Indulge in the comforting warmth of a classic French dish that’s sure to impress your family and friends—French Onion Soup with Jarlsberg! This rich, savory soup is a delightful blend of caramelized onions, hearty beef broth, and the irresistible melt of Jarlsberg cheese, all topped with a crispy slice of crusty bread. In just over an hour, you can transform simple ingredients into a gourmet experience that will have everyone asking for seconds. Ready to elevate your culinary skills and warm your soul? Let’s dive into this mouthwatering recipe that’s perfect for any occasion!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 50 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: French
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 5 large onions, thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 6 cups beef broth
- 1 cup white wine
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- 1 loaf of crusty bread, sliced
- 2 cups shredded Jarlsberg cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the onions by peeling and thinly slicing them using a sharp knife, creating uniform, translucent rings.
- In a large heavy-bottomed pot, melt butter and olive oil together over medium-low heat, creating a rich cooking base.
- Add sliced onions to the pot, stirring to coat evenly with the butter-oil mixture. Cook slowly, allowing onions to caramelize gradually, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
- Continue cooking onions for approximately 30-35 minutes, until they turn a deep golden brown and develop a rich, sweet flavor. Sprinkle sugar midway to enhance caramelization.
- Pour in white wine, scraping the bottom of the pot to release any browned bits, which will add depth to the soup's flavor.
- Add beef broth, then season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Simmer the soup for an additional 10-15 minutes to meld flavors.
- Preheat the broiler and prepare oven-safe soup bowls or crocks.
- Ladle hot soup into bowls, then top each serving with a slice of crusty bread.
- Generously sprinkle shredded Jarlsberg cheese over the bread, covering completely.
- Place bowls under the broiler for 3-4 minutes, watching carefully, until cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden brown.
- Remove from broiler, let cool for 2-3 minutes, and serve immediately while cheese is still hot and bubbling.
Tips
- Slice with Precision: For the best texture and flavor, use a sharp knife to slice the onions evenly. This ensures they cook uniformly and caramelize beautifully.
- Patience is Key: Don’t rush the caramelization process! Cooking the onions slowly over medium-low heat allows their natural sugars to develop, resulting in a rich, sweet flavor.
- Enhance Flavor with Wine: When adding the white wine, take the time to scrape the bottom of the pot. This step lifts the flavorful browned bits, enriching the overall taste of your soup.
- Cheese Matters: Jarlsberg cheese melts beautifully and adds a nutty flavor to the soup. Make sure to cover the bread completely with cheese for that perfect cheesy pull!
- Broiler Watch: Keep a close eye on the soup while it’s under the broiler. Cheese can go from perfectly melted to burnt in a matter of seconds, so don’t wander too far!
- Serve Hot: Allow the soup to cool slightly before serving, but make sure it’s enjoyed hot! The contrast of the bubbling cheese and warm broth is simply irresistible.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 50mg
