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Restaurant quality French Onion Soup is so easy to make at home with Slow Cooker Caramelized Onions.
Homemade French Onion Soup
The very first thing I ate after arriving in Paris last Spring was French Onion Soup. Of course in Paris it is not called French Onion Soup, it is called Soupe à l’oignon. No need for the French part because you’re in France!
Whenever I go to a restaurant that has French Onion Soup on the menu I order it, even here in the United States. I love it but I had never made it at home because I thought it was just too hard to make. I am happy to report that I was wrong!!
Remember those Slow Cooker Caramelized Onions I shared a few weeks ago? Well, they make a perfect onion soup and make it so easy.
What is French Onion Soup?
French Onion soup is made with a base of meat stock or broth and onions. It is served “gratineed” which means it is topped with a slice of bread covered in cheese. Place it under the broiler to melt the cheese and you have Soupe à l’oignon. Translation: delicious!
How to Make French Onion Soup
- Broth. I used half beef broth and half chicken broth. You can use broth from a can or you can make your own.
- Caramelized onions. I used my slow cooker to make my caramelized onions but they can also be made on the stove top in a pan. Add in as much caramelized onions as you like but I use 1/4 cup of onions to 2 cups of broth.
- Baguette. Use a crusty French baguette. Slice the baguette into about 3/4 inch thick slices. Brush the bread with a little olive oil and placed it under the broiler to toast.
The Best Cheese to Use For French Onion Soup
Traditionally it is made with Gruyere and Parmesan cheese but I have also made it with Swiss and Mozzarella.
- Cheese. Place the toasted bread on top of the soup in a bowl. Cover the bread with a slice of Swiss or Gruyere cheese and then sprinkled with grated Parmesan or Mozzarella cheese. My favorite part of French onion soup is the cheesy part on top. Lots of ooey, gooey cheese!
- Broil. Place the bowl onto a cookie sheet and place it under the broiler. Watch it carefully and pull it out when the cheese has melted and gotten bubbly and golden brown on top.
Can I Freeze It?
This soup is best frozen without the bread and cheese on top. Store the soup in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 3-4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw soup and reheat before adding bread and cheese on top.
Then grab a spoon and dig it!! Just close your eyes and imagine yourself sitting at a little sidewalk cafe in Paris! Oh la la!!
From some other tastes from France try these:
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French Onion Soup Recipe
French Onion Soup
Ingredients
- 1 cup caramelized onions
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp parsley
- 1/4 tsp thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
- salt and pepper to taste
- 4 slices French baguette
- olive oil
- 8 slices Swiss cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Mix together broths, Worcestershire sauce, seasonings.
- Add in caramelized onions
- Simmer for 20 minutes.
- Remove bay leaf and reduce heat.
- Add in vinegar and season as necessary with salt and pepper.
- Cover and keep on low heat until ready to serve.
- Slice french bread,
- Brush with olive oil and place on cookie sheet.
- Place under broiler until golden brown
- Place slice of bread on top of bowl of soup.
- Cover with 2 slices of Swiss cheese
- Add 1/8 C of shredded Mozzarella Cheese
- Place under broiler until cheese is melted, bubbly and beginning to brown.
Kristy says
Hi there, I came across your blog on Pinterest & just wanted to let you know that your tutorials page appears to be down. It reads, “[catlist id=727 catlist thumbnail=yes numberposts=20]”
Leigh Anne says
Thanks for the heads up!
Emily says
I am the only lover of this soup at my house so I am excited to make this when my brother comes to visit. Looks so yummy!
Leigh Anne says
Or we could make it while I am there! I love it!
Mique says
Hello! I’m drooling!! YUMMMMM. I want this right now.
Leigh Anne says
This soup is totally drool worthy!! So easy and yummy!
Tiffany says
I am not a big onion fan and therefore I’ve never cared for this soup much. My aunt has a great recipe that she got from a hotel she use to work at. Your pictures look great and have me wanting to give it a try, again!
Leigh Anne says
Tiffany, I love the flavor the onions give it but I don’t like too much onion in the soup. I really love the cheese and bread the best! Hope you’ll try it
Vanessa says
I love french onion soup but for some reason I’ve never made it. I make everything else. This looks so good!
Leigh Anne says
Vanessa, Hope you’ll give it a try. With the Slow Cooker onions it is so easy to do!