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French Onion Soup

The classic French bistro soup: deeply caramelized onions in rich beef broth, topped with crusty bread and bubbling Gruyère.

Total time
90 min
Serves
6
Difficulty
Medium
French Onion Soup
As seen on Episode 43

The preparation

13 steps, about 90 minutes start to finish.

  1. 01

    Slice onions about 1/2-inch thick, cutting off both ends first.

  2. 02

    Melt butter in a large stockpot over medium heat.

  3. 03

    Add sliced onions and cook low and slow, stirring occasionally, until deeply caramelized. This takes at least 45 minutes.

  4. 04

    Season with garlic powder and salt while the onions cook.

  5. 05

    Add roughly chopped garlic to the onions.

  6. 06

    Dissolve Better Than Bouillon beef base in 8 cups of boiling water to make broth.

  7. 07

    Add broth and Worcestershire sauce to the caramelized onions.

  8. 08

    Simmer together for 15-20 minutes; taste and adjust salt.

  9. 09

    Ladle soup into oven-safe crocks.

  10. 10

    Place toasted baguette slices on top of the soup.

  11. 11

    Cover generously with grated Gruyère cheese.

  12. 12

    Place under broiler until cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.

  13. 13

    Serve immediately.

lightbulb The chef's notes

“Don't rush the onions. Low and slow for at least 40 minutes is the whole soup. If they're browning fast instead of softening, your heat's too high.”

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