The weather outside might be frightful, with record-setting chills sweeping across the nation. When the cold winds howl, there’s nothing quite as comforting and soul-warming as a rich, flavorful soup. And when it comes to classic comfort, French Onion Soup reigns supreme. Like a cozy blanket on a frosty evening, or a bright splash of color on a dreary day, a bowl of French Onion Soup has the power to elevate any chilly day. If you’re a soup enthusiast like me, you understand the slight disappointment when winter’s warmth creeps in, stealing away those perfect soup-weather days.
This brings us to the iconic French Onion Soup, a dish that has earned its place as a culinary masterpiece, largely thanks to pioneers like Julia Child and countless restaurant chefs. Its enduring popularity stems from its sheer deliciousness. However, with its fame, there are unfortunately many versions out there that miss the mark – often overly salty and lacking the deep, caramelized onion flavor that defines true French Onion Soup. If you’ve been turned off by mediocre versions in the past, prepare to have your perception transformed.
My own journey to French Onion Soup adoration was a slow burn. While I’d tasted it occasionally, it wasn’t until a memorable trip to Savannah last year, a belated Christmas gift orchestrated by Drew, that I truly understood its magic. At Bistro 529 (a Savannah gem I wholeheartedly recommend!), our waiter, Malcolm Love, insisted we try their French Onion Soup. Malcolm’s recommendations never disappointed, and this soup was no exception. It was, quite simply, heaven in a bowl. It was a revelation that changed my view on French Onion Soup forever, and it made me actively seek out truly exceptional recipes.
This brings me to the recipe I’m excited to share with you today: a French Onion Soup Recipe Pioneer Woman style! What sets Ree Drummond’s version apart is her brilliant technique of roasting the onions in the oven after an initial sauté on the stovetop. This method allows for deep caramelization and develops a complexity of flavor that truly elevates the soup. It’s a testament to why French-based recipes often carry such culinary prestige – they are built on layers of flavor and technique. If you’re ready to experience French Onion Soup as it’s meant to be, this recipe is your gateway to kitchen glory. For a visual step-by-step guide, be sure to check out Pioneer Woman’s original post. Her photography and detailed instructions are incredibly helpful.
Pioneer Woman’s French Onion Soup Recipe
Recipe Inspired by: The Pioneer Woman
Yields: 8 servings
Prep time: 30 minutes
Cook time: 2 hours
Ingredients:
- 1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter
- 4 large or 6 medium yellow onions, halved root to tip and thinly sliced
- 1 cup generous dry white wine (like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc)
- 4 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- Several thick slices of French bread or baguette
- 5 to 7 ounces Gruyere cheese, grated
Equipment
- Heavy soup pot or Dutch oven
- Broiler-proof bowls or ramekins
Instructions
- Caramelize the Onions: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Melt butter in a heavy soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-low heat. Add sliced onions, cover, and cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Roast for Depth of Flavor: Place the soup pot in the preheated oven with the lid slightly ajar. Roast for 1 hour, stirring at least once halfway through, until the onions are deeply golden brown and caramelized.
- Deglaze and Simmer: Remove pot from oven and return to the stovetop over medium heat. Stir, scraping up all the flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Turn off the heat and pour in white wine. Return heat to medium and cook for 5 minutes, allowing the wine to reduce slightly.
- Build the Soup: Add chicken broth, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and minced garlic to the pot. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 30 to 45 minutes to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Prepare the Bread: While the soup simmers, butter one side of the French bread slices. Broil on low heat until golden brown and crispy. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
- Broil to Perfection: When the soup is ready, ladle it into broiler-proof bowls or ramekins. Top each bowl with a slice of crispy broiled bread and then generously sprinkle with grated Gruyere cheese.
- Melt the Cheese: Broil until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown. Watch carefully to avoid burning the cheese.
- Serve Immediately: Serve your decadent French Onion Soup immediately and enjoy the comforting warmth and rich flavors.
Recipe Notes:
- Wine Selection: A dry white wine with a light flavor profile works best in this recipe. Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc are excellent choices. If you prefer to omit wine, you can substitute an equal amount of additional chicken broth.
- Onion Cooking Time: Cooking times may vary depending on your oven and the type of onions. Keep an eye on the onions and adjust cooking times as needed to achieve deep caramelization without burning.
- Cheese Choice: Gruyere is the classic choice for French Onion Soup, offering a nutty and slightly sweet flavor that melts beautifully. While smoked Gruyere was used in the original post, it may not melt as smoothly. For best results, use traditional Gruyere or another good melting cheese you are familiar with.
- Make-Ahead Tips: The soup base can be made ahead of time and reheated. For the best texture, prepare the bread and cheese topping just before serving. This soup also reheats wonderfully, making it perfect for leftovers.
Embrace the chill in the air and warm up with this incredible French Onion Soup recipe Pioneer Woman inspired! It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a fantastic way to bring a touch of cozy sophistication to your kitchen.
