Indulge in the heartwarming flavors of France with our Rustic French Onion Soup Bread Bowls, a dish that promises to elevate your dining experience! Picture this: a warm, savory broth filled with caramelized onions, nestled inside a crispy bread bowl, topped with gooey Gruyère cheese and accompanied by a fresh side salad. This recipe is not just a meal; it's a culinary adventure that will leave your taste buds dancing with delight. Perfect for a cozy night in or impressing guests at your next gathering, this soup is sure to become a favorite. Ready to dive into this deliciously cheesy delight? Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs 30 mins
Total Time: 2 hrs
Cuisine: French
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 large onions, thinly sliced
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 cups beef broth
- 1 cup dry white wine
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme
- 4 bread bowls
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
- 1 cup croutons
- Mixed greens for side salad
- Olive oil and vinegar for dressing
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Thinly slice the 4 large onions and mince the 2 cloves of garlic. Measure out the butter, olive oil, sugar, salt, beef broth, dry white wine, fresh thyme, and Gruyère cheese.
- In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, melt the 4 tablespoons of butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once melted, add the sliced onions to the pot.
- Cook the onions, stirring occasionally, for about 15 minutes until they become soft and translucent. Sprinkle in the 1 teaspoon of sugar and 1 teaspoon of salt, which will help the onions caramelize. Continue to cook the onions for another 30-40 minutes, stirring frequently, until they are deep golden brown and caramelized.
- Once the onions are caramelized, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic burn.
- Pour in the 1 cup of dry white wine, scraping the bottom of the pot to deglaze and incorporate any brown bits. Allow the wine to simmer for about 5 minutes, reducing slightly.
- Add the 8 cups of beef broth and 1 tablespoon of fresh thyme to the pot. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for about 30-40 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Stir occasionally.
- While the soup is simmering, prepare the bread bowls. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cut the tops off the 4 bread bowls and hollow out the insides, leaving a thick wall to hold the soup. Place the hollowed bread bowls on a baking sheet.
- Once the soup is nearly done, sprinkle the insides of the bread bowls with a little olive oil and place them in the oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until they are slightly crispy and golden.
- After the bread bowls are toasted, remove them from the oven and set aside. Once the soup has finished simmering, taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- To serve, ladle the hot French onion soup into each bread bowl. Top each bowl with a generous amount of shredded Gruyère cheese.
- Place the bread bowls back in the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- While the cheese is melting, prepare the side salad. In a large bowl, combine mixed greens and drizzle with olive oil and vinegar. Toss gently to coat.
- Once the cheese on the soup is melted, remove the bread bowls from the oven. Serve immediately alongside the side salad and top with croutons for added crunch.
Tips
- Caramelization is Key: Take your time while caramelizing the onions. This step is crucial for developing the rich, deep flavors that make French onion soup so iconic. Stir frequently and be patient; the results will be worth it!
- Choose the Right Bread: Use hearty bread bowls that can withstand the soup without getting soggy too quickly. Sourdough or French bread works wonderfully for this recipe.
- Deglaze for Flavor: When adding the white wine, make sure to scrape the bottom of the pot to incorporate any flavorful brown bits. This will enhance the depth of your soup.
- Customize Your Cheese: While Gruyère is traditional, feel free to mix in other cheeses like Swiss or mozzarella for a different twist on the classic flavor.
- Preheat for Perfect Bread Bowls: Make sure your oven is fully preheated before toasting the bread bowls. This ensures they become perfectly crispy on the outside while remaining soft on the inside.
- Season to Taste: Always taste your soup before serving. Adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, or even a splash of vinegar for a little extra zing.
- Serve Immediately: French onion soup is best enjoyed fresh and hot. Assemble the bread bowls just before serving to maintain their crispy texture.Enjoy creating this delightful dish that’s sure to warm both your heart and your home!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
