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When it comes to classic, comforting soups, French Onion is a must-have dish that provides a warm and savory flavor. No one does the recipe quite like Panera Bread – their version of the soup has the perfect balance of sweet caramelized onions blended with sweet, buttery broth. Whether you enjoy it as an appetizer or main course entree, this simple yet flavorful French Onion Soup recipe from Panera will be sure to delight your taste buds and provide you with an amazing culinary experience every time.
Overview of French Onion Soup
This classic French Onion Soup recipe from Panera is easy to prepare and filled with intense flavors. The caramelized onions give an amazing depth of flavor, while the rich vegetable broth adds a layer of texture and subtle sweetness. Topped with croutons and melted cheese, this soup creates the perfect combination of savory and sweet. Add a sprinkle of herbs or spices to kick things up a notch, and you have an indulgent yet comforting meal that is sure to please.
Benefits of Eating French Onion Soup
French Onion Soup is a great way to enjoy a healthy and flavorful meal. Caramelized onions are packed with antioxidants and nutrients, allowing you to get your daily dose of vitamins and minerals. The vegetable broth provide a low-calorie base for the soup, while the cheese and croutons offer some added protein to help keep you full. By adding this simple yet flavorful dish to your weekly meal plan, you can be sure to get an amazing flavor experience every time.
Panera French Onion Soup Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 large sweet onions, thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 6 cups vegetable broth or beef broth
- 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional) 12 slices of toasted French bread
- Shredded Gruyere or Swiss cheese
- Salt, to taste
Instructions:
- In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter and add the onions. Cook until softened, about 10 minutes.
- Add sugar and pepper and cook for an additional 5 minutes until onions are caramelized.
- Pour in the broth and white wine (if using) and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Place French bread slices on a baking sheet and top with shredded cheese. Bake until melted and lightly golden brown, about 10 minutes.
- To serve, ladle soup into individual oven-safe bowls and top with the cheese-topped French bread. Place under the broiler until cheese is melted and bubbly, about 5 minutes.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Tips for Making the Best French Onion Soup
To make this classic recipe even better, try these tips:
- Use a mix of sweet onions and regular yellow onions for the best flavor.
- For an extra flavorful soup, sauté the onions in a mixture of butter and olive oil.
- Use a dry white wine for added complexity, or try swapping out the vegetable broth with beef broth to give it a more robust taste.
- Add herbs like thyme, rosemary or bay leaves for extra flavor.
- If you want the cheese to be even more melty and gooey, add a splash of cream when adding the broth.
- For an even heartier soup, stir in some cooked quinoa or rice before topping with the cheese-topped French bread.
Frequently Asked Questions | Panera French Onion Soup Recipe
1. What ingredients do I need to make French Onion Soup?
The main ingredients for French onion soup are onions, beef broth, butter or oil, white wine (optional), garlic cloves, thyme leaves, bay leaves, and baguette slices with Gruyère cheese on top. You can also add other spices and seasonings to taste.
2. How long does it take to make French Onion Soup?
It typically takes about an hour to prepare the soup, including cooking time. However, if you choose to caramelize your onions beforehand, it can take a bit longer.
3. What is the best way to caramelize onions for French Onion Soup?
The best way to caramelize onions is to slowly cook them in a saucepan over medium-low heat until they are golden brown—this can take up to 30 minutes. Be sure to stir the onions occasionally so that they don’t burn.
4. Is there an easier way to make French Onion Soup?
Yes, you can speed up the process by using store-bought beef broth or stock, pre-sliced onions, and pre-grated cheese. You can also use canned condensed soups as a shortcut if desired.
5. Does French Onion Soup contain dairy?
Yes, most recipes call for Gruyère cheese, which is a type of Swiss cheese made from cow’s milk. If you are looking for a dairy-free option, you can try substituting vegan cheese or omitting the cheese altogether.
6. Is French Onion Soup vegetarian?
No, traditional recipes usually include beef broth or stock as one of the main ingredients. Vegetarian versions are available that use vegetable broth instead.
7. How do I store leftover French Onion Soup?
Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. You can also freeze it for up to three months—just make sure it is sealed tightly!
Panera French Onion Soup
Equipment
- Large pot
- Baking sheet
- Oven-safe bowls
- Broiler
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 large sweet onions thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 6 cups vegetable broth or beef broth
- 1/4 cup dry white wine optional 12 slices of toasted French bread
- Shredded Gruyere or Swiss cheese
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter and add the onions. Cook until softened, about 10 minutes.
- Add sugar and pepper and cook for an additional 5 minutes until onions are caramelized.
- Pour in the broth and white wine (if using) and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Place French bread slices on a baking sheet and top with shredded cheese. Bake until melted and lightly golden brown, about 10 minutes.
- To serve, ladle soup into individual oven-safe bowls and top with the cheese-topped French bread. Place under the broiler until cheese is melted and bubbly, about 5 minutes.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Conclusion
The French Onion Soup from Panera is a classic and delectable dish that will bring comfort to those who enjoy it. Cooking it at home can be a lot of fun with the right ingredients, enough patience, and some know-how about creating a flavorful broth. With the correct prep methods and knowledge of the products being used, you can make this delicious homemade soup with ease!
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