Name: Jamie Oliver French Onion Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 6 large onions (thinly sliced); 2 garlic cloves (minced); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 tablespoon butter; 1.5 liters beef or vegetable stock; 1 bay leaf; A few sprigs of fresh thyme; Salt and pepper to taste; 6 slices of French baguette; 100g Gruyère or Swiss cheese (grated)

Jamie Oliver French Onion Soup is a classic French dish that’s rich in flavor and comforting. It’s made by slowly caramelizing onions to bring out their natural sweetness, then simmering them in a savory broth. The soup is typically served with toasted bread and melted cheese on top, making it a satisfying dish for cold days or as a delicious starter.

Why This Recipe is a Must-Try

Rich flavor: Caramelized onions add depth and sweetness to the broth.
Classic comfort food: A hearty and satisfying dish that’s perfect for cooler weather.

Simple ingredients: Made with basic pantry items like onions, stock, and bread.
Customizable: Adjust the seasoning or cheese topping to your taste.
Perfect for entertaining: French onion soup is an elegant and flavorful starter for dinner parties.

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What is Jamie Oliver’s French Onion Soup Recipe?

Jamie Oliver’s French Onion Soup is a savory, comforting soup made by slowly caramelizing onions and simmering them in a beef or vegetable broth. The soup is traditionally topped with toasted bread and Gruyère cheese, then broiled until bubbly and golden.

Jamie Oliver’s French Onion Soup Recipe Ingredients

6 large onions (thinly sliced)

2 garlic cloves (minced)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon butter

1.5 liters of beef or vegetable stock
1 bay leaf
A few sprigs of fresh thyme

Salt and pepper to taste
6 slices of French baguette
100g Gruyère or Swiss cheese (grated)

Step-by-Step Instructions to Prepare Jamie Oliver’s French Onion Soup Recipe

Step 1: Caramelize the Onions

In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Cook slowly for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are golden brown and caramelized. Be patient, as this step is essential for developing the rich flavor of the soup.

Step 2: Add Garlic

Once the onions are caramelized, add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes. and let it simmer for 5 minutes to reduce slightly.

Step 3: Add Stock and Herbs

Add the beef or vegetable stock to the pot, along with the bay leaf and fresh thyme. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20-30 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Prepare the Bread

While the soup is simmering, preheat your oven’s grill (broiler). Toast the slices of French baguette under the grill until golden on both sides. Set aside.

Step 5: Add Cheese and Broil

Ladle the hot soup into oven-safe bowls. Place a slice of toasted bread on top of each bowl, then sprinkle generously with grated Gruyère cheese. Place the bowls under the grill for a few minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 6: Serve

Once the cheese is melted and golden, carefully remove the bowls from the oven. Serve the French onion soup hot and enjoy the rich flavors of caramelized onions, broth, and melted cheese.

What to Serve with Jamie Oliver’s French Onion Soup

Green Salad: A light green salad with a simple vinaigrette pairs nicely with the rich soup.
Crusty Bread: Serve with extra slices of baguette or a warm, crusty loaf to dip into the soup.
Roasted Vegetables: A side of roasted vegetables adds a healthy, flavorful contrast to the rich soup.

Charcuterie Board: If serving as a starter, pair the soup with a charcuterie board of meats and cheeses.

Expert Tips for Mastering Jamie Oliver’s French Onion Soup

Take your time caramelizing the onions: Slow cooking the onions until they’re golden and sweet is key to developing the deep flavor of the soup.
Use a good-quality stock: A rich beef or vegetable stock will make a big difference in the flavor of the soup.

Don’t skip the cheese: The toasted bread and melted cheese topping is what makes French onion soup so special. Gruyère or Swiss cheese works best.
Deglaze the pot with wine: Adding white wine helps lift the caramelized bits from the bottom of the pot, enhancing the overall flavor.

Variations of Jamie Oliver’s French Onion Soup Recipe

Vegetarian version: Use vegetable stock instead of beef stock for a vegetarian-friendly soup.

Add mushrooms: For extra depth, sauté mushrooms along with the onions before adding the stock.
Spicy twist: Add a pinch of chili flakes or cayenne pepper for a bit of heat.
Vegan version: Use vegan butter, vegetable stock, and dairy-free cheese to make the soup vegan.

How to Store Leftover Jamie Oliver’s French Onion Soup Recipe

Refrigeration: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store the bread and cheese separately.
Freezing: French onion soup can be frozen for up to 3 months. Allow the soup to cool completely before freezing. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat the soup in a pot over medium heat. Toast fresh bread and add cheese when ready to serve.

Nutrition Value (per serving)

Calories: 350 kcal
Protein: 15g
Carbohydrates: 35g

Fat: 15g
Fiber: 5g

FAQs

How do you get the onions to caramelize properly in French onion soup?

Caramelizing onions properly requires cooking them slowly over medium heat for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the onions to release their natural sugars, creating a rich, golden brown color and deep flavor.

Can French onion soup be made ahead of time?

Yes, French onion soup can be made ahead of time. Prepare the soup and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, reheat the soup, toast the bread, and broil with cheese before serving.

What type of cheese is best for French onion soup?

Gruyère is traditionally used for French onion soup because of its nutty, rich flavor and great melting quality. If you can’t find Gruyère, Swiss cheese or a mild cheddar also work well.

How can I make French onion soup vegetarian?

To make French onion soup vegetarian, simply swap the beef stock for vegetable stock. Ensure the stock is rich and flavorful to maintain the depth of the soup.

Final Words

Jamie Oliver’s French Onion Soup is a comforting, flavorful dish that’s perfect for colder days or as a rich starter. The caramelized onions, savory broth, and cheesy toast make it a satisfying and delicious soup that’s easy to prepare. Serve it with a side salad or crusty bread for a complete meal that’s sure to impress.

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