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Famous Barr French Onion Soup Recipe

Barr’s French Onion Soup Recipe

A rich and comforting French soup made with slow-caramelized onions, savory beef broth, toasted bread, and melted Gruyère cheese. The famous Barr method ensures deep flavor, perfect texture, and a golden cheesy topping.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Calories: 280
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 6 large yellow onions thinly sliced
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter or mix with olive oil
  • 2 tbsp olive oil optional
  • 6 cups beef stock homemade preferred
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 bay leaves optional
  • 1 tsp thyme fresh or dried
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup baguette slices lightly toasted
  • 2 cups Gruyère cheese grated

Equipment

  • Heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven
  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board
  • Wooden spoon
  • Ovenproof bowls or ramekins
  • Baking sheet
  • Cheese grater

Method
 

  1. Caramelize the Onions: Melt butter (and optional olive oil) in a heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add sliced onions and cook slowly for 30–40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they turn golden brown and sweetly fragrant.
  2. Prepare the Broth: Add minced garlic, thyme, and bay leaves to the onions. Deglaze the pan with white wine, scraping up any browned bits. Pour in the beef stock and simmer gently for 20 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  3. Assemble the Soup: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Pour the soup into ovenproof bowls, top each bowl with toasted baguette slices, and sprinkle generously with grated Gruyère cheese.
  4. Bake and Broil: Bake the bowls for 15 minutes until the cheese melts. For a golden, bubbly crust, broil for an additional 2–3 minutes.
  5. Serve: Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley if desired. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy the rich, comforting flavors.

Notes

  • Storage: Refrigerate leftovers up to 3 days; freeze without bread or cheese for up to 1 month.
  • Variations: Vegetarian (use vegetable stock), vegan (substitute butter and cheese), add herbs like rosemary or sage for extra aroma.
  • Tips: Cook onions slowly to avoid bitterness, toast bread lightly for better texture, and always use high-quality Gruyère for best results.
Famous Barr French Onion Soup Recipe