The weather outside is frightful, making it the perfect time for a warm, comforting bowl of soup. When the chill sets in, there’s simply nothing better than a rich and flavorful soup to lift your spirits. And if you’re looking for a soup that truly delivers on both flavor and comfort, look no further than French Onion Soup. While classic French Onion Soup is already a beloved dish, the Pioneer Woman’s take on it elevates it to another level, making it a must-try for any soup enthusiast.
French Onion Soup has earned its place as a classic for good reason. Popularized by culinary icons like Julia Child and featured on restaurant menus worldwide, its rich flavors and comforting warmth are universally appealing. However, not all French Onion Soups are created equal. Many variations fall short of the true potential of this dish, often lacking depth of flavor or proper technique. Pioneer Woman’s recipe, however, stands out by honoring the traditional essence of French Onion Soup while adding a touch of her signature home-style approach.
One of the key differentiators in the Pioneer Woman’s French Onion Soup recipe is her method of caramelizing the onions. Unlike many recipes that solely rely on stovetop cooking, Pioneer Woman incorporates oven-roasting into the process. This technique allows the onions to develop a deeper, sweeter flavor and a beautiful caramelized color that forms the foundation of a truly exceptional soup. This oven-roasting step is what sets this recipe apart and contributes to its incredibly satisfying and nuanced taste.
If you’ve been disappointed by French Onion Soup in the past, or if you’re simply looking for the best version of this classic, Pioneer Woman’s recipe is guaranteed to change your perception. It’s a complex, bright, and deeply warming soup that’s perfect for chilly days. This recipe is not just about following instructions; it’s about achieving “kitchen cred” by mastering a dish that is both impressive and genuinely comforting.
Pioneer Woman French Onion Soup Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 stick Butter
- 4 large (or 6 medium) Yellow Onions, Halved Root To Tip, And Sliced Thin
- 1 cup (generous) Dry White Wine
- 4 cups Low Sodium Chicken Broth
- 4 cups Beef Broth
- 2 cloves Minced Garlic
- Worcestershire Sauce to taste
- Several Thick Slices Of French Bread Or Baguette
- 5 to 7 ounces Gruyere Cheese, Grated
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius).
- Melt butter in a heavy soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-low heat. Add sliced onions and cook, covered, for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Place the soup pot into the preheated oven with the lid slightly ajar. Roast the onions in the oven for 1 hour, stirring at least once during the cooking process to prevent sticking and burning, ensuring even caramelization.
- Remove the pot from the oven and place it back on the stovetop over medium heat. Stir the onions, scraping up all the flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
- Turn off the heat and pour in the dry white wine, deglazing the pot. Turn the heat back to medium and cook the wine for about 5 minutes, allowing it to reduce slightly.
- Add the chicken broth, beef broth, minced garlic, and Worcestershire Sauce to the soup. Reduce heat to low and simmer gently for 30 to 45 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together beautifully.
- While the soup simmers, prepare the bread: Butter one side of the French bread slices and broil them over low heat until lightly browned and crispy.
- When the soup is ready, ladle it into broiler-proof bowls or ramekins. Place a crispy bread slice on top of each bowl of soup, and then generously sprinkle with grated Gruyere cheese.
- Broil the soup until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
- Serve immediately and enjoy this comforting Pioneer Woman French Onion Soup.
Recipe Notes:
- Wine Selection: A dry white wine with a light flavor profile, such as Pinot Grigio, works well in this recipe. If you prefer to avoid wine, you can substitute with additional chicken broth to maintain the liquid volume.
- Onion Cooking Time: Cooking times may vary depending on your oven and onions. Ensure the onions are deeply caramelized for the best flavor. If they start to burn in the oven, you can finish caramelizing them on the stovetop.
- Cheese Choice: Gruyere cheese is classic for French Onion Soup due to its melting properties and nutty flavor. While smoked Gruyere can be used, traditional Gruyere is recommended for optimal melting and flavor.
- Make-Ahead Tips: The soup base can be made ahead of time and reheated. Prepare the bread and cheese topping just before serving for the best texture.
