Frederic Melton
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 a rich, gooey perfection. The cheese needs to complement the soup and add additional richness. The perfect cheese for French onion soup should be one that grates finely, melts easily, and does not overpower the other flavors of the soup. The most popular choice is Swiss Le Gruyère AOP, which adds a nutty counterpoint to the onions and a rounded earthy note. Other popular choices include Fontina, mozzarella, provolone, Parmesan, and Swiss.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Traditional cheese | Gruyère |
| Other cheeses used | Swiss, Parmesan, Provolone, Mozzarella, Fontina, Monterey Jack, Raclette, Havarti, Smoked Gouda, Colby, Cheddar |
| Cheese characteristics | Melts easily, grates finely, nutty, earthy, not overpowering, good mouthfeel |
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What You'll Learn
The best cheese for French onion soup is Gruyère
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 there are many types of cheese that can be used in French onion soup, the best type of cheese for French onion soup is Gruyère.
Gruyère is a traditional choice for French onion soup. It is a hard Swiss cheese that originated in the cantons of Fribourg, Vaud, Neuchâtel, Jura, and Berne in Switzerland. Gruyère is the go-to for most recipes because it adds a nutty flavour to the onions and a rounded earthy note. It also melts easily and does not overpower the other flavours of the soup.
Other types of cheese that can be used in French onion soup include Swiss, mozzarella, parmesan, provolone, fontina, and cheddar. However, cheddar can be greasy in soup, so it is not the best choice.
When making French onion soup, it is important to use a cheese that will grate finely, melt easily, and not overpower the other flavours of the soup. The cheese should also have a touch of pull and not be oily. Gruyère checks all of these boxes, which is why it is the best cheese for French onion soup.
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Other cheeses that work well include Fontina, Swiss, and Provolone
While Gruyère is the traditional choice for French onion soup, other cheeses that work well include Fontina, Swiss, and Provolone. Fontina is a good melting cheese and can be used in combination with Gruyère for a decadent French onion soup. Swiss cheese is recommended by experts like Julia Child and Anthony Bourdain, and it adds a nutty flavour to the soup. Provolone is mild but rich, and it has a good cheese pull, making it a great choice for French onion soup.
In addition to these cheeses, mozzarella, Parmesan, and cheddar are also popular choices for French onion soup. Some people also like to use a combination of cheeses for extra decadence.
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Monterey Jack is a good melty cheese that's mild in flavour
French onion soup is a classic French dish made with caramelized onions, beef stock or broth, and bread, topped with cheese and grilled to perfection. While the traditional choice of cheese is Gruyère, there are many other varieties that can be used, such as Swiss, Mozzarella, and Parmesan. The cheese adds a rich, indulgent, and gooey element to the soup, making it a key ingredient.
When choosing the cheese for your French onion soup, it is important to consider something that will grate finely, melt easily, and complement the other flavours without overpowering them. Monterey Jack is an excellent option that ticks all these boxes. It is a mild-flavoured cheese that melts beautifully, creating a perfect cheese pull without becoming oily.
Monterey Jack is a versatile cheese that can be paired with various types of onions, including sweet Vidalia and yellow onions, without overwhelming their flavour. It is also a good choice for those who prefer a less intense cheese flavour in their soup. The mildness of Monterey Jack allows the other ingredients in the soup, such as the onions, broth, and seasonings, to shine through while still adding a delightful creamy texture.
Additionally, Monterey Jack can be combined with other cheeses to create a unique flavour profile for your French onion soup. Some popular pairings include cheddar, as suggested in an American French Onion Soup recipe, or other mild cheeses such as Colby or mild cheddar. These combinations can add a subtle sharpness or tanginess to the soup while still allowing the Monterey Jack to dominate and provide that essential meltiness.
Whether used alone or in combination with other cheeses, Monterey Jack is an ideal choice for French onion soup due to its mild flavour and exceptional melting qualities. It adds a creamy, indulgent texture to the soup without overpowering the other ingredients, creating a well-balanced and mouthwatering dish.
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Raclette and Havarti are also recommended
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 the traditional choice of cheese is Gruyère, there are many other options that can be used, such as Raclette and Havarti.
Raclette is a Swiss cheese that is perfect for French onion soup if you're looking to go wild and extra rich. It has a creamy texture and a mild, nutty flavour that pairs well with the richness of the beef stock base and the sweetness of caramelised onions.
Havarti is a Danish cheese that is also a great choice for French onion soup. It has a creamy, buttery texture and a mild, slightly sweet and tangy flavour. It melts easily and has a smooth, flexible consistency, making it ideal for creating that irresistible, melty, cheesy top.
In addition to Raclette and Havarti, other recommended cheeses for French onion soup include Swiss, Provolone, Fontina, Mozzarella, Parmesan, Monterey Jack, and Colby.
For an extra-rich option, try a mix of Parmesan and Provolone
While there are several cheese options that pair well with French onion soup, such as Gruyère, Fontina, Swiss, and Mozzarella, the Parmesan-Provolone duo stands out for its unique flavour and texture. Parmesan, known for its sharp, salty taste, brings a distinct savoury note to the soup. Its hard texture also makes it ideal for grating, ensuring it melts easily into the soup, creating a smooth and creamy mouthfeel.
Provolone, on the other hand, contributes a nutty flavour and a rich, creamy texture. Its mild taste ensures that it doesn't overpower the other ingredients in the soup, allowing the flavours of the onions and broth to shine through. Provolone's excellent melting properties make it a perfect choice for creating that irresistible, stretchy cheese pull that is so characteristic of a well-crafted French onion soup.
When combined, these two cheeses create a harmonious blend of flavours and textures. The saltiness of Parmesan enhances the nuttiness of Provolone, resulting in a savoury, indulgent topping that takes your French onion soup to the next level. The smooth, creamy texture of the melted cheeses adds a decadent touch, making each spoonful a truly satisfying experience.
So, if you're looking to elevate your French onion soup, consider this dynamic duo of Parmesan and Provolone. Their complementary flavours and textures will surely impress, taking a classic favourite to new heights of deliciousness.
Frequently asked questions
The best cheese for French onion soup is one that will grate finely, melt easily, and not overpower the other flavors in the soup. Swiss Le Gruyère AOP is the go-to for most recipes, but other popular options include Fontina, Mozzarella, Provolone, Parmesan, and Swiss.
"Swiss cheese" is an American term for a type of cheese similar to emmental, which originates from the Emmen Valley of Switzerland, also known as the Emmental. Swiss Gruyère is a hard Swiss cheese that comes from the cantons of Fribourg, Vaud, Neuchâtel, Jura, and Berne in Switzerland.
Some alternatives to Swiss cheese that can be used in French onion soup include Raclette, Havarti, and Smoked Gouda.
