Description
Discover the comforting layers of flavors in the Savory French Onion Soup Bake, an innovative twist on the traditional French onion soup. This recipe transforms the classic soup into a gratifying dish with caramelized onions, a rich broth, toasted French baguette, and a delectable layer of bubbly Gruyère cheese. It’s perfect for chilly evenings or whenever you need a touch of warmth and comfort.
Ingredients
- 4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 8 cups beef broth
- 1 cup dry white wine
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 French baguette, sliced
- 2 cups grated Gruyère cheese
Step-by-step Directions
1. Caramelize the Onions
In a large pot, combine the unsalted butter with olive oil over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and cook them, stirring frequently until they are deep golden brown and thoroughly caramelized, approximately 40 minutes.
2. Add Broth and Wine
Stir in the dry white wine into the pot, ensuring to scrape up any browned bits from the pot’s bottom. Add the beef broth, fresh thyme sprigs, and bay leaves. Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat to let it simmer for about 20 minutes. Season with salt and pepper according to your taste.
3. Prepare the Baguette
While the soup simmers, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the baguette slices on a baking sheet and toast them in the preheated oven until they turn golden brown, around 5-7 minutes.
4. Serve
Remove the thyme sprigs and bay leaves from the soup. Ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls. Place a slice of toasted baguette on top of each bowl, then evenly sprinkle with the grated Gruyère cheese.
5. Broil
Move the bowls onto a baking sheet and broil them in the oven until the cheese melts and forms a golden-brown crust, about 3-5 minutes. Serve the soup bake immediately.
Servings & Preparation Time
This recipe serves about 6 people. Preparation time is around 1 hour and 10 minutes, including 40 minutes for caramelizing the onions and 30 minutes for assembling and cooking.
Tips for Storage & Reheating
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat the soup in a saucepan over medium heat until warmed through. If possible, broil again for a few minutes to refresh the cheesy crust.
- Freezing: It’s best to freeze the soup portion only. Freeze it in a sealed container for up to 1 month for optimal taste. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Conclusion
The Savory French Onion Soup Bake is a fulfilling dish that pairs the richness of caramelized onions with the robust flavor of beef broth and the creamy, melted Gruyère cheese atop a crusty piece of baguette. This heartwarming dish is sure to bring comfort and satisfaction, making it an excellent choice for any meal that requires a touch of special warmth. Whether for a dinner party, a family meal, or a cozy night in, this soup bake promises to delight the senses and warm the soul.
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Savory French Onion Soup Bake
- Total Time: 25 minute
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Discover the comforting layers of flavors in the Savory French Onion Soup Bake, an innovative twist on the traditional French onion soup. This recipe transforms the classic soup into a gratifying dish with caramelized onions, a rich broth, toasted French baguette, and a delectable layer of bubbly Gruyère cheese. It’s perfect for chilly evenings or whenever you need a touch of warmth and comfort.
Ingredients
- 4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 8 cups beef broth
- 1 cup dry white wine
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 French baguette, sliced
- 2 cups grated Gruyère cheese
Instructions
- Caramelize the Onions: In a large pot, combine the unsalted butter with olive oil over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and cook them, stirring frequently until they are deep golden brown and thoroughly caramelized, approximately 40 minutes.
- Add Broth and Wine: Stir in the dry white wine into the pot, ensuring to scrape up any browned bits from the pot’s bottom. Add the beef broth, fresh thyme sprigs, and bay leaves. Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat to let it simmer for about 20 minutes. Season with salt and pepper according to your taste.
- Prepare the Baguette: While the soup simmers, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the baguette slices on a baking sheet and toast them in the preheated oven until they turn golden brown, around 5-7 minutes.
- Serve: Remove the thyme sprigs and bay leaves from the soup. Ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls. Place a slice of toasted baguette on top of each bowl, then evenly sprinkle with the grated Gruyère cheese.
- Broil: Move the bowls onto a baking sheet and broil them in the oven until the cheese melts and forms a golden-brown crust, about 3-5 minutes. Serve the soup bake immediately.
- Prep Time: 1 hour and 10 minutes