Ah, French Onion Soup – a classic dish that takes comfort food to a whole new level. If you’ve ever dined at the 99 Restaurant, you’ve likely had a taste of their creamy, savory French Onion Soup, and if you’re like most people, you’ve probably left thinking, ’This is so good. I need to make this at home.’ Well, you’re in luck! We’re about to dive into the step-by-step recipe to recreate that iconic dish right in your kitchen. Trust me, it’s easier than it sounds, and it’ll impress everyone around the table. Plus, there’s something magical about the combination of caramelized onions, rich broth, melted cheese, and crispy croutons. So, get your apron on, because we’re about to make some French Onion Soup!
99 Restaurant French Onion Soup Recipe
This recipe brings together all the elements of the 99 Restaurant’s French Onion Soup. With a rich, deeply flavorful broth, perfectly caramelized onions, and gooey, melted cheese on top, it’s a recipe that checks all the boxes for a comforting, satisfying meal. The beauty of this soup lies not just in the taste, but also in how simple it is to make, using ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.
Ingredients Needed
To get started, let’s go over what you’ll need. This recipe serves about 4 people, so it’s perfect for a small gathering or a cozy family meal.
- Yellow Onions (4 medium) – These are the foundation of the soup. They’ll caramelize and bring out that sweet, deep flavor we’re after. Some recipes use a mix of onions, but yellow onions give the best balance of sweetness and savory flavors.
- Butter (4 tablespoons) – This adds richness to the soup and helps with the caramelization process.
- Olive Oil (1 tablespoon) – A bit of oil will help prevent the butter from burning and make sure the onions cook evenly.
- Beef Broth (6 cups) – This gives the soup its rich, savory base. You can go with low-sodium broth if you’re watching your salt intake, but I recommend regular beef broth for full flavor.
- Dry White Wine (1/2 cup) – This will deglaze the pan and add a subtle acidity that helps balance the richness of the broth.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced) – Garlic adds an aromatic depth to the soup, without overpowering the onions.
- Thyme (1 teaspoon, fresh or dried) – A must-have herb that complements the onions beautifully.
- Bay Leaf (1) – It brings an earthy, herbal flavor to the soup.
- Salt and Pepper – To taste. Don’t be afraid to season generously, especially since the broth is the base of this dish.
- French Bread (4 slices) – The bread needs to be sturdy enough to hold up under the soup and cheese. A good French baguette works perfectly.
- Gruyère Cheese (1 cup, shredded) – Gruyère is the traditional choice for French Onion Soup. It melts beautifully and has that perfect nutty flavor that goes so well with the sweetness of the onions.
Cooking Instructions
Now, let’s get to the fun part – cooking! Follow these steps, and you’ll be on your way to a bowl of delicious French Onion Soup in no time.
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Prepare The Onions
- Slice the yellow onions thinly. Try to make them as uniform as possible to ensure they cook evenly.
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Caramelize The Onions
- In a large pot, melt the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the onions and stir to coat them in the butter and oil mixture.
- Let the onions cook slowly, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. This will take about 30-40 minutes, depending on how high your heat is. You’re looking for a deep golden-brown color – don’t rush this step, as the sweetness of the onions develops with slow caramelization.
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Add The Garlic And Wine
- Once the onions are nicely caramelized, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the white wine and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any bits of onions stuck to the bottom of the pan. This is where the flavor really intensifies!
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Simmer The Soup
- Add the beef broth, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir everything together and bring the soup to a simmer. Let it cook for about 15-20 minutes, uncovered, so the flavors can meld together.
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Prepare The Toast
- While the soup is simmering, toast your French bread slices. You can either toast them in a toaster or under the broiler for a couple of minutes on each side, until golden and crispy.
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Assemble And Broil
- Ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls, leaving some space at the top for the bread and cheese.
- Place a slice of toasted bread on top of each bowl of soup, then pile the shredded Gruyère cheese generously over the bread.
- Place the bowls under a broiler set to high for about 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
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Serve And Enjoy
- Carefully remove the bowls from the oven (they’ll be hot!) and let them cool for a minute before serving. Dig in and enjoy the comforting, rich flavors of your homemade French Onion Soup.
Ingredient Insights
- Onions: The heart and soul of French Onion Soup, onions need to be caramelized to release their natural sugars and develop their sweet, rich flavor. The longer you caramelize them, the deeper the flavor.
- Beef Broth: While you can use chicken or vegetable broth, beef broth adds a much fuller, heartier flavor that pairs perfectly with the caramelized onions.
- Gruyère Cheese: This cheese is the ultimate melting cheese. It’s tangy, nutty, and melts beautifully, making it perfect for topping this soup.
Expert Tips
- Patience is key with caramelizing onions. The process takes time, but don’t rush it. If the heat is too high, the onions might burn rather than caramelize, and you’ll lose that sweet, mellow flavor.
- Customize your bread. If you want to elevate the soup even more, try using a flavored baguette, like one with garlic or herbs, to add an extra layer of flavor.
- Make it ahead! French Onion Soup actually tastes better the next day. The flavors deepen as it sits, so feel free to make it a day in advance and just heat it up when you’re ready to serve.
- Broiler safety: If you’re using an oven-safe bowl, make sure it’s safe for broiling. If not, use a separate broiler-safe dish to melt the cheese and then add it to your soup.
Recipe Variations
- Vegan Version: Use vegetable broth and replace the butter with olive oil. For the cheese, you can either skip it or use a plant-based alternative.
- Cheese Variations: While Gruyère is traditional, you can mix it up by adding Swiss, mozzarella, or even a sharp cheddar for a different twist.
- Spicy Twist: For some heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce to the broth before serving.
- Caramelized Shallots: Try mixing in some shallots with the onions for a slightly different flavor that’s still sweet but with a bit more depth.
Final Words
Making French Onion Soup at home may seem like a daunting task, but it’s really just a matter of time and patience. The slow caramelization of onions creates a rich and sweet base, and with a flavorful broth, melted cheese, and crispy bread, it all comes together in perfect harmony. Plus, the aroma that fills your kitchen while it’s simmering is absolutely mouthwatering. Once you get the hang of it, you’ll find yourself making this soup on repeat. It’s a classic for a reason!