Rich, caramelized onions and toasted bread lie under a molten blanket of cheese. This French onion soup is made just right for two. Cozy, golden, and perfect when you want comfort without leftovers.
Featured Standouts
Onions
At the very core of this soup are the onions. We believe in patience, slow-cooking them until they transform into a deeply caramelized, jammy, and naturally sweet foundation. This meticulous process extracts their full potential, providing the rich, savory base that defines authentic French Onion Soup.
Beef Broth
To complement the sweetness of the onions, we incorporate a high-quality beef broth. This isn’t just any liquid. It’s chosen for its ability to add significant depth. It also provides a robust body to the soup. This creates a luxurious and satisfying mouthfeel.
Mustard Powder
A secret weapon in our recipe is a hint of mustard powder. While subtle, its presence is crucial. It introduces a delicate sharpness. This sharpness expertly cuts through the richness of the other ingredients. It ensures a balanced and never overwhelming flavor profile.
Gruyère & Swiss
No French Onion Soup is complete without its crowning glory: a generous layer of melted cheese. We’ve chosen a classic combination of Gruyère and Swiss. This duo offers a delightful melty texture and a nutty, complex flavor. It perfectly defines the dish. It creates that irresistible cheesy crust we all crave.
TIPS & TRICKS FOR THE BEST SMALL BATCH FRENCH ONION SOUP
Embrace Oven-Safe Bowls for Effortless Broiling
For seamless preparation and a beautifully browned cheese topping, we highly recommend using oven-safe bowls. This allows you to transfer your assembled soup directly from the stovetop to the broiler without any extra fuss.
The Art of Slow Caramelization
The key to truly flavorful French Onion Soup lies in the caramelization of the onions. Resist the urge to rush this step. Caramelize them “low and slow.” Dedicate approximately 30 minutes to achieve that coveted deep golden-brown hue. This will give a concentrated, full-bodied flavor. This unhurried process is what unlocks their true sweetness.
Vegetarian Adaption
For our vegetarian friends, simply substitute the beef broth with a rich vegetable broth. You shouldn’t miss out on that smoky, umami depth typically provided by beef. We suggest incorporating a pinch of smoked salt. It’s a game-changer!
Inclusive Adaptions
Reduce Knife Work with Pre-Sliced Onions or a Food Processor
If extensive knife work is a concern, don’t hesitate to use pre-sliced onions available at most grocery stores. Alternatively, a food processor can quickly and efficiently slice a large batch of onions, saving you valuable time and effort.
Stir with Ease: The Silicone Spatula Solution.
For those with limited hand strength or discomfort with heavy utensils, a silicone spatula is your best friend. Its lighter weight and flexible design make stirring the onions a much more manageable and comfortable task.
Addressing Chewing Concerns: Toast on the Side
If chewing bread, especially when soaked in soup, is a concern, we offer a simple solution. Instead of placing toasted bread directly under the cheese, serve the toasted slices on the side. This allows individuals to enjoy the bread at their own pace. It ensures everyone can savor every aspect of this delightful soup in a way that is most comfortable.
EQUIPMENT NEEDED TO MAKE THIS RECIPE
Soup pot
oven-safe bowls
ladle
whisk.
SIMILAR INGREDIENTS TO
HATCH GREEN CHILE & PEPPER JACK BURGERS
CHOPPED BEEFSTEAK + MUSHROOM GRAVY
WHITE CHEDDAR BACON STOUT BURGER W/ FRIED RED ONION PETALS ON PRETZEL BUNS
ENJOY THIS RECIPE WITH
BAKED ZUCCHINI WEDGES + ROASTED TOMATO DIP
FROSTED STRAWBERRY SWIRL VANILLA POUND CAKE
Recipe
Small Batch French Onion Soup
Ingredients
Method
- Melt butter, add onions, and cook low and slow until deeply caramelized for about 30 minutes.
- Stir in flour, mustard powder, salt, pepper, and thyme.
- Gradually add broth, bay leaves, white wine, salt, and pepper; simmer 15–20 minutes.
- Ladle into bowls, top with bread and cheese, then broil until bubbly and golden.
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