Guillaume French Onion Soup Recipe

Guillaume French Onion Soup Recipe is made with yellow onions, beef stock, Gruyère cheese, baguette slices, garlic, butter, olive oil, white wine, thyme, and bay leaf. This traditional and hearty French Onion Soup recipe creates a comforting and flavorful dinner that takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes to prepare and can serve up to 6 people.

Guillaume French Onion Soup Recipe Ingredients

• 6 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 cups beef stock (or substitute with chicken stock for a lighter flavor)
• 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional)
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 baguette, sliced into 1-inch thick rounds
• 2 cups grated Gruyère cheese

Guillaume French Onion Soup Recipe Instructions

1. Prepare the onions In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and stir to coat them evenly.
2. Caramelize the onions Cook the onions, stirring occasionally, for 25–30 minutes until they are golden brown and caramelized. Sprinkle the sugar over the onions about halfway through to enhance their natural sweetness.
3. Add garlic and deglaze Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. If using wine, pour it into the pot and scrape the bottom to deglaze, cooking for 2–3 minutes until the alcohol has mostly evaporated.
4. Simmer the soup Add the beef stock, bay leaf, and thyme to the pot. Stir well and bring the soup to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 20–25 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
5. Prepare the baguette While the soup simmers, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet and toast them for 8–10 minutes until lightly golden.
6. Assemble and broil Ladle the hot soup into oven-safe bowls. Place one or two toasted baguette slices on top of each bowl and generously sprinkle with grated Gruyère cheese. Place the bowls under the broiler for 2–3 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Serve Carefully remove the bowls from the oven (use caution as they’ll be very hot) and serve immediately.

Recipe Tips

• Caramelizing onions perfectly: To achieve the best caramelization, slice the onions evenly, and cook them slowly over low to medium heat. Stir them frequently to ensure they don’t burn. A pinch of sugar can help speed up the caramelization process, enhancing the natural sweetness of the onions.
• Layering flavors: For a deeper, richer flavor, let the soup simmer for a little longer than the recipe suggests. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors meld together, making it even more delicious.
• Perfect cheese melt: To get the perfect cheesy crust on top, use freshly grated cheese. Pre-grated cheese often contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly.

How To Store Guillaume French Onion Soup Recipe

Refrigerate: Allow the Guillaume French Onion Soup to cool completely. Transfer the soup to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For best results, store the toasted baguette slices and cheese separately to prevent them from becoming soggy.

Freeze: For longer storage, let the soup cool fully and transfer it to a freezer-safe container, leaving some space at the top for expansion. The soup can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Assemble with fresh toasted baguette slices and cheese just before serving.

How To Reheat Leftover Guillaume French Onion Soup Recipe

In The Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Pour the soup into an oven-safe bowl, top with fresh toasted baguette slices, and sprinkle with grated Gruyère cheese. Place the bowl on a baking sheet and reheat in the oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the soup is hot and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

On The Stovetop: Pour the leftover soup into a pot and reheat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. Toast fresh baguette slices and top with cheese just before serving.

In The Microwave: Transfer a portion of the soup to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the soup is hot. Toast fresh baguette slices separately and assemble with cheese for serving.

What To Serve Guillaume French Onion Soup Recipe

Guillaume French Onion Soup Recipe pairs well with crusty bread, a light green salad, roasted vegetables, and a side of mashed potatoes. It also can be served alongside charcuterie, soft cheeses, sautéed mushrooms, and a glass of red wine for better savoring of the meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken stock instead of beef stock?

Yes, you can substitute chicken stock for beef stock if you prefer a lighter flavor. However, beef stock will give the soup a richer, more traditional taste.

How do I prevent the onions from burning while caramelizing?

To avoid burning the onions, cook them over medium to low heat and stir occasionally. If they start to brown too quickly, lower the heat and add a little water to prevent sticking.

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the soup a day or two in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat it on the stove before serving. The flavors will develop even more as it sits.

Try more recipes:

• Nisha Katona Tomato Soup Recipe
• Martha Stewart Minestrone Soup Recipe
• Jamie Oliver Vegetable Soup Recipe