French Onion Soup (Printable Version)

Caramelized onions in savory broth topped with crusty bread and melted Gruyère - a French bistro staple. #FrenchCuisine #OnionSoup #ComfortFood #CheesyGoodness #WinterWarmer

# Ingredients:

→ Main Ingredients

01 - 4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
02 - 4 tablespoons butter
03 - 6 cups beef broth
04 - 1 cup dry white wine
05 - 2 teaspoons fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried)
06 - 2 bay leaves
07 - 1 baguette, sliced
08 - 2 cups Gruyère cheese, shredded
09 - Salt and pepper to taste
10 - Olive oil (optional, for toasting bread)

# Steps:

01 - In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 30-40 minutes until the onions are deeply caramelized and golden brown. This slow cooking is key to developing the soup's rich flavor.
02 - Once the onions are caramelized, add the white wine to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Cook for about 5 minutes until the wine has reduced slightly. Pour in the beef broth, add thyme, bay leaves, and season with salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for another 15-20 minutes.
03 - While the soup simmers, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet. Brush lightly with olive oil if desired. Toast in the oven for about 10 minutes until golden and crispy.
04 - Remove the bay leaves from the soup. Ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls, topping each with a slice of toasted baguette and a generous amount of shredded Gruyère cheese. Place the bowls on a baking sheet and broil in the oven for about 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

# Notes:

01 - You can use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
02 - Substitute Gruyère with Swiss cheese or provolone for different flavor profiles.