As winter’s chill sets in, and much of the country experiences record-breaking cold, there’s nothing quite as comforting as a warm bowl of soup. Just like rain boots can brighten a dreary rainy day, soup has a magical way of making cold days feel cozy and satisfying. For soup enthusiasts, winter is truly soup season, and the colder it gets, the better!
Among the vast world of soups, French Onion Soup stands out as a timeless classic. Popularized by culinary icon Julia Child and countless restaurant chefs, its enduring appeal is undeniable. This is a soup that has earned its place on menus and in homes for good reason: when done right, it’s simply incredible. However, not all French Onion Soups are created equal. Sadly, many restaurants serve versions that are a mere shadow of the authentic dish, often over-salted and lacking the rich, complex flavors that define true French Onion Soup.
The journey to discovering truly exceptional French Onion Soup can be transformative. For someone who had previously only tasted mediocre versions, the experience of having a genuinely great bowl can be a revelation. This was the case when a visit to Bistro 529 in Savannah, GA, led to an unforgettable culinary moment. On the recommendation of an excellent waiter named Malcolm, ordering the French Onion Soup proved to be a game-changer. It was, quite simply, heaven in a bowl – the kind of dish that makes you understand why French Onion Soup has such a devoted following. This experience underscores the importance of seeking out and recreating truly authentic recipes, like this Pioneer Woman Onion Soup recipe.
If you’ve been disappointed by French Onion Soup in the past, perhaps due to overly salty or undercooked onion renditions, it’s time to rediscover its glory with this recipe. Forget any preconceived notions and prepare to be amazed by the complex, bright, and deeply warming flavors of truly well-made French Onion Soup. This Pioneer Woman recipe is a testament to kitchen credibility, joining the ranks of other French-inspired dishes that consistently deliver exceptional results.
What sets the Pioneer Woman’s French Onion Soup recipe apart from many others is its technique. Unlike recipes that solely rely on stovetop caramelization, Ree Drummond, the Pioneer Woman, starts her onions on the stovetop and then moves them to the oven for roasting. This oven-roasting step is key to developing deeply caramelized, sweet onions that form the foundation of this incredible soup. Finally, the onions return to the stovetop to complete the soup. This method yields a depth of flavor that is truly exceptional. For visual learners, step-by-step photos and detailed instructions are available on the Pioneer Woman’s website, making it easy to follow along and achieve perfect results.
Pioneer Woman French Onion Soup Recipe
From The Pioneer Woman
Yields: 8 servings
Prep time: 30 minutes
Cook time: 2 hours
Ingredients:
- 1 stick (1/2 cup) Butter
- 4 large or 6 medium Yellow Onions, halved root to tip and thinly sliced
- 1 cup (generous) Dry White Wine
- 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
-
Preheat the Oven & Caramelize Onions: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Melt butter in a heavy soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-low heat. Add onions, cover, and cook for 20 minutes. Transfer the pot to the preheated oven with the lid slightly ajar. Roast for 1 hour, stirring at least once to prevent sticking and burning, until deeply caramelized and golden brown.
-
Deglaze and Simmer: Remove pot from oven and place back on the stovetop over medium heat. Stir, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Turn off the heat and pour in white wine, then return to medium heat. Cook wine for 5 minutes, allowing it to reduce slightly. Add chicken broth, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and minced garlic. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 30 to 45 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
-
Prepare Bread and Broil: While the soup simmers, butter one side of the French bread slices. Broil on low heat until golden brown and crispy. When soup is ready, ladle it into broiler-proof bowls or ramekins. Top each bowl with a crispy bread slice and a generous amount of grated Gruyere cheese.
-
Broil to Melt Cheese: Broil until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly browned. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
-
Serve and Enjoy: Serve immediately and savor the rich, comforting flavors of your homemade Pioneer Woman French Onion Soup.
Recipe Notes:
- Wine Selection: A dry white wine with a light flavor, such as Pinot Grigio, works well. The alcohol will cook off, leaving behind a unique depth of flavor. If you prefer to omit wine, you can substitute additional chicken broth.
- Onion Cooking Time: Cooking times may vary depending on your oven and onions. Adjust stovetop or oven time as needed to achieve deep caramelization without burning.
- Cheese Choice: Gruyere is traditional and highly recommended for its melting properties and nutty flavor. While smoked Gruyere was used once, it didn’t melt as well. Stick with classic Gruyere or another good melting cheese you are familiar with.
- Make-Ahead and Reheating: This soup reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prepping. Store leftover soup separately from the bread and cheese. Prepare the bread and cheese topping fresh when reheating for the best texture.
This Pioneer Woman Onion Soup recipe is more than just a soup; it’s an experience. The deeply caramelized onions, rich broth, and perfectly broiled cheese topping create a symphony of flavors and textures that is both comforting and sophisticated. Perfect for a cold winter day, or any day you crave a truly exceptional bowl of soup, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite.
Image alt text:
- First image alt text: “Close-up shot of a steaming bowl of Pioneer Woman French Onion Soup with melted Gruyere cheese and toasted bread, perfect for a cold winter day.”
- Second image alt text: “Step-by-step process of making Pioneer Woman French Onion Soup, showing caramelized onions in a Dutch oven, highlighting the oven-roasting technique.”
