I was not a kid who grew up enjoying bowls of cheese-topped French onion soup. Honestly, I didn’t grow up with onions at all. My mom has always been very opposed to anything with onions, so we just didn’t have them. Once I started cooking, for the first few years I too avoided using onions, thinking I didn’t like them. But then things started to change as I began diving into more and more recipes. I tried using shallots, and then eventually onions, and I found that most of us actually kind of love them. Not raw, definitely not raw onions, those we’re not into, but a sautéed onion is delicious in most recipes. I add them to our tacos, pastas, and more. A few years ago I made my first-ever french onion recipe. And now we’re obsessed with the classic bowl of cheese-topped onion soup. This recipe, however, is special. It’s not too different from the classic French onion soup recipe that you might order out or make at home. But instead of just using broth, I add a touch of cream, then ladle soup into fresh baked sourdough bread bowls. Just as Panera does with many of their soups! It’s just as yummy, rich, and delicious as it all sounds. A great soup to make during these cold, short days of the fall and winter seasons.
Here are the details
Step 1: caramelize the onions This is the step most people get intimated by, but promise you, it’s easy. You need butter and lots of sweet yellow onions. Thinly slice each onion, then start cooking them down in the butter. When they start to soften, add a splash of apple cider. Don’t use vinegar, just regular apple cider. The sugars in the cider help the onions break down and caramelize evenly and quicker than just caramelizing the onions in butter. The cider also adds a really nice flavor that pairs beautifully with the sweet onion and gruyere cheese. Step 2: add the herbs Next, add some garlic, then the herbs. I love to use a mix of fresh thyme and sage. The thyme is more traditional, but sage is not typically used. I think it’s so delicious with the nutty butter, sweet onions, and cider. Then add salt and pepper and mix in the dry white wine. Step 3: add the broth Next, add the broth. I used a rich beef bone broth, which really gives the soup a rich, french onion flavor. If you’re someone who does not cook with beef broth, you can easily use vegetable broth. Just make sure you’re getting a nice golden color on the onions so the flavor will stand out. Add a couple of dashes of Worcestershire sauce and then a Parmesan rind. The parmesan rind will simmer with the soup adding in even more yummy flavor. Step 4: toast the bread bowl Now, bake the bread bowls to help dry them out before adding the soup. This will ensure the bread does not automatically soak up all of the broth. I have been buying my bread bowls from Panera, which are of course delicious. Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s also carry bread bowls, especially during this time of year. Step 5: bake each bowl Ladle the soup into each bread bowl and top with slices of Gruyère cheese. Bake until the soup is bubbling under the cheese and the cheese is very melty. It’s going to smell so good. Then simply pull these out of the oven and experience the bubbling cheese and the deliciousness of a truly good bowl of French onion soup. The bread bowl itself just makes the already rich and delicious soup even better. This soup will make a great any night-of-the-week dinner, but my original thought for this recipe was actually for Thanksgiving! Such a cute, easy way to enjoy French onion soup for the holiday. Guests will love it! I already have plans to make this on both Thanksgiving and again over Christmas break. My sister-in-law, Lyndsie is very excited. Looking for other warming fall/winter soups? Here are my favorites: Healthier Slow Cooker Creamy Tortellini Vegetable Soup Creamy Wild Rice Chicken Soup with Roasted Mushrooms Cream of Mushroom Soup with Garlic Herb Breadcrumbs Lastly, if you make this Creamy French Onion Soup in Bread Bowls, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love to hear from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!
