One Pot French Onion Soup Recipe

One Pot French Onion Soup

This One Pot French Onion Soup is a classic comfort food that combines sweet caramelized onions with rich beef broth, topped with melted cheese and toasted bread. It’s a delightful dish that’s easy to make in just one pot, perfect for cozy dinners!

Ingredients:

• 4 large onions, thinly sliced (preferably yellow or sweet onions)
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to enhance caramelization)
• 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 cups beef broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian version)
• 1 cup dry white wine (optional, can substitute with more broth)
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• French bread or baguette, sliced (about 4-6 slices)
• 2 cups grated Gruyère cheese (or Swiss cheese)
• Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Caramelize the Onions:

• In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat.
• Add the sliced onions and salt. Cook, stirring frequently, for about 30-40 minutes until the onions are deep golden brown and caramelized. If they start to stick, reduce the heat and add a splash of broth or water.

2. Add Garlic and Deglaze:

• Stir in the garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
• Add the sugar (if using) and continue to cook for another 1-2 minutes.
• Pour in the white wine (if using) to deglaze the pot, scraping any browned bits from the bottom. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes until slightly reduced.

3. Add Broth and Simmer:

• Add the beef broth, thyme, and bay leaf to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 20-30 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

4. Prepare the Bread:

• While the soup simmers, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the slices of French bread on a baking sheet. Toast in the oven for about 5-7 minutes or until lightly golden.

5. Assemble and Serve:

• Remove the bay leaf from the soup. Ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls or crocks. Place a slice of toasted bread on top of each bowl and sprinkle generously with Gruyère cheese.
• Place the bowls on a baking sheet and return to the oven for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

6. Garnish and Enjoy:

• Carefully remove from the oven, garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve hot.

Tips:

• You can make the soup ahead of time and reheat it before serving.
• For extra flavor, try adding a splash of sherry or brandy along with the wine.
• If you don’t have Gruyère, any good melting cheese will work, like mozzarella or provolone.

This One Pot French Onion Soup is a perfect blend of flavors and textures, making it a delightful meal any day of the week! Enjoy the warmth and comfort it brings!