Kamil Perry
French onion soup is a classic French dish made with caramelized onions and beef stock or broth. The soup is often topped with bread and cheese, which is then grilled until the cheese is melted and browned. While there are many types of cheese that can be used, the most popular choices include Swiss cheese, Gruyère, Provolone, Parmesan, Fontina, and Mozzarella.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of cheeses | 1 or more |
| Cheese types | Swiss, Gruyère, Provolone, Parmesan, Asiago, Vermont Sharp Cheddar, Raclette, Manchego, Monterey Jack, Mozzarella, Fontina, Taleggio |
| Bread | Baguette, Croutons, Bread slices |
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What You'll Learn
Swiss cheese, specifically Gruyère
French onion soup is a simple yet hearty dish that is easy to make at home. The soup is typically made with caramelized onions, fresh thyme sprigs, and a beef stock base. The key ingredient, however, is the cheese that is melted on top. While there are many types of cheese that can be used, Swiss cheese, specifically Gruyère, is the most popular choice.
Gruyère is a firm, nutty Swiss cheese named after the town of Gruyères in Switzerland. It is made from raw or whole cow's milk and aged for at least two months, with a curing process that can range from three to ten months. The cheese is then ripened at a specific temperature and humidity level to ensure optimal maturation. This process gives Gruyère its distinctive flavour and texture, which can range from creamy and nutty to earthy and complex.
Gruyère is an excellent melting cheese due to its high water-to-oil ratio, making it perfect for French onion soup. When melted, Gruyère adds a salty, nutty flavour and a creamy texture to the soup. It is also a popular choice for other French dishes such as croque-monsieur and fondue.
When preparing French onion soup with Gruyère, it is important to caramelize the onions to develop their sweet flavour. The soup is typically served in bowls with a splash of sherry, a crouton or baguette slice, and a generous amount of shredded Gruyère on top. The dish is then broiled until the cheese is melted and browned, creating a bubbly, irresistible treat.
In addition to its culinary applications, Gruyère is also a fine table cheese. It can be grated and sprinkled over salads or pasta dishes, adding a savoury touch without overwhelming other ingredients. Its versatility and universal appeal make Gruyère a favourite among cheese enthusiasts.
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Provolone
French onion soup is a beloved comfort classic, and a key component of this classic dish is the cheese. While Swiss Gruyère is the most popular choice, there are several other types of cheese that can be used, including provolone.
A French onion soup with provolone recipe includes the following steps: first, melt butter with olive oil in a stock pot over medium heat. Add onions and stir until tender. Next, add beef broth, sherry, and thyme, and season with salt and pepper. Let the soup simmer for 30 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat the oven's broiler. Then, ladle the soup into oven-safe serving bowls and place a slice of bread on top of each. Layer each slice of bread with a slice of provolone, half a slice of Swiss cheese, and a tablespoon of Parmesan cheese. Place the bowls on a cookie sheet and broil in the oven until the cheese is melted, bubbling, and slightly browned.
French onion soup with provolone can be served with garlic toast, made by rubbing garlic cloves on toasted baguette slices. This adds a mild garlic flavour that enhances the overall taste of the dish.
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Parmesan
French onion soup is a classic dish that combines caramelized onions, fresh thyme sprigs, crusty baguette slices, and melted cheese. The soup is traditionally made with thinly sliced yellow onions, but red or white onions can also be used depending on personal preference. The key to a great French onion soup is properly caramelizing the onions, which can take around 40 minutes or longer to achieve a deep brown color and develop a rich, sweet flavor.
The choice of cheese is important as it adds richness and depth of flavor to the soup. Parmesan, with its distinctive savory taste, can enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish. When using Parmesan, it is typically grated or shredded and sprinkled on top of the baguette slices before broiling. This allows the cheese to melt and form a golden, bubbly topping.
When preparing French onion soup with Parmesan, it is common to use multiple cheeses to create a more indulgent and decadent dish. Some recipes suggest using Parmesan along with provolone and Swiss cheese, while others recommend combining it with Asiago and Vermont Sharp Cheddar. The combination of cheeses adds complexity and balances the flavors of the soup.
In addition to the cheese, the type of bread used can also impact the overall taste of the soup. While traditional recipes call for baguette slices, variations include using croutons, slices of French bread, or other types of crusty bread. The bread is typically toasted or broiled until golden brown before being topped with the shredded or sliced cheese.
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Mozzarella
While mozzarella can be a tasty addition to French onion soup, it is important to consider the other ingredients and flavors in the dish. French onion soup typically includes caramelized onions, thyme, beef stock, and bread. The type of cheese used should complement these flavors and add additional richness and mouthfeel to the soup.
In conclusion, while mozzarella may not be the traditional choice for French onion soup, it can be a delicious alternative. Its melting properties and mild flavor make it a versatile option for those looking to add a cheesy twist to this classic dish.
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Cheddar
French onion soup is a classic French dish typically made with caramelized onions, beef stock or broth, and a variety of cheeses. While the traditional cheese used in this soup is Gruyère, some recipes call for the use of cheddar cheese.
When preparing French onion soup with cheddar, it's essential to shred or grate the cheese finely to ensure even melting. The cheese is then sprinkled generously over the soup, which is typically served in individual ramekins or oven-proof bowls. The soup is then placed under a broiler until the cheese is melted and browned, creating a rich and indulgent topping.
Some recipes suggest using a combination of cheeses, such as Parmesan, Asiago, and sharp cheddar, to create a more complex flavour profile. The addition of black pepper, garlic powder, and parsley can also enhance the overall taste of the dish.
Additionally, for those seeking a gluten-free option, French onion soup can be served with toasted gluten-free French bread and creamy goat cheddar, offering a delicious and inclusive variation of the classic dish.
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Frequently asked questions
The best cheese for French onion soup is widely regarded to be Swiss cheese, specifically Gruyère. However, other popular choices include Fontina, Mozzarella, Provolone, Parmesan, Asiago, and Vermont Sharp Cheddar.
To make French onion soup, first, melt butter in a large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Then, add onions and cook until they are deep golden brown and caramelized. Next, stir in garlic, wine, beef stock, thyme, and bay leaves. Bring to a boil, then simmer until slightly reduced. Remove and discard the thyme and bay leaves, then stir in white wine vinegar, and season with salt and pepper. Finally, ladle the soup into bowls, add a splash of sherry, a crouton, and top with shredded cheese. Broil in the oven until the cheese is melted and browned.
French onion soup typically uses baguette slices, croutons, or slices of French bread.
Some good substitutes for Swiss cheese in French onion soup include Fontina, Mozzarella, Provolone, Parmesan, Asiago, and Vermont Sharp Cheddar.
