1 h 20 min

Classic French Onion Soup

Name: Classic French Onion Soup
Cook time: 1 h 20 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 2.00 tsp Charentes-Poitou Butter PDO; x 3.00 Cévennes Sweet Onion PDO; 200.00 ml Touraine PDO; 1.00 cup Emmental de Savoie PGI; 1.50 tsp French Flour; 1.50 tsp Dry Sherry; 1.00 cube Broth; 1.00 tsp Smoked paprika; 3.00 tsp Salt; 3.00 tsp Pepper

By Benjamin Vaschetti, Chef

Looking for the ultimate traditional French onion soup recipe? Our hearty onion soup is an easy homemade dinner dish. The secret? Right before serving, the soup is topped with bread and grated Emmental de Savoie and broiled until melted for the perfect au gratin result.
Pour yourself a glass of Alsace Riesling white wine, prepare your cast iron Dutch oven and get ready!

The History of French Onion Soup

French onion soup has been around since the 18th century and was originally a simple soup made with onions, bread and cheese. It was called the "poor man's soup" and became a French classic, loved for its rich flavours and comforting warmth.

What Cheese To Use for French Onion Soup

For the best flavour use Emmental de Savoie, Gruyère or Comté. Emmental is nutty and mild, Gruyère is savoury and melts well, while Comté is slightly sweet and complex. Choose one based on your preference or try a mix for a different taste.

Tips for Perfect Caramelized Onions

Caramelize the onions slowly over low heat to bring out the natural sweetness. Use yellow or sweet onions for best results and stir occasionally to avoid burning. A heavy bottomed pan is best for even cooking.

What Wine Goes Well With French Onion Soup?

Pair your soup with an Alsace Riesling or a light red like Beaujolais. These wines match the soup's savoury flavours with their acidity and fruity notes.

Variations on the Classic Recipe

Add sautéed mushrooms for an earthy take on this classic recipe or use vegetable broth for a lighter vegetarian version. Try adding thyme or bay leaves to taste.

Tips for Storing and Reheating your Onion Soup

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stovetop, add some broth if needed. Toast fresh bread and top with cheese and broil for a fresh, melty finish.

Health Benefits of French Onion Soup

Onions are full of antioxidants, while cheese is rich in protein and calcium. Making it at home means you can control the salt and fat content, making it a nutritious comfort food option.

Ingredients For

Charentes-Poitou Butter PDO

2 tsp See the article
Cévennes Sweet Onion PDO

x 3 See the article
Touraine PDO

200 ml See the article
Emmental de Savoie PGI

1 cup See the article
French Flour 1.50 tsp
Dry Sherry 1.50 tsp
Broth 1 cube
Smoked paprika 1 tsp
Salt 3 tsp
Pepper 3 tsp

Find French products near you

Preparation

Melt the butter in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onions and the salt, stir, and cover, letting the onions soften for 5 minutes.

Remove the lid and let the onions caramelize until golden brown, stirring occasionally. (Adjust the heat if the onions are browning too quickly.) The caramelization process may take 45 to 60 minutes. Meanwhile, warm the stock in a saucepan over low heat.

Once the onions are caramelized, add the wine and sherry to the pot and allow the liquid to come to a boil.

Stir in the flour and smoked paprika and let thicken for a minute or two. Slowly add the warm broth, salt, and the pepper to the onions and boil uncovered for 10 minutes.