French Onion Soup is the kind of dish that has stood the test of time, offering a delightful balance of savory, sweet, and rich flavors. Imagine a warm, comforting bowl of broth filled with perfectly caramelized onions, topped with gooey melted cheese and crispy, golden-brown toasted bread. It’s that feeling of indulgence mixed with nostalgia, and it can truly feel like a hug in a bowl.
But while this dish is often served in large batches at family gatherings or at your favorite French bistro, it’s just as easy to make a smaller, personalized version, especially when you’re cooking for one. Whether you’re treating yourself after a long day or crafting a special meal for yourself, this French Onion Soup for one is the perfect way to savor the dish without a heap of leftovers.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to whip up this classic recipe, from ingredients to expert tips, making sure each bite is a perfect reflection of French culinary tradition. Let’s dive in!
French Onion Soup For 1 Person Recipe
Making French Onion Soup for one is a simple yet satisfying endeavor. You’ll need to focus on quality ingredients and the patience to caramelize the onions just right. Don’t worry, though-this recipe breaks it all down step by step, so you can create the perfect bowl of soup, just for you.
Ingredients Needed
To make this one-person version, you’ll need the following:
- 1 large yellow onion – The star of the show. Yellow onions are ideal because they’re sweet and mellow, which caramelizes beautifully in the soup.
- 1 tablespoon butter – For sautéing the onions. You could use olive oil, but butter adds that extra richness.
- 1 teaspoon olive oil – For an extra layer of flavor when caramelizing the onions.
- 1/2 cup beef broth – You want a deep, rich flavor that complements the sweetness of the onions. Beef broth gives the soup that robust, savory base.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth – A lighter, yet flavorful complement to the beef broth.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt – Adjust to taste, but you’ll want enough to bring out the sweetness of the onions.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper – Freshly ground pepper always brings a bit of zing.
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme – A must-have herb in French Onion Soup, lending a subtle earthy aroma.
- 1 small bay leaf – Bay leaves add a depth of flavor, especially in brothy dishes.
- 1 slice French baguette – For the toast, which will soak up the broth and get delightfully crispy on top.
- 1/2 cup Gruyère cheese – The melty cheese that’s traditionally used for French Onion Soup. It’s nutty, slightly salty, and becomes beautifully gooey when melted.
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional) – A pinch of garlic powder can add a hint of extra depth.
Cooking Instructions
Prepare The Onion
- Peel and thinly slice your yellow onion. The thinner the slices, the more quickly they’ll caramelize.
Caramelize The Onions
- In a medium-sized saucepan, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the onions, stirring occasionally to coat them evenly. Cook them slowly for 25-30 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes. Be patient! The goal is to allow the natural sugars in the onions to caramelize, giving them a deep golden color and sweet flavor. Don’t rush this step-low and slow is key.
Add Broths And Seasoning
- Once the onions are caramelized and have that beautiful golden-brown color, add both the beef broth and chicken broth to the pan.
- Stir in the salt, pepper, thyme, and bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a simmer, and cook for an additional 10 minutes. This will help the flavors meld together.
Prepare The Toast
- While the soup is simmering, toast your slice of baguette. You can either toast it in a toaster or place it in the oven at 375°F for about 5 minutes, or until it’s crispy and golden.
Assemble The Soup
- Once the soup has simmered and the flavors have developed, remove the bay leaf and discard it.
- Ladle the soup into a bowl, then place the toasted baguette slice on top. Sprinkle the Gruyère cheese generously over the toast, ensuring it covers the entire surface.
Melt The Cheese
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Now, you’ve got two options for melting the cheese:
- Broil in the oven: Place the bowl under a broiler for 3-5 minutes until the cheese is bubbling and golden brown.
- Microwave option: If you prefer a quicker option, microwave the soup for 1-2 minutes, just until the cheese melts. It won’t get quite as crispy, but it will still be delicious.
Serve And Enjoy
- Serve your French Onion Soup hot and enjoy that melty, cheesy goodness!
Ingredient Insights
- Onions: Onions are the heart and soul of French Onion Soup. As they caramelize, they release their natural sugars, which gives the soup its signature sweetness. Yellow onions are typically used because they have the right balance of sweetness and savory flavors. Red onions, while a bit more pungent, can work as an alternative if you want a slightly sharper taste.
- Broths: The combination of beef and chicken broth adds a wonderful complexity to the soup’s flavor profile. Beef broth provides a deep, hearty richness, while chicken broth adds a lighter note to keep the soup from feeling too heavy. If you prefer a vegetarian version, vegetable broth can be used as a substitute.
- Gruyère Cheese: Gruyère is the traditional cheese used in French Onion Soup. It’s a semi-hard cheese with a nutty flavor that melts beautifully. If you can’t find Gruyère, Swiss cheese is a great substitute, but try to stick to something with a bit of tang and depth for that authentic taste.
Expert Tips
- Patience is Key: The caramelization of the onions is what makes this soup special. Avoid turning up the heat to speed up the process. Slow cooking allows the onions to release their natural sweetness and develop that beautiful golden color.
- Toast the Bread Well: Make sure the baguette slice is toasted to the perfect crispness. You want it to hold up to the soup without becoming soggy too quickly. If you want extra crispiness, you can brush the bread with a little butter or olive oil before toasting.
- Use a Cheese Grater: Shredding the Gruyère cheese yourself will give you better meltability and flavor. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect the texture of the melted cheese.
- Season as You Go: Tasting the soup at various stages of the cooking process will help you adjust the seasoning. Don’t be afraid to add a little more salt or pepper if needed.
Recipe Variations
- Vegetarian Version: Swap out the beef broth for vegetable broth to create a vegetarian-friendly version of this soup. You could also add a splash of white wine or a few drops of balsamic vinegar during the caramelizing stage for a bit more depth of flavor.
- French Onion Soup with Wine: For a more robust version, deglaze the pan with a splash of dry white wine after caramelizing the onions, allowing the alcohol to cook off before adding the broths.
- Herb Variations: If you want to get adventurous with your herbs, you could add a sprig of fresh rosemary or a pinch of dried sage to the soup during the simmering phase for a more complex flavor profile.
- Vegan Option: To make this recipe vegan, substitute the butter with olive oil, the cheese with a vegan melting cheese (or omit the cheese entirely), and use vegetable broth.
Final Words
French Onion Soup for one is a perfect way to enjoy this timeless dish without worrying about leftovers. Every spoonful is a satisfying mix of savory broth, sweet caramelized onions, and melting cheese-what’s not to love? Whether you’re cooking on a chilly evening or treating yourself to a comforting meal, this version of the recipe is bound to hit the spot.