French Onion Soup: Your Ultimate Guide to the Classic Dish

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• The timeless appeal of French Onion Soup
• Cooking tips to level up your soup
• Expert tips for serving your soup
• Guidance on freezing and storage

The Universal Love of French Onion Soup

 French Onion Soup is one of the few recipes that seem to please almost any crowd. Its rich, caramelized onions and delicious broth, topped with a bubbling layer of provolone cheese, make an impression at dinner parties and put smiles on the faces of family for a midweek meal. This dish, a fixture in French bistros and beyond, brings comfort and warmth with every bite. My children even requested it when they were really small. I still smile at their shocked little faces when their friends would tell them that they didn’t like onions.

But the charm of this soup doesn’t solely lie in its taste—it’s also really affordable. In today’s unstable economy and soaring prices, it can become a challenge to put healthy, home cooked meals on the table. This delicious soup won’t break the bank, and it also doesn’t leave you feeling stuck with a meal because it’s affordable, and not what you really want.

Cooking Tips

I’ve had a lot of people ask me what type of broth I use in my French Onion Soup. The short answer is, it depends. Personally, I like to make my broth homemade. I try to keep beef and chicken broth in the freezer. However, I make more dishes with chicken than beef, so I don’t always have homemade beef broth.

On those occasions, I buy a good quality boxed beef broth. Then, I also add either beef bullion cubes or powdered beef stock to the broth to make it richer and more flavorful. I’ve also added bullion to homemade broth if it wasn’t as rich as I’d like it to be. The amount of bullion will depend on your taste preference. I would start with either 3-4 cubes of beef bullion to a pot or 1-2 tablespoons of powdered beef bullion.

If you want to know more about how to make your own beef broth, this video is excellent!

Here are some other posts you may enjoy:

• Turkey Mushroom Bake
• Homemade Broccoli Casserole
• Deep South Mustard Greens
• Apple Cheesecake Crumble
• Eggnog Thumbprint Cookies

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to serving French Onion Soup, presentation is key. Serve this savory soup in oven proof bowls, topped with a slice of toasted french bread and a generous layer of melted Provolone cheese. Next, place the bowls under the broiler until the cheese bubbles and turns golden brown. This not only gives it an impressive finish but also infuses the flavors of the soup with the melted cheese and the toasted bread.

Get Your Oven Proof Soup Bowls Here

When serving French Onion Soup, I consider the occasion. If it’s just a weeknight meal, I serve it with a simple salad like my Japanese Salad. If it will be for a dinner party, I serve it after a light appetizer and before a main course like roast beef. Beef is a good compliment to this soup and would be my recommendation for a more formal party.

Whether you are hosting a dinner party or simply enjoying a casual meal, French Onion Soup can be the centerpiece of your dining experience, bringing warmth and sophistication to your table.

Freezing and Storing Tips

Properly preserving French Onion Soup will ensure that you can enjoy its comforting flavor even on your busiest days. To maintain the integrity of this delicious soup, attention to detail is key when freezing and storing.

The first step is to let the soup cool completely before any attempt to store it. The temperature shift from cooking to cooling is crucial, because putting hot soup directly into the freezer can lead to bacterial growth and affect the texture and taste. Once cooled, portion the soup into airtight containers, leaving some room at the top as liquids expand when frozen. You will want to freeze it without the cheese and bread topping – reserve that step for when you’re ready to reheat and serve.

French Onion Soup can be frozen for up to three months. Date and label your containers for easy reference. When you’re ready to reheat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator or use a microwave for quicker results. Then, warm the soup on the stove over medium heat. If you’re adding the cheese-topped bread, (and why wouldn’t you?) just dip the heated soup into oven proof bowls, add the bread and cheese, broil as usual.

If you’re planning to refrigerate and enjoy your soup within a few days, simply store it in the fridge in a sealed container. Gently reheat on the stove or in a microwave, ladle into oven safe bowls, top with bread and cheese, broil and you’re good to go.

French Onion Soup FAQs

What are the key ingredients for French Onion Soup?

The key ingredients for a classic French Onion Soup include thinly sliced onions which are caramelized to perfection and a rich beef stock for a deep flavor base. It’s traditionally topped with a crispy, cheesy crouton, which is made from a slice of french bread and a generous helping of provolone cheese melted under the broiler.

How do you achieve the perfect caramelization for the onions?

Achieving perfect caramelization of onions for French Onion Soup takes a bit of time and attention. However, it’s really simple to do. Just cook the onions in oil slowly over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to prevent them from burning. This process could take anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour, depending on the amount of onions. The goal is to reach a deep golden brown color, which will ensure the sweetness of the onions and give depth to the soup.

Can French Onion Soup be made vegetarian?

Yes, French Onion Soup can easily be made vegetarian by substituting the beef stock with a high-quality vegetable broth. The depth of flavor will slightly differ, but with proper caramelization of the onions it will be just as delicious.

Is there a specific type of onion that’s best for French Onion Soup?

While traditional French Onion Soup is made with yellow onions because of their ideal balance of sweetness and astringency, other onions like red or white can also be used. Some cooks like to use a mix of different onions for a more complex flavor profile. It really just depends on your preference. Just note that it’s important to slice the onions thin enough to ensure they caramelize evenly.

What is the difference between using homemade stock and store-bought stock?

Homemade stock can vastly improve the taste of French Onion Soup by adding a depth of flavor that’s hard to match with store-bought varieties. Making stock at home allows for control over the seasoning and the quality of ingredients, resulting in a richer and more personalized soup base. Be sure to check out the helpful video above if you want to learn how to make your own beef stock. Store-bought stock can still be a convenient and tasty alternative, especially if time or resources are limited.

This recipe is a good one to keep on hand. Whether you want it for a cold day or a formal gathering, I know it will get rave reviews. If you have any questions or comments, please leave them at the bottom of this post and I’ll get back to you. Now, go caramelize those onions…