Is there anything better on a chilly winter day than a bowl of hearty French Onion Soup topped with melty cheese?
I have a love/hate relationship with winter. I hate being cold. I hate walking the dogs on icy sidewalks. I hate driving in the snow. I hate how little daylight there is in winter.
But at the same time, I'd hate to live in a place that didn't have winter. I love being home on a snow day, watching the flakes fall with a cup of hot cocoa, and a pot of soup simmering on the stove.
When my brother and I would come inside from playing in the snow, my parents would make us each a grilled cheese sandwich and a bowl of soup: chicken noodle for me; creamy tomato for my brother.
I'm picky when it comes to soup. I usually prefer creamy soup, unless it's tomato soup. Chicken noodle is one exception; French onion soup is the other. Maybe it's the layer of gooey, melty cheese on top.
Good French onion soup is based on well-caramelized onions. Caramelizing onions (breaking down the sugars in the onions to produce a sweeter flavor) takes time; you can't rush the process. Some try to cheat by adding sugar to the onions as they cook, but I don't like the flavor that gives to the soup overall.
This recipe can be made ahead of time, through Step 7, then cooled to room temperature and refrigerated for up to 3 days. Reheat the soup to about simmering before proceeding with Step 8.
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Adapted from Food & Wine
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Amy (Savory Moments) says
Yum!! One of my all-time favorites! This looks delicious and I'd love a bowl on the cold day.
Cindy says
This is my guy's favorite soup. I never make it at home. That's going to change now!
Karen says
Great cheese pull shot! This soup sounds soooooo good. If I could pick just one soup, it would be French onion.
Val - Corn, Beans, Pigs & Kids says
I love ordering French Onion Soup at restaurants but have never tried making it at home. I think that will have to change now! Thanks for sharing on the Celebrate 365 Soup Swap!
Valentina | The Baking Fairy says
This soup looks so delicious and comforting!! I love that it's so easy to make at home, too.
Lisa says
That cheese shot!!!! I love how easy this is to make and I definitely need to make it soon.
Wendy Klik says
Who can resist and ooey gooey bowl of french onion soup?
Jan Thomas says
This looks so divine and comforting!
Kate says
This is my favorite soup! I wish I had a bowl now. Thanks for celebrating National Soup Swap Day with us!
C says
This is probably one of my favorite soups...it's just perfect!!!
Mackenzie says
A rich and flavorful french onion soup is the stuff of dreams! And I love that beautiful cheesy topping! I want to reach in and eat it!
Tania Lau says
This is a classic that I will never get tired of! I absolutely love French onion soup. All that cheesy goodnesss!
Eileen Kelly says
I am with you on winter, love the food but not the cold. Oh my, this French Onion Soup is fantastic. I am a huge fan of French Onion Soup and your recipe is great. I love that you used Juniper Berries, they add a great level of flavor.
Jolene says
This is my husband's favorite soup and it's slowly disappearing from menus around here. Will be so nice to surprise him with it at home!
Cheese Curd In Paradise says
I love french onion soup and this version looks incredible! I can't wait to try!