Cozy French Onion Soup Recipe: A Heartwarming Classic

Hearty french onion soup delivers comfort in every spoonful, blending rich flavors with rustic charm.

Caramelized onions transform simple ingredients into a luxurious experience that warms your soul.

Deep golden broth carries layers of complex taste, whisking you to cozy French bistros.

Melted cheese creates a golden blanket across crusty bread, adding delightful texture to each bite.

Centuries of culinary tradition shine through this classic dish, inviting you to savor every moment.

Professional chefs and home cooks alike treasure this recipe for its elegant simplicity.

You’ll fall in love with its depth and warmth, promising a memorable meal that celebrates pure, honest cooking.

Why Mary Berry French Onion Soup Feels So Classic

• Savor Slow-Cooked Flavor: Gently caramelizing onions develops a rich, deep taste that transforms simple ingredients into a luxurious dining experience.
• Master Simple Culinary Technique: Requires minimal cooking skills while delivering restaurant-quality results that will impress family and friends.
• Comfort in a Bowl: Perfect for cozy gatherings, chilly evenings, or when you need a warming meal that feels like a culinary hug with its hearty and satisfying profile.
• Customize with Ease: Adaptable recipe allows swapping cheeses, adding extra herbs, or serving with different bread types to match personal preferences and pantry ingredients.

Ingredients For Mary Berry French Onion Soup

• Onions: Sweet yellow onions provide the rich, deep flavor base for this classic French soup.
• Broth: Beef or chicken broth creates the hearty liquid foundation of the soup.
• Cheese: A blend of melty and sharp cheeses adds complexity and a golden crust to the dish.

• Butter, Olive Oil: These fats help caramelize the onions and add depth to the soup's flavor.

• Thyme, Salt, Pepper: Herbs and seasonings bring out the soup's traditional savory profile.
• Sherry: A splash of fortified wine adds a subtle complexity to the broth.

• Bread Slices, Provolone, Swiss Cheese, Parmesan: These create a crispy, cheesy layer that transforms the soup into a classic French onion dish.

Cooking Instructions For Mary Berry French Onion Soup

Step 1: Caramelize Onions

Heat a large pot over medium temperature. Melt butter and olive oil together. Add sliced onions and cook slowly, stirring occasionally. Allow onions to transform into a rich golden brown color, which will take about 25-30 minutes. The key is patience to develop deep, sweet caramelization.

Step 2: Build Flavor Profile

• Beef broth
• Fresh thyme leaves
• Dry sherry
• Salt
• Black pepper

Gently simmer the soup for 30 minutes, allowing all ingredients to meld and create a complex, savory base.

Step 3: Prepare Cheesy Topping

Turn on the broiler. Slice a crusty baguette into thick pieces. Optional: Lightly toast bread for extra crunchiness.

Step 4: Assemble Soup Bowls

• Toasted bread slice
• Provolone cheese
• Swiss cheese
• Grated Parmesan cheese

Step 5: Final Broiling

Place soup bowls under the broiler. Watch carefully and broil for 2-3 minutes until cheese becomes bubbly, golden, and slightly crispy on the edges. Remove carefully using oven mitts.

Serve immediately and enjoy this classic French comfort dish.

Helpful Cooking Tips For Mary Berry French Onion Soup

• Caramelize Carefully: Stir onions frequently during slow cooking to prevent burning and achieve an even, rich golden color without scorching.
• Choose Quality Cheese: Select fresh, high-quality cheeses like aged provolone and Swiss for maximum flavor and smooth melting texture.
• Control Broiling Time: Watch the cheese closely during the final broiling stage to prevent burning, removing from heat when it turns golden and bubbly.
• Adapt for Dietary Needs: Substitute dairy-free cheese alternatives and gluten-free bread for lactose-intolerant or celiac diet restrictions.
• Enhance Broth Depth: Use homemade beef or vegetable stock instead of store-bought for a more robust, complex soup flavor profile.

Flavor Options For Mary Berry French Onion Soup

• Vegetarian French Onion Soup: Replace beef broth with vegetable broth and use plant-based cheese alternatives like vegan Gruyère or cashew cheese.
• Gluten-Free Version: Swap traditional bread with gluten-free baguette or use portobello mushroom caps as a bread replacement.
• Low-Sodium Adaptation: Use low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth, reduce salt, and choose low-sodium cheese options.
• Instant Pot Quick Soup: Caramelize onions and combine ingredients in Instant Pot, cooking on high pressure for 15 minutes instead of traditional stovetop method.

What To Pair With Mary Berry French Onion Soup

• Pair Hearty Red Wine: Choose a robust Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah that complements the rich, caramelized onion flavors and cuts through the cheese's creaminess.
• Match Crusty Artisan Bread: Select a rustic sourdough or French baguette to enhance the soup's texture and provide additional crunch alongside the melted cheese topping.
• Serve Crisp Green Salad: Prepare a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the soup's heaviness and add a refreshing contrast to the warm, cheesy dish.
• Recommend Aged Cheddar Appetizer: Offer small cheese plate with sharp aged cheddar that echoes the soup's complex cheese profile and prepares the palate for the main course.

Best Way To Store Mary Berry French Onion Soup

• Store leftover French onion soup in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Separate cheese-topped croutons to prevent sogginess.
• Pour cooled soup without bread and cheese into freezer-safe containers. Seal tightly and freeze for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Transfer soup to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warm. Add fresh cheese and toasted bread before serving.
• Gently warm soup in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. Replenish moisture with a splash of broth if needed. Top with fresh cheese and crisp bread just before serving.

FAQs About Mary Berry French Onion Soup

• What makes French onion soup unique?

The slow caramelization of onions creates a deep, rich flavor that transforms simple ingredients into a luxurious soup with complex taste profile.

• Is French onion soup healthy?

While delicious, it’s relatively high in calories and sodium. The soup offers some nutritional benefits from onions, which contain antioxidants and vitamin C.

• Why do I need to caramelize onions slowly?

Slow cooking breaks down onions’ natural sugars, developing a sweet, rich flavor and golden brown color that’s crucial to authentic French onion soup’s taste.

• Can I use different types of cheese?

Traditional French onion soup uses a combination of Swiss and Gruyère cheeses, but provolone and Parmesan work well. Stick to melting cheeses for best results.

French Onion Soup Recipe

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4.9 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 78-83 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty French onion soup blends caramelized onions with rich beef broth, creating a comforting classic from France. Melted gruyère cheese crowns toasted bread, delivering a luxurious depth of flavor that warms your soul with each spoonful.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 cups sliced onions
• 5 cups beef broth
• 4 slices French bread
• 4 slices provolone cheese
• 2 slices Swiss cheese

Dairy and Cheese:

• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter

Seasonings and Liquids:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons dry sherry
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Heat butter and olive oil in a large pot over medium heat, creating a flavorful base for caramelizing onions.
2. Slice onions and gradually cook for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally until they transform into a rich, golden-brown color with deep caramelized notes.
3. Pour in broth, introducing thyme, sherry, salt, and pepper to enhance the soup’s aromatic profile and develop complex flavors.
4. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 30 minutes, allowing ingredients to meld and intensify the soup’s depth.
5. Prepare ovenproof bowls by carefully ladling the hot soup into each container, leaving sufficient space for toppings.
6. Layer toasted bread slices across the soup’s surface, creating a rustic foundation for the cheese.
7. Generously sprinkle provolone, Swiss, and Parmesan cheeses over the bread, ensuring complete coverage.
8. Position bowls under the broiler at 500°F for 2-3 minutes, watching closely until cheese melts into a bubbling, golden-brown crust.
9. Remove from broiler and let rest for 2-3 minutes to allow the cheese to set and prevent burning.

Notes

• Caramelize onions slowly to develop deep, rich flavor without burning them.
• Use a mix of sweet and sharp onions for a more complex taste profile.
• Opt for low-sodium broth to control salt levels and enhance the natural onion sweetness.
• Swap traditional bread with gluten-free options or use cauliflower croutons for a low-carb alternative.

• Prep Time: 25-30 minutes
• Cook Time: 53 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 375 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 850 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 15 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg