Lazy French Onion Soup

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French Onion Soup is the epitome of comfort food, with its rich, savory broth, caramelized onions, and gooey, cheesy topping. This Lazy French Onion Soup recipe simplifies the process without sacrificing any of the flavor. Perfect for a cozy night in or a quick yet impressive meal, this soup is sure to warm your soul. With minimal effort and maximum taste, it’s a recipe you’ll want to keep on repeat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple & Quick: Minimal prep and easy steps make this recipe a breeze.
• Rich & Flavorful: Caramelized onions and savory broth create a depth of flavor.
• Comforting: Perfect for chilly days or when you need a pick-me-up.
• Crowd-Pleasing: A hit at dinner parties or family meals.
• Customizable: Add your favorite herbs or cheeses for a personal touch.

Ingredients Breakdown:

• Onions (4 large, thinly sliced) – The star of the soup, providing natural sweetness.
• Butter & Olive Oil (2 tbsp each) – A rich combination for caramelizing the onions.
• Sugar (1 tsp) – Enhances the caramelization process.
• Salt & Black Pepper (½ tsp & ¼ tsp) – Balances and deepens the flavors.
• Beef Broth (4 cups) – Adds a savory, umami-rich base.
• Red Wine (1 cup) – Brings depth and richness while deglazing the pan.
• Baguette (4 slices) – Soaks up the soup while adding texture.
• Gruyere Cheese (1 cup, shredded) – The essential gooey, golden topping.

Tips and Tricks

• Save Time: Use a mandoline slicer to quickly and evenly slice the onions.
• Extra Flavor: Add a sprig of thyme or a bay leaf while simmering the soup.
• Cheese Options: Swap Gruyere for Swiss, mozzarella, or a mix of cheeses.
• No Oven-Safe Bowls? Toast the baguette slices with cheese separately and place them on top of the soup before serving.

Variations and Customizations

• Vegetarian Version: Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free bread for the topping.
• Extra Rich: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or a pat of butter at the end.
• Herb Boost: Garnish with fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color and flavor.

Pairing Suggestions

• Salad: Serve with a simple green salad or a Caesar salad for a complete meal.
• Wine: Pair with a glass of the same red wine used in the soup.
• Bread: Offer extra baguette slices or garlic bread for dipping.

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerator: Store the soup (without bread and cheese) in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Freeze the soup (without bread and cheese) for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat on the stovetop before adding the topping.

Popular Questions

1. Can I use white wine instead of red wine?
Yes, white wine works well and adds a lighter flavor.

2. Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes! Caramelize the onions on the stovetop first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.

3. What if I don’t have Gruyere cheese?
Swiss, provolone, or mozzarella are great substitutes.

4. Can I skip the wine?
Yes, you can omit the wine and use extra broth instead.

Lazy French Onion Soup

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• Author: easysweetmeal
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

This Lazy French Onion Soup offers deep, rich flavors with minimal effort. Caramelized onions, red wine, and savory beef broth create a comforting base, topped with a crusty baguette and melted Gruyere cheese.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 large onions, thinly sliced (yellow or sweet onions work best)
• 2 tbsp butter (for richness and flavor)
• 2 tbsp olive oil (helps caramelize the onions)
• 1 tsp sugar (enhances caramelization)
• 1/2 tsp salt (to season)
• 1/4 tsp black pepper (for a hint of spice)
• 4 cups beef broth (use low-sodium for better control of saltiness)
• 1 cup red wine (adds depth and richness)
• 4 slices baguette (for the cheesy topping)
• 1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese (classic melty cheese for French onion soup)

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Instructions

1. Caramelize the Onions:
   • In a large pot, melt the butter with the olive oil over medium heat.
   • Add the sliced onions, sugar, salt, and pepper. Cook for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are deeply caramelized and golden brown.
2. Deglaze the Pan:
   • Stir in the red wine and cook for 5 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
3. Simmer the Soup:
   • Add the beef broth and bring the mixture to a simmer.
   • Cook for 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
4. Prepare the Topping:
   • Preheat your broiler.
   • Ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls.
   • Top each bowl with a slice of baguette and sprinkle generously with shredded Gruyere cheese.
5. Broil the Soup:
   • Place the bowls on a baking sheet and broil in the oven for 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
6. Serve:
   • Carefully remove the bowls from the oven (they’ll be hot!) and let them cool slightly before serving.

Notes

• For a deeper flavor, use a combination of beef and chicken broth.
• Toasting the baguette slices before adding them to the soup prevents them from becoming too soggy.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Soup
• Method: Stovetop & Oven
• Cuisine: French

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