What to Serve with French Onion Soup? 20 Best Selections

French onion soup is a comforting and flavorful dish traditionally made with caramelized onions, and beef broth, and topped with toasted bread and melted cheese. Here’s a friendly guide to understanding French onion soup, along with a recipe, serving suggestions, health benefits, variations, and wine pairings:

What is French Onion Soup?

French onion soup is a classic French dish known for its rich, savory broth and caramelized onions. It’s typically served gratinéed with melted cheese on top of toasted bread. The soup itself is hearty and warming, perfect for colder weather or as a comforting starter.

Ingredients:

• 4 large onions, thinly sliced

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon sugar

• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

• 6 cups beef broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)

• 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional)

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Baguette slices
• Gruyère cheese, grated (or Swiss cheese as a substitute)
  
  

  Instructions:

  1. Heat butter and olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions and cook slowly until caramelized and golden brown, about 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  2. Add minced garlic and sugar to the onions, stirring for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  3. Sprinkle flour over the onion mixture and cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
  4. Pour in the beef broth and white wine (if using), scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Bring the soup to a simmer and let it cook for 20-30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
  6. While the soup is simmering, preheat your oven’s broiler. Arrange baguette slices on a baking sheet and toast them under the broiler until golden and crispy on both sides.
  7. Ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls. Place a slice or two of toasted baguette on top of each bowl, then sprinkle generously with grated Gruyère cheese.
  8. Place the bowls under the broiler until the cheese is melted and bubbly, about 2-3 minutes. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
  9. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.

  How to Serve French Onion Soup

  French onion soup is typically served hot, straight from the oven with the cheese melted and bubbly. It’s often enjoyed as a starter or light meal alongside a salad and crusty bread.

  Specific Things to Serve With French Onion Soup
  

  French onion soup, with its rich flavors and savory broth topped with melted cheese and toasted bread, pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides and accompaniments. Here are 20 specific things you can serve with French onion soup to complement and enhance your dining experience:

  1. Crusty Baguette or Bread:

  A staple accompaniment for French onion soup is a crusty baguette or any artisanal bread. Sliced and toasted, it’s perfect for soaking up the flavorful broth and adding texture to each spoonful.

   

  

  2. Garlic Bread:

  Enhance the garlic notes in the soup by serving it with garlic bread. The buttery, garlicky flavor pairs well with the savory broth and melted cheese.

  

   

  3. Cheese Breadsticks:

  Cheese breadsticks or grissini add a crispy texture and cheesy flavor that complements the soup. They’re great for dipping and enjoying alongside each spoonful.

  

  4. Crostini:

  Thinly sliced and toasted crostini make an elegant alternative to bread slices. Top them with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan or Gruyère for an extra cheesy touch.

  

  5. Salad Greens:

  A simple green salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a light vinaigrette adds freshness and balance to the richness of the soup.

  

  6. Caesar Salad:

  The bold flavors of a Caesar salad, with its creamy dressing, Parmesan cheese, and crunchy croutons, contrast nicely with the savory soup.

  

  7. Antipasto Platter:

  Serve a selection of cured meats such as prosciutto, salami, and coppa alongside olives, roasted peppers, and marinated artichokes for a Mediterranean-inspired accompaniment.

  

  8. Charcuterie Board:

  Offer a spread of artisanal cheeses, such as Brie, Camembert, or aged Cheddar, along with crackers, nuts, and dried fruits. The variety of flavors and textures complement the soup’s richness.

  

  9. Roasted Vegetables:

  Roasted vegetables like carrots, Brussels sprouts, or asparagus add depth and a touch of sweetness to the meal. They provide a healthy side option that contrasts with the soup’s flavors.

  
  
  10. Potato Gratin:

  Creamy and indulgent, potato gratin pairs well with French onion soup. The layers of potatoes baked in a cheesy cream sauce echo the comfort of the soup.

  

  11. Quiche:

  A slice of quiche, such as quiche Lorraine with bacon and cheese or vegetable quiche, makes a satisfying and flavorful addition to the meal.

  

  12. Stuffed Mushrooms:

  Bite-sized stuffed mushrooms filled with cheese, breadcrumbs, and herbs are a savory finger food that complements the soup’s flavors.

  

   

  13. Bruschetta:

  Top toasted baguette slices with a mixture of diced tomatoes, garlic, basil, and olive oil for a fresh and tangy appetizer that contrasts with the soup.

  

   

  14. French Fries or Pommes Frites:

  For a comforting and indulgent pairing, serve crispy French fries or thin-cut pommes frites. Their crunchy texture contrasts with the smoothness of the soup.

  

  15. Onion Rings:

  Play up the onion flavors with crispy onion rings. Their crunchy coating and sweet onion interior add texture and depth to the meal.

  

  16. Cornbread:

  The sweetness of cornbread complements the savory notes of the soup. Serve it warm with butter for a comforting side dish.

  

  17. Miniature Quiches or Tartlets:

  Offer bite-sized quiches or savory tartlets filled with ingredients like spinach and feta, caramelized onions, or mushrooms for a sophisticated appetizer.

  

  18. Cheese Platter:

  Create a cheese platter with a variety of cheeses, such as blue cheese, Gouda, and goat cheese, paired with nuts, honey, and fresh fruit for a luxurious addition to the meal.

  

  19. Soup Shooters:

  Serve small shot glasses filled with complementary soups, such as creamy tomato soup or butternut squash soup, as a unique and flavorful appetizer duo.

  

  20. Fruit Platter:

  A platter of fresh seasonal fruits, such as grapes, strawberries, and melon, offers a refreshing and light option to balance the richness of the soup.

  

  Health Benefits

  French onion soup offers several health benefits:

  1. Rich in antioxidants: Onions are rich in antioxidants like quercetin, which may help reduce inflammation and promote heart health.
  2. Low in calories: When made with minimal added fats, French onion soup can be a low-calorie, filling option.
  3. Source of vitamins and minerals: Onions contain vitamins C and B6, as well as folate and potassium.

  Variations

  1. Vegetarian/Vegan: Substitute vegetable broth for the beef broth and omit the cheese or use vegan cheese.
  2. Broth Variations: Some recipes use chicken broth or a combination of beef and chicken broth for a lighter flavor.
  3. Herbs and Spices: Add thyme, bay leaves, or a splash of brandy for additional depth of flavor.

  Wines

  French onion soup pairs well with wines such as:

  • Dry white wines: Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay complement the savory flavors of the soup.
  • Light red wines: Pinot Noir or Beaujolais can also be enjoyable with the soup.

  Substitutions

  • Cheese: Substitute Gruyère with Swiss cheese or mozzarella for a milder flavor.
  • Broth: Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a vegetarian option.

  Conclusion

  French onion soup is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed on its own or as part of a larger meal. With its rich flavor from caramelized onions and melted cheese, it’s a favorite comfort food for many. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try variations to suit your taste, French onion soup is sure to warm your heart and satisfy your palate.