French Onion Soup is one of those timeless dishes that has a cozy, comforting reputation. Whether it’s served as an appetizer or a stand-alone meal, the deep, rich flavors of the caramelized onions, savory broth, and gooey melted cheese just hit the spot every time.
Now, when it comes to classic French Onion Soup, one particular recipe that stands out in many people’s memories is the Famous Barr French Onion Soup recipe. For those of us who grew up in St. Louis, this recipe is practically legendary. Famous Barr was a beloved department store, and its soup was famous for its rich flavor, its perfect balance of sweetness from the onions, and the satisfying, cheesy crust that crowned each bowl. It became a staple in households around the area, with people eagerly trying to replicate it at home. The magic of this soup comes from slow cooking the onions until they’re perfectly caramelized, melding all the flavors together into a heavenly bowl of comfort.
But this isn’t just any onion soup! Famous Barr’s recipe adds its own unique twist to the French Onion Soup tradition, making it a standout. Now, let’s dive into the details of the recipe, what makes it so special, and how you can recreate this iconic dish in your kitchen.
Famous Barr French Onion Soup Recipe
This recipe is a beautiful marriage of French culinary tradition and American comfort food. It’s not overly complex, but it does require patience, particularly when it comes to the caramelizing of the onions. That slow, steady cook is what gives the soup its incredible depth of flavor.
Here’s how you can recreate the magic of Famous Barr’s French Onion Soup at home:
Ingredients Needed
- Yellow Onions – About 4 to 5 large onions. This is the heart of the soup, so you want to choose onions that are rich and sweet.
- Butter – A good quality, unsalted butter. The butter helps in the caramelizing process and adds a rich, creamy texture.
- Beef Broth – The base of the soup. You’ll want a high-quality beef broth, as it contributes significantly to the flavor. You can use store-bought, or if you’re feeling extra ambitious, homemade broth works wonders.
- Dry White Wine – A dry white wine like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc helps deglaze the pan and adds a layer of acidity that balances out the sweetness of the onions.
- Worcestershire Sauce – This adds a subtle umami flavor that complements the broth and onions perfectly.
- Sugar – Just a teaspoon or two, to help the onions caramelize and bring out their natural sweetness.
- Garlic – A few cloves of garlic for added depth and fragrance.
- Fresh Thyme – Fresh thyme sprigs bring an herbal note to the soup that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the onions.
- Bay Leaves – A couple of bay leaves for an aromatic, slightly floral flavor.
- Salt & Pepper – For seasoning, to taste. These are essential to help bring all the flavors together.
- French Bread – Thick slices of French bread, preferably a day or two old, to make the perfect crouton topping.
- Gruyère Cheese – This is the crown jewel of French Onion Soup. Gruyère melts beautifully and has a nutty, slightly sweet flavor that complements the soup. If you can’t find Gruyère, you can substitute with Swiss or Emmental.
Cooking Instructions
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Caramelize The Onions
- Start by slicing the onions thinly. You want them to cook evenly, so take your time with this step.
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the sliced onions, sprinkle with a little salt, and cook, stirring occasionally. You want the onions to soften first, then slowly begin to brown and caramelize. This can take about 30-45 minutes. Don’t rush it-low and slow is the key here. The more you caramelize the onions, the richer the flavor.
- If you find the onions sticking to the bottom, you can deglaze with a splash of wine.
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Add Garlic & Seasonings
- Once the onions are deep golden brown, add in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Stir in a teaspoon of sugar to help with the caramelization process, and then add the Worcestershire sauce. The sauce adds a savory umami note that contrasts with the sweetness of the onions.
- Drop in a few sprigs of fresh thyme and bay leaves.
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Deglaze The Pot
- Pour in the dry white wine to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. This is where a lot of flavor is hiding! Let the wine reduce slightly, about 5 minutes.
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Add The Broth
- Now, pour in the beef broth. Bring everything to a simmer, allowing the flavors to meld together. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let it simmer uncovered for about 30 minutes to really develop those deep, savory flavors.
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Prepare The Croutons
- While the soup is simmering, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lay the French bread slices on a baking sheet, and brush them with a little butter. Toast the bread in the oven until it’s golden and crispy.
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Assemble & Melt The Cheese
- Once the soup is ready, ladle it into oven-safe bowls. Place a slice of the toasted French bread on top of each bowl, and generously cover the bread with Gruyère cheese.
- Place the bowls under the broiler in the oven for about 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and golden brown.
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Serve & Enjoy
- Serve hot with a sprinkle of fresh thyme or cracked pepper on top, and enjoy the warm, comforting goodness of your homemade Famous Barr French Onion Soup!
Ingredient Insights
- Onions: The key to French Onion Soup is the quality of the onions. Yellow onions are ideal because of their balance of sweetness and flavor. The longer you cook them, the sweeter and more flavorful they become. If you’re looking for an extra punch of flavor, you can mix in a couple of red onions to balance the sweetness with a slight tang.
- Beef Broth: The richness of beef broth is what makes French Onion Soup feel hearty and satisfying. Homemade beef stock takes the soup to the next level, but store-bought will work just fine if you’re short on time.
- Gruyère: Gruyère’s nutty flavor and smooth texture make it a perfect choice for French Onion Soup. As it melts, it creates that irresistible cheesy crust. If you’re in a pinch, Swiss cheese or a combination of Parmesan and mozzarella can be used, but Gruyère is truly the best option.
Expert Tips
- Don’t Rush the Caramelization: This is the most important part! Caramelizing the onions slowly brings out their natural sweetness. If you cook them too quickly, they won’t reach that deep, golden color, and the soup will lack flavor depth.
- Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh thyme and bay leaves really elevate the soup. You can tie the thyme in a bundle with kitchen twine for easy removal later. If using dried thyme, reduce the quantity to about 1 teaspoon.
- Toast the Bread Properly: For a perfect French Onion Soup, the bread topping needs to be crispy but not soggy. Toasting it beforehand prevents the bread from getting too soft in the soup.
- Layer the Cheese: You can add a layer of cheese on top of the bread, then another on top of the soup, for an extra cheesy experience.
Recipe Variations
- Vegetarian Version: If you want a vegetarian version, you can replace the beef broth with a rich vegetable broth. Add a splash of soy sauce or miso to introduce some umami flavor.
- Add a Splash of Sherry: For an added depth of flavor, try adding a tablespoon of sherry or brandy when deglazing the pan. It enhances the soup’s richness and adds a touch of sophistication.
- Herb Variations: While thyme is traditional, you could also experiment with rosemary, tarragon, or even sage for a unique twist on the classic.
Final Words
French Onion Soup is the perfect dish for cold nights, special occasions, or simply when you want something hearty and satisfying. Famous Barr’s version of the soup stands as a testament to how a few simple ingredients, when treated with care and attention, can come together to create something truly exceptional.