Famous Barr Onion Soup Recipe

Onion soup, a warm, comforting classic, has been a staple in many kitchens for generations. But when you add the Famous Barr twist to it, you’re in for a truly memorable experience. Originating from one of the most beloved department stores in St. Louis, Missouri, this onion soup recipe has gained a kind of cult status. For many, it’s a nostalgic reminder of the old-school glamour of department store dining, where meals were as much about the experience as the food itself. Whether you’ve visited the Famous Barr tea room or simply heard about the legend, this soup is a dish that deserves to be made, savored, and shared.

In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about recreating the Famous Barr Onion Soup recipe, including the ingredients, step-by-step cooking instructions, ingredient insights, expert tips, variations, and a closing reflection on why this soup has remained a timeless favorite.

Famous Barr Onion Soup Recipe

This recipe for Famous Barr Onion Soup is rich, flavorful, and deeply satisfying. It blends the sweetness of caramelized onions with a rich, savory broth, all topped with a crispy layer of cheese-topped toasted bread. Every spoonful offers comfort and flavor that transports you back in time.

Ingredients Needed

To make the Famous Barr Onion Soup, here’s what you’ll need:

• 4 large onions (yellow or sweet onions work best for their balance of sweetness and flavor)
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 4 cups beef broth (or you can use a combination of beef and chicken broth for depth)
• 1 ½ cups dry white wine (such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay)
• 2 tbsp flour (for thickening the soup)
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp fresh thyme (or ½ tsp dried thyme)
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 baguette (sliced into 1-inch thick rounds)
• 2 cups Gruyère cheese (or a mix of Gruyère and Swiss cheese, shredded)
• Fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Caramelizing The Onions

   • Start by peeling and slicing the onions thinly. Aim for uniform slices to ensure even cooking.
   • In a large, heavy-bottomed pot (like a Dutch oven), melt the butter and olive oil over medium heat.
   • Add the onions and cook them slowly, stirring occasionally, for about 45 minutes. You want the onions to become golden-brown and caramelized, which will bring out their natural sweetness and add a rich flavor to the soup.

2. Building The Soup Base

   • Once the onions are caramelized, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 2 minutes until fragrant.
   • Sprinkle the flour over the onions and garlic, stirring to coat everything evenly. This will help thicken the soup.
   • Gradually add the wine, scraping up any caramelized bits from the bottom of the pot. The wine will deglaze the pot, giving the soup even more flavor.

3. Simmering The Soup

   • Pour in the beef broth, followed by the thyme and bay leaf. Stir to combine.
   • Bring the soup to a simmer, then reduce the heat and let it cook for 30-40 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper.

4. Preparing The Bread Topping

   • While the soup is simmering, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
   • Place the baguette slices on a baking sheet and toast them in the oven for about 10 minutes or until golden and crispy.

5. Assembling The Soup

   • Ladle the hot soup into individual oven-safe bowls.
   • Place one or two of the toasted baguette slices on top of each bowl of soup.
   • Generously sprinkle the shredded cheese over the bread, covering it entirely.

6. Broiling The Soup

   • Place the bowls under the broiler for about 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly, golden, and melted.

7. Serving

   • Remove the soup from the oven carefully (the bowls will be very hot!).
   • Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a touch of color and flavor. Serve immediately and enjoy the cozy, cheesy goodness.

Ingredient Insights

• Onions: The foundation of this dish. While most soups use onions as a base, the Famous Barr Onion Soup celebrates them by caramelizing them slowly, bringing out their natural sugars and creating a deep, savory sweetness that makes this soup stand out.
• Beef Broth: A rich beef broth is essential for a full-bodied soup. It gives the soup depth and richness, which balances the sweetness of the onions.
• Gruyère Cheese: The melted Gruyère is the crowning touch. It has a nutty, creamy flavor that pairs beautifully with the rich soup and toasted bread. Its meltability is perfect for that golden, gooey topping.
• Wine: The dry white wine adds acidity to balance the richness of the broth and cheese, making the soup more complex and flavorful.

Expert Tips

• Slow and Low for Perfect Caramelization: The key to perfect onion soup is in the caramelizing process. Don’t rush it. Low and slow heat will coax out the natural sugars in the onions, creating a sweet and savory base that’s the heart of this soup.
• Broth Matters: Opt for a high-quality beef broth, preferably homemade or from a reputable source. A better broth means a more flavorful soup.
• Don’t Skimp on the Cheese: Be generous with the cheese when topping the soup. The more cheese, the better the golden crust you’ll get under the broiler. Gruyère offers the best melt, but feel free to combine it with Swiss cheese for variety.
• Make It Ahead: This soup actually tastes even better the next day, as the flavors continue to develop. You can make it a day ahead and simply reheat it, adding the cheese and bread right before serving.

Recipe Variations

• Vegetarian Version: If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute vegetable broth for the beef broth. It won’t have the same depth of flavor, but it will still be a delicious, lighter version of the soup.
• Vegan: For a vegan version, swap out the butter for olive oil, use a plant-based cheese, and opt for vegetable broth. The rest of the recipe remains the same.
• Add More Herbs: Experiment with herbs like rosemary, oregano, or even a splash of balsamic vinegar for added complexity.
• Crispy Onions Topping: For extra crunch, you can add crispy fried onions on top of the cheese for an added layer of texture.
• Cheese Mix: Instead of Gruyère, mix in some sharp cheddar or fontina for a different flavor profile. The combination of cheeses can create a unique twist on the classic.

Final Words

The Famous Barr Onion Soup is more than just a recipe; it’s a slice of history, a comforting dish that evokes memories of a time when dining out was a special occasion, an event, an experience. With the right balance of ingredients, patience in preparation, and a touch of love, this onion soup can be transformed into a beloved meal that will transport you back to the days of elegant department store tea rooms. Whether you’re revisiting a cherished family tradition or discovering this recipe for the first time, it’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.