The Best Cheeses To Use For French Onion Soup

French onion soup is a classic dish that is often served with a crown of broiled cheese on top. The type of cheese used can vary, but it should be one that will grate finely, melt easily, and not overpower the other flavors in the soup. Some popular options include Swiss cheese, Gruyère, Comté, Provolone, Mozzarella, and Fontina. Ultimately, the choice of cheese depends on personal preference and the desired flavor profile.

Gruyère

When making French onion soup, it is important to take the time to properly caramelise the onions. This can take up to two hours, but it is worth the wait. The soup itself should be clear, beefy, fragrant, and balanced, without any bitter notes.

Swiss cheese

When making French onion soup, it is important to choose a cheese that will complement the soup without overpowering its other flavours. The cheese should also grate finely and melt easily. Other suitable options include Fontina, mozzarella, Monterey Jack, and Gouda.

Mozzarella

If you are going to use mozzarella, it is best to combine it with other cheeses to balance out its melting and firming qualities. Gruyère is the traditional cheese used in French onion soup, and it pairs well with mozzarella. A blend of mozzarella, Gruyère, and Parmesan gives the perfect balance of flavour and stringiness. You could also add a bit of Monterey Jack or Emmental to the mix.

If you are set on using mozzarella as your only cheese, it is best to grate it finely and add it to the soup just before serving so that it melts evenly.

Provolone

French onion soup is a French cooking staple, typically made with a base of caramelised onions, beef stock, wine, and cognac, and topped with toasted baguette and cheese. The soup is assembled in an oven-proof bowl and placed under a broiler until the cheese is browned and bubbly.

When choosing a cheese for French onion soup, it is important to select one that will grate finely, melt easily, and not overpower the other flavours in the soup. It should also have a touch of pull and not be oily. Provolone checks all these boxes and is a popular choice for French onion soup enthusiasts.

In addition to its flavour and texture, provolone is a practical choice for French onion soup because it can be purchased pre-sliced, making it easy to assemble the soup. It also pairs well with other cheeses, so you can create a blend that suits your taste. For example, you could mix provolone with Gruyère or mozzarella, as suggested by one source, or with Parmesan, as suggested by another.

So, if you are looking for a cheese that will complement the flavours of your French onion soup without overwhelming them, provolone is an excellent option. Its mild richness and perfect meltiness make it a favourite for many.

Comté

A winter Comté AOC is a good choice for the gratin. The younger cheese has caramel notes that complement the onions, while the nuttiness adds depth to the stock. It is important to grate the cheese finely, so it melts easily and does not overpower the other flavours in the soup. Save the aged versions for snacking.

When making French onion soup, it is also important to get the consistency right. The cheese should have a touch of pull and not be oily. It should also be noted that the soup itself should be clear, beefy, fragrant, and balanced, without any bitter notes.

Frequently asked questions