Onion Soup's Cheesy Affair: Perfect Pairing Recommendations

French onion soup is a classic dish that combines caramelized onions, beef stock or broth, bread, and cheese. While the soup itself is simple to make, the choice of cheese can make or break the dish. The ideal cheese should grate finely, melt easily, and complement the other flavors without being overpowering. It should also have a touch of pull and not be oily.

So, which cheese is the best choice for French onion soup? While some recipes call for a single type of cheese, such as Gruyère, others use a combination of cheeses like Parmesan, provolone, and Swiss. Fontina, mozzarella, and Monterey Jack are also popular choices. Ultimately, the best cheese for French onion soup depends on personal preference and budget.

Gruyère, provolone, and Swiss cheese

When making French onion soup, it is important to choose a cheese that will finely grate, melt easily, and not overpower the other flavours in the soup. It should have a slight pull and not be oily. Gruyère, provolone, and Swiss cheese all fit the bill and will make for a delicious, classic French onion soup.

Fontina and mozzarella

When making French onion soup with Fontina and mozzarella, it is important to note that the cheeses should be finely grated and melted easily without overpowering the other flavours. To achieve the perfect texture, a combination of both cheeses can be used, with Fontina providing a nutty flavour and mozzarella adding extra stretch.

For a balanced and flavourful soup, it is essential to start with a clear, beefy, fragrant broth and then add the cheese to enhance the richness and mouthfeel. The key is to find cheeses that complement the soup without being too overpowering, and Fontina and mozzarella fit the bill perfectly.

Comté AOC

When making French onion soup, it is important to slowly caramelise the onions in butter until they are a rich golden brown. This produces the sweetest, most flavourful results. The soup is traditionally made with beef stock, but chicken stock can be used as a substitute. The stock is the second most important component of the soup, after the caramelised onions.

French onion soup is traditionally topped with Gruyère, but other cheeses can be used. Most recipes call for a mix of cheeses, with Parmesan, provolone, and Swiss being popular choices. When choosing a cheese, it is important to select one that will grate finely, melt easily, and not overpower the other flavours of the soup. It should also have a touch of pull and not be oily.

Gouda or mozzarella

Gouda and mozzarella are both suitable cheeses to use in French onion soup, but there are some differences to consider when choosing between the two.

Gouda

Gouda is a Dutch cheese with a mild, buttery flavour and a smooth, creamy texture. It melts easily and has good stretchiness. When placed under the broiler, it browns beautifully, resulting in a golden-brown crust that adds visual appeal and a crispy texture.

To use gouda in French onion soup, you can follow these steps:

• Caramelise the onions by sautéing them in butter until they are golden brown.
• Add the broth: Pour beef or vegetable broth into the pot and bring to a simmer.
• Add the gouda: Gradually add grated or sliced gouda to the soup, stirring until melted.
• Season: Season the soup with salt, pepper, and any other desired herbs or spices.
• Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and top with croutons or toasted bread.

Mozzarella

Mozzarella is another mild white cheese that melts well. It is important to avoid using fresh mozzarella, as it will become watery when melted.

Both gouda and mozzarella are suitable options for French onion soup, but each has its own unique characteristics. Gouda has a nutty and slightly sweet flavour, while mozzarella is milder. Gouda melts very smoothly, whereas mozzarella is stretchier. Ultimately, the choice depends on your personal preference and what you have available.

Emmental

If you want to stick to Emmental, it is best to use younger cheese, as the aged versions are better for snacking.

Frequently asked questions