French Onion Soup Sherry Recipe

French Onion Soup is one of those dishes that immediately transports you to a cozy bistro in Paris, a warm blanket of flavors that comfort the soul. The rich, caramelized onions mixed with a savory broth, topped with crispy toasted bread and melty cheese-what’s not to love? This classic French comfort food has been around for centuries, but when you add a splash of Sherry into the mix, you elevate it to a whole new level. The combination of the sweet and dry notes from the Sherry works in harmony with the deep, rich flavor of the onions, adding an unexpected layer of complexity that makes the soup stand out.

Whether you’re preparing it for a chilly evening dinner or a special occasion, this French Onion Soup Sherry recipe will have your taste buds singing. It’s an elegant dish that’s surprisingly easy to make and is sure to impress any guest, whether they’re familiar with the classic French cuisine or not.

French Onion Soup Sherry Recipe

A delicious twist on the classic French Onion Soup, this recipe includes the addition of Sherry to bring depth and warmth to the flavor profile. The Sherry’s unique notes of nuttiness and fruitiness infuse into the onions as they caramelize, creating an irresistible base for the soup. Topped with a golden, bubbly layer of Gruyère cheese, this dish is not only mouthwateringly good but also rich in texture and aroma.

Ingredients Needed

The beauty of French Onion Soup is that it doesn’t require many ingredients. It’s all about the quality of each component and how they come together. Here’s everything you’ll need for this Sherry-infused variation:

• 4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (optional, helps with caramelization)
• 1 teaspoon salt, divided (for onions and broth)
• 1 teaspoon sugar (to enhance caramelization)
• 4 cups beef broth (or a combination of beef and chicken broth for a balanced flavor)
• 3/4 cup dry Sherry (Fino or Amontillado work well)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 baguette, sliced into thick pieces (for the croutons)
• 1 1/2 cups Gruyère cheese, grated (Emmental or Swiss can be substituted)
• Fresh ground black pepper, to taste

These ingredients are simple yet incredibly effective. The caramelized onions form the foundation of the soup, while the Sherry enhances the broth with a rich complexity that elevates the entire dish.

Cooking Instructions

Let’s dive into the cooking process! Here’s a detailed, step-by-step guide to making French Onion Soup with Sherry:

1. Caramelize The Onions

   • In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat until the butter is fully melted.
   • Add the thinly sliced onions, salt, and sugar. Stir well to coat the onions in the butter and oil.
   • Cook the onions slowly over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, for about 30-40 minutes. The goal here is to gently caramelize the onions until they turn a deep golden brown. This process is key to developing that rich, sweet flavor.

2. Add The Garlic And Herbs

   • Once the onions are nicely caramelized, add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
   • Stir in the fresh thyme and bay leaf, allowing the herbs to infuse into the onions.

3. Deglaze With Sherry

   • Pour in the Sherry to deglaze the pot. Scrape up any caramelized bits stuck to the bottom of the pot to add more flavor to the soup. Let the Sherry cook down for 5-7 minutes, allowing the alcohol to cook off and the liquid to reduce slightly.

4. Add The Broth

   • Pour in the beef broth, and stir to combine. Bring the soup to a simmer, and let it cook for 20-30 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld together and develop even further. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

5. Prepare The Croutons

   • While the soup is simmering, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
   • Arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet, and toast them in the oven for 10-12 minutes, flipping once, until golden and crisp.

6. Assemble The Soup

   • Ladle the hot soup into oven-safe bowls or crocks. Place a toasted baguette slice on top of each bowl, then sprinkle generously with the grated Gruyère cheese.

7. Broil The Soup

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

8. Serve

   • Carefully remove the bowls from the oven (they’ll be hot!) and serve immediately. Enjoy the gooey, cheesy goodness with every bite.

Ingredient Insights

Understanding the role of each ingredient is essential to making a French Onion Soup that’s truly mouthwatering:

• Onions: Yellow onions are the go-to for this dish because they caramelize beautifully and bring a sweet, rich flavor to the base of the soup. You could experiment with red onions for a sharper taste, but yellow onions give the classic French Onion Soup flavor.
• Sherry: The secret weapon in this recipe. Dry Sherry adds a nutty, slightly fruity flavor that deepens the soup’s overall profile. It also enhances the sweetness of the caramelized onions, balancing the richness of the broth.
• Broth: Beef broth is traditionally used, as its deep umami flavor pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the onions. A chicken or vegetable broth could work in a pinch, but the beef broth really provides that bold, savory depth.
• Gruyère Cheese: Gruyère is the quintessential cheese for French Onion Soup. It melts wonderfully, creating a gooey, golden layer on top of the soup. It’s slightly nutty and has just the right balance of creaminess and sharpness.

Expert Tips

• Patience with Caramelizing: The most important part of this recipe is the caramelization of the onions. It’s tempting to turn the heat up to speed up the process, but don’t! The onions need time to develop their sweetness. If you rush it, the onions may burn and lose their delicate flavor.
• Use Quality Sherry: A good-quality dry Sherry can really make a difference in the final flavor. Opt for a Fino or Amontillado variety, as they are more balanced and less sweet than other types.
• Thick Crusty Bread for the Croutons: When making the croutons, choose a hearty, crusty baguette or sourdough. The bread should be thick enough to hold up under the hot soup without getting soggy too quickly.
• Season Gradually: Taste your soup as it simmers, and adjust the seasoning accordingly. Adding salt and pepper gradually allows you to build the perfect flavor profile.

Recipe Variations

French Onion Soup is a versatile dish, and you can tweak it to your preferences or dietary needs:

• Vegetarian Version: Swap the beef broth for vegetable broth and omit the Sherry (or use a vegetarian-friendly Sherry). The caramelized onions still offer plenty of flavor.
• Cheese Options: While Gruyère is the classic choice, you can experiment with different cheeses. Try a mix of Gruyère and Emmental for a lighter, creamier texture, or even add a little Parmesan for a sharp kick.
• Herbs and Spices: If you prefer more complex flavor profiles, you can add a dash of nutmeg or a sprinkle of ground cinnamon to the soup. Fresh rosemary or a few sprigs of sage can also offer a new twist.

Final Words

This French Onion Soup Sherry recipe is everything you want in a bowl of comfort food-rich, savory, and just the right amount of indulgent. The Sherry adds an unexpected layer of complexity, while the caramelized onions create a base so flavorful you’ll want to drink it by itself. And let’s not forget about the golden-brown, cheesy topping that seals the deal.

The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and the way it turns humble ingredients into something truly special. Perfect for a cozy night in or a dinner party, this soup will undoubtedly impress anyone who tastes it.