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French Onion Soup is a quintessential comfort food that has warmed hearts and homes for centuries. This rich, savory dish is renowned for its deeply caramelized onions, which lend a sweet, complex flavor to the broth, and its gooey, melted cheese topping that creates a satisfying contrast to the soup's liquid richness. The moment you inhale the aromatic scent of simmering onions and herbs, you know you're in for a delightful culinary experience.

Classic French Onion Soup

Discover the warmth of homemade comfort with Golden Delight French Onion Soup. This classic dish features deeply caramelized onions that create a rich, flavorful broth topped with gooey melted cheese. Learn to master the art of caramelization with our step-by-step guide, and elevate your soup-making game using quality ingredients. From aromatic herbs to the perfect cheese topping, experience the joy of crafting this timeless recipe that brings family and friends together.
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Ingredients
  

4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon sugar

4 cloves garlic, minced

8 cups beef broth (preferably homemade or low-sodium)

1 cup dry white wine (e.g., Sauvignon Blanc)

2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)

Freshly ground black pepper to taste

1 bay leaf

1 French baguette, sliced into 1-inch thick pieces

2 cups grated Gruyère cheese

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

Caramelize the Onions:

    In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Once melted, add the sliced onions, salt, and sugar. Cook, stirring occasionally, for approximately 25-30 minutes. Your goal is to achieve a deep caramelization with a rich, golden brown color. Adjust the heat as needed to prevent burning, ensuring the onions develop a sweet, complex flavor.

      Add Garlic and Deglaze:

        Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant. To deglaze, pour in the white wine, using a wooden spoon to scrape up all the flavorful brown bits stuck to the bottom of the pot. Allow the wine to simmer for about 5 minutes to reduce slightly and enhance the soup's depth.

          Add Broth and Herbs:

            Pour the beef broth into the pot, then add the fresh thyme, bay leaf, and freshly ground black pepper. Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer uncovered for about 30-40 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Taste the soup towards the end of the simmer and adjust seasoning as desired.

              Prepare the Bread Topping:

                While your soup is simmering, preheat your broiler. Place the baguette slices on a baking sheet and toast them under the broiler for 2-3 minutes per side until they are golden brown and crisp. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.

                  Assemble the Soup:

                    Once the soup has finished simmering, carefully remove the bay leaf. Ladle the hot soup into oven-safe bowls, placing a toasted slice of baguette on top of each. Generously sprinkle both Gruyère and Parmesan cheeses over the bread, ensuring it's well covered for that delicious cheesy crust.

                      Broil to Perfection:

                        Carefully move the bowls onto a baking sheet and place them under the broiler. Broil for 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and golden brown. Watch them closely during this process to avoid any burnt cheese disasters!

                          Serve:

                            Remove the bowls from the oven, allowing them to cool slightly before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired for an added touch of color. Enjoy your Golden Delight French Onion Soup immediately with extra crusty bread for dipping.

                              Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 20 minutes | 1 hour | Serves 6