Longhorn French Onion Soup

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Longhorn French Onion Soup is a savory, hearty dish that features sweet caramelized onions in a rich, flavorful broth, topped with a layer of melted cheese and crusty bread. It’s a comforting classic that’s perfect for cozy evenings or as an appetizer for special occasions. The depth of flavor from the onions and the gooey cheese makes it irresistible.

Ingredients

*unsalted butter
*yellow onions
*beef broth
*dry white wine
*bay leaves
*thyme
*garlic
*Worcestershire sauce
*salt
*pepper
*French bread
*Gruyère cheese
*Parmesan cheese

Directions

1. In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are golden brown and caramelized, about 25-30 minutes.
2. Add the garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Pour in the white wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Let the wine reduce by half, about 5 minutes.
4. Add the beef broth, bay leaves, thyme, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
5. While the soup is simmering, preheat the oven broiler. Cut the French bread into slices and toast them lightly under the broiler.
6. Once the soup is ready, remove the bay leaves and thyme sprigs. Ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls, and top each with a slice of toasted bread. Sprinkle with Gruyère and Parmesan cheese.
7. Place the bowls under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and slightly browned.
8. Serve hot and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves 4.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 35-40 minutes
Total time: 50-55 minutes

Variations

• Swap the Gruyère cheese for Swiss or mozzarella for a different cheese flavor.
• Use a mix of beef and chicken broth for a lighter version.
• Add a splash of brandy or sherry for extra depth of flavor.
• Top with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for added freshness.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover Longhorn French Onion Soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the soup on the stovetop and top with fresh cheese before broiling for a few minutes. You can also freeze the soup for up to 3 months, but it’s best to freeze just the broth and onions, as the bread and cheese won’t hold up well in the freezer.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, Swiss cheese is a common alternative to Gruyère, but you can also use mozzarella or provolone.

Can I make the soup in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the soup base a day ahead, but it’s best to toast and cheese the bread just before serving.

Is there a vegetarian version of this soup?
Yes, substitute the beef broth with vegetable broth and omit the Worcestershire sauce or use a vegetarian version.

Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can caramelize the onions in a pan first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.

Can I use store-bought French onion soup mix?
While store-bought mixes can be used in a pinch, this homemade version provides much richer, deeper flavors.

Conclusion

Longhorn French Onion Soup brings all the comfort and warmth of a classic French dish, with a deep, rich flavor from the caramelized onions and gooey cheese. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or a special occasion, this soup is sure to impress with its delightful, savory goodness.

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