Julia Child French Onion Soup Recipe

Julia Child French Onion Soup Recipe is made with yellow onions, unsalted butter, olive oil, beef stock, dry white wine, Gruyère cheese, baguette, flour, and cognac (optional). This traditional Julia Child French Onion Soup recipe creates a hearty dinner that takes about 1 hour 30 minutes to prepare and can serve up to 6 people.

Julia Child French Onion Soup Recipe Ingredients

• 5 cups (about 1.5 lbs) yellow onions, thinly sliced
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar (optional, for caramelization)
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 quarts beef stock (or substitute with chicken stock)
• 1/2 cup dry white wine or vermouth
• 2-3 tablespoons cognac (optional, for added depth)
• 1 baguette, sliced into 1/2-inch thick rounds
• 2 cups grated Gruyère cheese
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Julia Child French Onion Soup Recipe Instructions

1. Caramelize the onions Heat a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-low heat. Add butter and olive oil. Once melted, stir in the onions. Sprinkle with salt and optionally sugar to enhance caramelization. Cook, stirring frequently, for 30-40 minutes until the onions are golden brown and deeply caramelized. Lower the heat if they begin to burn.
2. Add flour and simmer Sprinkle the caramelized onions with flour. Stir well to coat the onions evenly. Cook for 2-3 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste. Slowly pour in the beef stock while stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Add the white wine and bring the soup to a simmer. Reduce heat to low, cover partially, and simmer for 30 minutes. Stir occasionally.
3. Season and finish Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Add cognac if using, stirring it into the soup.
4. Prepare the croutons Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet and toast in the oven for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crisp and golden.
5. Assemble and broil Ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls or ramekins. Place 1-2 toasted baguette slices on top of each serving. Sprinkle generously with grated Gruyère cheese. Place the bowls under a preheated broiler for 2-4 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
6. Serve Carefully remove the bowls from the oven and let them cool for a minute. Serve hot, garnished with additional black pepper if desired.

Recipe Tips

• Slowly Caramelize the Onions: Don’t rush the caramelization process. Cooking the onions on low heat for a longer period of time (about 40 minutes) brings out their natural sweetness, which is essential for the rich flavor of the soup.
• Use Homemade Broth for Better Flavor: If you have the time, homemade beef or vegetable stock will give the soup a more complex, richer taste compared to store-bought options.
• Add a Touch of Balsamic Vinegar: For an extra depth of flavor, add a teaspoon of balsamic vinegar during the simmering stage. It adds a hint of sweetness and acidity that complements the caramelized onions.

How To Store Julia Child French Onion Soup Recipe

Refrigerate: Allow the French onion soup to cool completely. Transfer the soup to an airtight container or cover the bowl with plastic wrap. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freeze: For longer storage, freeze the soup. First, let it cool, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw the soup overnight in the refrigerator and reheat it on the stove.

How To Reheat Leftover Julia Child French Onion Soup Recipe

In The Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover soup in an oven-safe dish and cover it with aluminum foil. Reheat for about 15-20 minutes, or until the soup is hot all the way through.

In The Microwave: Pour a portion of the soup into a microwave-safe bowl and cover it loosely with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap. Heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.

On The Stove: Transfer the soup to a pot and heat over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches the desired temperature. You can add a splash of broth or water to thin it out if needed.

What To Serve Julia Child French Onion Soup Recipe

Julia Child French Onion Soup Recipe pairs well with a fresh green salad, crispy roasted potatoes, garlic bread, and grilled chicken. It also can be served alongside steamed vegetables, a simple quinoa salad, roasted carrots, and baked brie for better savoring of the meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of cheese instead of Gruyère?

Yes, you can substitute Gruyère with Swiss cheese, Emmental, or even a sharp cheddar. However, Gruyère gives the soup a distinctive nutty flavor, so try to stick with it if you can.

How do I make the soup vegetarian?

To make the soup vegetarian, simply substitute the beef stock with vegetable broth. This will maintain the flavor without using meat-based ingredients.

Can I prepare the soup in advance?

Yes, you can make the soup a day ahead. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, then reheat it on the stove or in the oven before serving. The flavors will deepen overnight!

Try more recipes:

• Giada Minestrone Soup Recipe
• Rick Stein Garlic Soup Recipe
• Duck Bones Soup Recipe