresh ground black pepper to taste
• 1 bay leaf
• 3 cups high-quality beef broth
• 3 cups high-quality chicken broth
• 1 cup water
• For the topping:
• toasted French bread
• 8 oz shredded Gruyere cheese, or other Swiss cheese

Preparation:

In a large soup pot, melt the butter over med-low heat. Add the onions and salt; slowly cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are golden-brown - about 30 minutes.

Add the vinegar and sherry; cook for 5 minutes, and then add the remaining ingredients. Simmer on low for one hour. Taste and adjust seasoning. Ladle into heatproof bowls, or crocks, and top with a piece of toasted bread (cut to fit top of bowl).

Cover with the cheese, and place under a preheated broiler until the cheese melts and begins to brown. Serve hot.