Skip to main content

Onion Soup with Cheese Toasts

WHY IT’S LIGHT French onion soup is usually capped with a molten crown of cheese, but each cup of this trimmer version is topped with a piece of cheese toast instead—a cup of cheese is enough for all eight servings. Well-caramelized onions are the true key to this soup’s appeal; be sure to cook them until they turn a deep golden brown.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    serves 8

Ingredients

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 pounds onions (about 8 medium), halved and thinly sliced
4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
Coarse salt and ground pepper
1/2 cup port or Marsala wine
2 cans (14.5 ounces each) low-sodium beef broth
2 cans (14.5 ounces each) low-sodium chicken broth
2 cups water, plus more if needed
Cheese Toasts (recipe follows)

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    In a 5-quart Dutch oven or other heavy pot, heat butter and oil over medium. Add onions and garlic; season with salt and pepper. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until onions have softened, 12 to 15 minutes.

    Step 2

    Uncover and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until onions are dark golden brown, 25 to 30 minutes more. (If bottom of pot gets too dry, add about 1/4 cup water and scrape up browned bits with a wooden spoon.)

    Step 3

    Add port and cook until syrupy, 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in both broths and 2 cups water, season with salt and pepper, and bring to a simmer. Cook 20 minutes. To serve, divide among eight bowls and top each with a cheese toast.

  2. Freezing Soup

    Step 4

    Let soup cool completely, then pour into airtight containers, leaving 1 inch of space at top. Freeze up to 3 months. Thaw in microwave or overnight in refrigerator and reheat over low.

  3. Nutrition Information

    Step 5

    (Per Serving)

    Step 6

    Calories: 261

    Step 7

    Fat: 11.6g (5.2g Saturated Fat)

    Step 8

    Protein: 10.9g

    Step 9

    Carbohydrates: 26.1g

    Step 10

    Fiber: 3.7g

Everyday Food: Light
Read More
Like carrot farro salad and chicken paella.
A crowd-friendly, crisp-edged chicken and vegetable rice from chef José Andrés.
Like miso-peanut hibachi chicken and spring orzotto.
Keep this easy frittata recipe on hand for quick breakfasts, impressive brunches, and fridge clean-out meals.
The magic of this hibachi chicken recipe comes from a combination of miso and peanut butter and how it beautifully caramelizes when it hits the grill.
Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.
Filberts, goobers, scaly bark nuts: Explore the world beyond almonds in this guide.
Chicken breasts reach their full potential in this spicy, saucy stir-fry with blistered green beans.