Andy Montoya
French onion soup is a classic French dish that originated in the 18th century. It is traditionally topped with a crusty baguette slice coated in melted cheese. The soup itself is made with caramelized onions, beef broth, and wine. The type of cheese used can vary, but it should be something that melts well and adds a touch of richness to the dish. Some popular choices include Gruyère, Swiss, mozzarella, and Parmesan.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of cheese | Gruyère, Swiss, Provolone, Mozzarella, Fontina, Monterey Jack, Parmesan, Cheddar, Gouda, Emmental, Comte, Marbled, Marble, Gruyère Swiss, Mozzarella, Parmesan, Gruyere Swiss, Swiss, Provolone, Mozzarella, Parmesan, Swiss, Provolone, Swiss, Fontina, Mozzarella, Parmesan, Gruyère, Swiss, Provolone, Mozzarella, Parmesan |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
What is the best type of onion for French onion soup?
French onion soup is traditionally made with thinly sliced yellow onions. However, you can also use red or white onions, or a mix of different types of onions, depending on your flavor preferences and what you have on hand.
Yellow onions are your best all-purpose bet for this soup, but a mix of yellow, sweet (e.g., Vidalia), and red onions, as well as shallots, produces an even more complex flavor.
When caramelizing the onions, it's important to take your time and do it right. This process should take at least an hour, and sometimes up to two. You want the onions to be incredibly soft, with a deep, sweet flavor, and a rich golden-brown color.
Cheese and Roast Beef: Perfect Pairing Ideas
You may want to see also
What are the best cheeses for French onion soup?
French onion soup is a warm bowl of comfort food. The soup is made by serving caramelized onions in beef stock and is topped with a slice of French bread and melted cheese. The cheese is what truly makes this soup irresistible.
When it comes to choosing the best cheese for French onion soup, there are several options that can enhance the flavour and texture of this classic dish. Here are some of the top choices:
- Gruyère is the most popular choice for French onion soup. It is a semi-hard Swiss cheese with a slightly nutty, salty flavour and a creamy texture. Gruyère grates well, melts slowly, and adds a creamy taste to the soup without overpowering the onions.
- Comté is a semi-firm French cheese that is very similar to Gruyère and is often used in French onion soup recipes. It has a smooth paste and is designated as an origin cheese.
- Swiss cheese is a good substitute for Gruyère as it is a type of Swiss cheese that is more readily available in stores. However, it tends to be more processed and may lack the rich depth of flavour of Gruyère.
- Provolone is a mild cheese that makes a decent replacement for Gruyère. It has a good melt and is known for its excellent cheese pull.
- Fontina is another mild white cheese that melts well and can be used as a substitute.
- Mozzarella melts quickly and may be greasier, but it can still work as a substitute.
- Monterey Jack is a good melting cheese with a mild flavour, but it may be too overpowering for the soup.
- Gouda, Jarlsberg, Raclette, and Beaufort are also suitable replacements for Gruyère, offering unique flavours and textures.
When selecting a cheese for French onion soup, it is important to choose one that will grate finely, melt easily, and complement the other flavours in the soup without being too oily or firm. The ideal cheese will add richness and a creamy mouthfeel to the dish.
The Best Cheeses for a Reuben Sandwich
You may want to see also
How do you make French onion soup?
French onion soup is a classic French dish that is simple to make at home. The soup is typically made with caramelized onions, a rich broth, toasted bread, and of course, cheese. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make this delicious and comforting dish:
Ingredients:
- Butter
- Onions (yellow, white, or red)
- Flour (optional)
- White wine (or an alternative liquid)
- Broth (beef, chicken, or vegetable)
- Seasonings (Worcestershire sauce, garlic, bay leaf, thyme, salt, and pepper)
- Bread (baguette or French bread)
- Cheese (Gruyère, Swiss, Asiago, Mozzarella, Fontina, Provolone, or a mix)
Step 1: Caramelize the Onions
Melt butter in a large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are caramelized and tender. This process can take around 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the quantity of onions. You can also add a splash of white wine or water to the onions to prevent burning and scrape up any browned bits.
Step 2: Build the Broth
Add the remaining ingredients to the pot, including the broth, seasonings, and white wine (if you haven't used it already). Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat and cook for at least 10 minutes. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed.
Step 3: Toast the Bread
While the soup is simmering, prepare the toppings. Slice the bread into 1-inch thick pieces and toast them in the oven until golden and crispy. You can also butter one side of the bread slices and broil them for a crispier texture.
Step 4: Assemble and Broil
Ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls and place them on a baking sheet. Top each bowl with a slice of toasted bread and sprinkle generously with grated cheese. Place the baking sheet under the broiler for a few minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly browned.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve the French onion soup immediately while it is still hot and bubbly. The combination of rich broth, sweet caramelized onions, crispy bread, and melted cheese is sure to delight your taste buds!
Cheese Dip: What's the Melted Magic?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
How do you store French onion soup?
French onion soup is a delicious yet effortful dish to make, so it's understandable that you'd want to make a large batch and save some for later. Here is how you can store French onion soup:
Storing in the Fridge
French onion soup can be stored in the refrigerator and consumed within four days. Generally, leftovers can last in a fridge set at 40 degrees Fahrenheit for three to four days. If storing in the fridge, let the soup cool down completely before putting it in. The cooked soup should not sit at room temperature for more than two hours. You can store the soup in the pot if it has a lid, or use any other airtight container.
Storing in the Freezer
If you don't think you'll finish the soup within four days, it is recommended to store it in the freezer. French onion soup can last up to four months when properly stored in the freezer, which should be set at 0 degrees Fahrenheit or lower. Transfer the soup to an airtight freezer-safe container. When you're ready to eat, let the soup thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Tips for Storing:
- It is recommended to store the soup without the cheese and sliced baguette, as they might not reheat well. Instead, store the cooled soup separately, and keep the cheese in the fridge and the bread in the pantry. Assemble the bowls of soup with the toppings when you're ready to reheat and eat.
- Always use oven-safe bowls for French onion soup, as you want to be able to put the entire bowl directly into the oven to melt the cheese properly.
Cheese Choice for Shrimp Tacos: A Guide
You may want to see also
What can you serve with French onion soup?
French onion soup is a hearty dish, often served as a meal in itself. However, if you're looking to serve it as an appetiser or want to bulk it out into a larger meal, there are plenty of options to choose from.
French onion soup is rich and flavoursome, so it pairs well with lighter fare such as salads or roasted vegetables. A simple side salad or a more complex arugula, kale, or beetroot salad would all work well. If you're looking for something more substantial, roasted maple bacon carrots or sauteed garlic broccolini could be a good choice.
If you want to add a protein to make it a full meal, scallops, chicken, or pork tenderloin are all good options. For a lighter protein, you could try serving it with a simple piece of grilled fish.
Finally, as French onion soup is often served with bread or croutons, you could also serve it with a variety of different breads. Dinner rolls, garlic bread, or even a gourmet grilled cheese sandwich would all make good choices.
Best Cheeses to Compliment White Chicken Chili
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
French onion soup is traditionally topped with Gruyère, but other cheeses can be used. Most French onion soups are topped with three cheeses for maximum decadence. This recipe calls for Parmesan, provolone, and Swiss. Other popular choices include Fontina, mozzarella, gouda, cheddar, and Monterey Jack.
No matter which cheeses you choose, make sure not to skimp! French onion soup should be rich and indulgent. You're looking for 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.
French onion soup is traditionally made with thinly sliced yellow onions. You can also make delicious soup with red or white onions – it just depends on your flavor preferences and what you have on hand.
