Unlock the Secret to Mouthwatering French Onion Soup in Bear and Breakfast: A Step-by-Step Guide

Craving a hearty and comforting soup to warm you up on a cozy evening? Look no further than French onion soup, a classic dish that’s sure to satisfy your taste buds. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take you through every step of making French onion soup, inspired by the charming world of Bear and Breakfast.

Ingredients:

• 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 6 cups beef broth
• 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional)
• 1/2 cup grated Gruyère cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• French bread slices, toasted

Instructions:

1. Caramelize the Onions

In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, melt the butter and olive oil together. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until they become translucent and golden brown, about 30 minutes.

2. Season and Sauté

Sprinkle the thyme, oregano, and black pepper over the onions and sauté for an additional 2 minutes to enhance their flavor.

3. Add Flour and Deglaze

Gradually whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. This will help thicken the soup. Deglaze the pan with the white wine (if using), scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.

4. Simmer in Broth

Pour in the beef broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 30-45 minutes, or until the onions are very tender.

5. Add Cheese and Serve

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Ladle the soup into individual oven-safe bowls or a large casserole dish. Sprinkle with the Gruyère and Parmesan cheeses.

6. Bake and Toast

Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. While the soup bakes, toast the French bread slices.

7. Garnish and Enjoy

Remove the soup from the oven and garnish with fresh thyme or chives. Serve immediately with the toasted French bread for dipping.

Tips:

• For a richer flavor, use a combination of yellow and sweet onions.
• Don’t overcrowd the pot when caramelizing the onions. They need space to brown evenly.
• If you don’t have dry white wine, you can substitute with chicken broth.
• Top the soup with a slice of toasted baguette for an extra indulgent touch.

Variations:

• Add a splash of cognac or brandy for a sophisticated twist.
• Stir in a few tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese for extra richness.
• Top with crispy fried onions for a crunchy contrast.

Nutritional Value:

Per serving (without bread):

• Calories: 250
• Fat: 15 grams
• Carbohydrates: 20 grams
• Protein: 10 grams

Information You Need to Know

1. Can I make French onion soup ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the soup up to 3 days ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat over medium heat until warmed through.

2. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can substitute Gruyère and Parmesan with other melting cheeses such as Swiss, cheddar, or mozzarella.

3. What if I don’t have beef broth?

You can use vegetable broth or chicken broth as a substitute.

4. Can I make French onion soup vegetarian?

Yes, you can omit the beef broth and use vegetable broth instead.

5. What can I serve with French onion soup?

French onion soup is typically served with toasted French bread or a simple green salad.