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Cozy French Onion Soup Recipe with Easy Gruyere Crostini Topping

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A comforting French onion soup featuring slow-caramelized onions and rich Gruyere cheese crostini, perfect for cozy nights and easy to prepare in about 45 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 6 cups beef broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian option)
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional)
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 2–3 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 small baguette or half a large, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
  • 8 ounces Gruyere cheese, shredded

Instructions

  1. Peel and thinly slice about 4 large yellow onions into 1/8 inch thick slices.
  2. In a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat 3 tablespoons unsalted butter and 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium-low heat.
  3. Add the sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Stir to coat and cook slowly, stirring occasionally for 35-40 minutes until onions are deep golden brown, soft, and sweet without burning. Add a splash of water if onions start to stick.
  4. Stir in 2 minced garlic cloves, 2 bay leaves, and 2-3 sprigs of fresh thyme. Cook for 2 minutes until fragrant.
  5. Pour in 1/2 cup dry white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up browned bits. Simmer until mostly evaporated, about 3 minutes.
  6. Add 6 cups beef broth. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 20-25 minutes. Season with salt and fresh cracked black pepper to taste.
  7. While soup simmers, preheat broiler. Arrange baguette slices on a baking sheet and toast under broiler for 1-2 minutes per side until golden and crisp.
  8. Remove toasted baguette slices and sprinkle shredded Gruyere cheese generously over each slice.
  9. Return crostini to broiler for 1-2 minutes until cheese bubbles and turns lightly golden. Watch closely to prevent burning.
  10. Ladle hot soup into bowls. Place two or three Gruyere crostini on top or serve on the side for dipping. For classic presentation, place crostini directly on soup in oven-safe bowls and broil briefly.

Notes

Patience is key for caramelizing onions low and slow to avoid bitterness. Use good quality Gruyere cheese shredded fresh for best melt. Watch crostini closely under broiler to prevent burning. For vegetarian version, use vegetable broth and add soy sauce for umami. Store soup and crostini separately to avoid sogginess.

Nutrition

Keywords: French onion soup, Gruyere crostini, caramelized onions, comfort food, easy soup recipe, cozy dinner, slow caramelization

Find it online: https://lunafeast.com/cozy-french-onion-soup-recipe-with-easy-gruyere-crostini-topping/