Randy Chandler
French onion soup is a classic French dish that is typically served with cheese and bread. The soup is made with caramelized onions, fresh thyme, and beef stock or broth, and it is often topped with a slice of baguette and grated cheese before being baked in the oven. The type of cheese used can vary, but it should be a good melting cheese that complements the soup without overpowering it. Popular choices include Swiss cheese, Gruyère, provolone, and aged white cheddar.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of cheeses | 1 or more |
| Cheese types | Gruyère, Fontina, Swiss, Provolone, Mozzarella, Parmesan, Monterey Jack, Munster |
| Cheese texture | Fine grate, melts easily, good cheese pull, not oily |
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What You'll Learn
Swiss cheese, specifically Gruyère, is a popular choice
Gruyère is so popular for French onion soup that it is specifically called for by experts such as Julia Child and Anthony Bourdain. It is also the cheese of choice for recipes that use a blend of cheeses. For example, Gruyère is often paired with mozzarella, provolone, or parmesan.
Gruyère is a Swiss cheese, so it is no surprise that Swiss cheese is also a popular choice for French onion soup. Swiss cheese is a good substitute for Gruyère and has all the same benefits. It is also a popular choice on its own, as it has all the notes of the soup, elevating the warm flavours.
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Provolone is a good option for melty cheese-pull action
French onion soup is a hearty, indulgent, and comforting dish. It is traditionally topped with bread and cheese, then grilled to achieve a rich, gooey consistency. While Gruyère is the classic choice, there are many other types of cheese that can be used.
When making French onion soup, it is important to use a cheese that will grate finely, melt easily, and not overpower the other flavors. The cheese should complement the soup while adding richness and mouthfeel. Provolone ticks all these boxes and is a great choice for those seeking a melty, cheesy dish.
To achieve the perfect cheese pull, it is recommended to use oven-safe bowls that can be placed directly into the oven. This allows the cheese to melt properly and perfectly over the soup. The soup should be served immediately while the cheese is still bubbling, creating the perfect melty cheese-pull action.
In addition to provolone, other cheeses that work well with French onion soup include Fontina, Mozzarella, Monterey Jack, Swiss, and Parmesan. These cheeses can be used individually or in combination to create a unique flavor profile. However, when using Mozzarella, it is best to avoid fresh Mozzarella as it can become watery when melted.
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Parmesan adds a salty kick
French onion soup is a classic French dish made with caramelized onions and beef stock or broth. The soup is topped with bread and cheese, then grilled to rich, gooey perfection. While Gruyère is the traditional choice, some recipes call for a blend of Gruyère and Mozzarella, with a bit of Parmesan. Parmesan adds a salty kick and a rich, sharp flavour to the dish, giving it that extra-stringy quality that we all love. It also gives the dish an extra umami boost.
When making French onion soup, it is important to use a cheese that will grate finely, melt easily, and not overpower the other flavors of the soup. It should have a touch of pull and not be oily. Parmesan is a great choice for this, as it melts well and has a strong flavour that can stand up to the other ingredients in the soup.
While Gruyère is the traditional choice for French onion soup, there are many other cheeses that can be used. Some people like to use a blend of cheeses, such as Gruyère, Fontina, Swiss, Provolone, or Munster. Others might use whatever they have on hand, such as cheddar or marbled cheese. However, it is important to avoid using fresh mozzarella as it can become watery when it melts.
The key to a great French onion soup is to use a cheese that will complement the soup but also stand out as a key ingredient. The soup itself should be clear, beefy, fragrant, and balanced, without any bitter notes. The aim with the cheese is to add additional richness and mouthfeel. Parmesan is a great choice for this, as it has a strong flavour that can enhance the soup without overwhelming it.
When preparing French onion soup, it is important to use a good quality cheese that melts well. Freshly grated cheese is usually recommended, as it melts more easily and gives the dish a smoother texture. It is also important to use enough cheese to ensure that each spoonful of soup has a bite of cheese with it. With its strong flavour and melting properties, Parmesan is an excellent choice for French onion soup.
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Mozzarella is another popular choice
French onion soup is a classic French dish made with caramelized onions and beef stock or broth. The soup is topped with bread and cheese, then gratinéed to rich, gooey perfection. While Gruyère is the traditional choice, mozzarella is another popular option.
Mozzarella cheese can make French onion soup extra gooey and delicious. Freshly grated mozzarella works best in this recipe. However, it's important to avoid using fresh mozzarella as it can become watery when melted. To ensure the best results, it's recommended to mix mozzarella with other cheeses such as Gruyère and Parmesan, which add extra stringiness to the dish. This combination of cheeses not only enhances the flavour but also provides the desired stringy, melty texture.
Mozzarella is a versatile cheese that can be combined with various other cheeses to top French onion soup. Some popular choices include provolone, Swiss cheese, Fontina, and Monterey Jack. These cheeses complement the soup's flavours and create a well-rounded, indulgent experience. The key is to find cheeses that melt well together, creating a rich and indulgent texture without overpowering the other flavours in the soup.
When preparing French onion soup with mozzarella, it's important to use oven-safe bowls that can withstand high temperatures. The soup is typically placed in the oven to melt the cheese perfectly. To enhance the overall experience, it's recommended to serve the soup in French onion soup bowls, also known as "crocks", which are made of good-quality ceramic and often hold about 10 ounces of soup.
Cheddar is tasty but can be greasy
While French onion soup is typically topped with bread and cheese, the type of cheese used can vary. The traditional choice is Gruyère, but some recipes call for a blend of cheeses, such as Gruyère and mozzarella, with a bit of Parmesan. This combination provides a great flavour and the extra-stringy quality that many people love.
Cheddar is a tasty alternative, but it can be greasy. When selecting a cheese for French onion soup, it is important to choose one that will grate finely, melt easily, and not overpower the other flavours in the soup. It should have a touch of pull and should not be oily. Cheddar can be a good option, as it is a tasty cheese that often melts well. However, it can sometimes be greasy, which can affect the texture and overall appearance of the soup.
To avoid greasiness, it is recommended to use a combination of cheeses, such as those mentioned above, or to choose a different type of cheddar that is known to melt well. It is also important to grate the cheese freshly, as this can impact its melting properties. Additionally, the thickness of the cheese layer and the temperature at which it is melted can influence its greasiness.
When preparing French onion soup, it is advisable to use a good quality cheese that melts properly. The soup bowls should be oven-safe, allowing the cheese to melt perfectly over the top. By taking these considerations into account, one can enjoy the tasty qualities of cheddar while minimising its potential greasiness in French onion soup.
In conclusion, while cheddar can be a tasty choice for French onion soup, it may present challenges due to its potential greasiness. By making thoughtful choices in cheese selection, preparation, and cooking techniques, it is possible to enhance the overall taste and presentation of this classic dish.
Frequently asked questions
The best cheese for French onion soup is one that will grate finely, melt easily, and not overpower the other flavors. The most popular choice is Swiss Le Gruyère AOP, which adds a nutty flavor to the soup.
Yes, other cheese options include provolone, Swiss cheese, aged white cheddar, Parmesan, winter Comté AOC, and von Trapp Farmstead Savage.
French onion soup is a classic French dish made with caramelized onions and beef stock or broth. The soup is topped with bread and cheese, and then grilled to achieve gooey perfection.
To make French onion soup, cook sliced onions in butter over medium heat until caramelized. Then, add garlic, wine, beef stock, thyme, and bay leaves. Bring to a boil, then simmer until slightly reduced. Remove the thyme and bay leaves, then stir in vinegar, salt, and pepper. Preheat the oven and place baguette slices on a baking sheet. Broil until golden brown, then top the soup with the baguette slices and cheese. Broil again until the cheese is melted and serve immediately.
Leftover French onion soup can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It can also be frozen without the baguette and cheese topping for up to 3 months.
