French Onion Soup from Jason's Deli features caramelized sweet onions simmered in a savory beef broth, topped with a toasted baguette slice and melted Gruyere cheese, delivering a warm, hearty blend of rich flavors and gooey textures.
Equipments
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Ladle
- Soup bowls (oven-safe)
- Baking sheet
- Cheese grater
Ingredients
- 4 large sweet onions
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 6 cups beef broth
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 baguette
- 8 ounces Gruyere cheese
Caramelizing the sweet onions slowly over medium heat with unsalted butter and olive oil is crucial to developing the soup's signature depth of flavor. Use dry white wine to deglaze the pot, enhancing the savory taste before adding the beef broth and herbs like fresh thyme and bay leaf for aromatic richness. Toast the baguette slices until crisp to support the melted Gruyere cheese topping without becoming soggy. Gruyere cheese must be freshly grated to melt evenly, creating the ideal gooey texture that complements the hearty broth. Your homemade French Onion Soup inspired by Jason's Deli will capture the warm, savory experience found on their copycat menu.
Instructions
- Instructions:
- Peel and thinly slice the onions.
- Heat butter and olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add sliced onions, salt, and sugar.
- Cook onions, stirring frequently, until caramelized and golden brown (about 30-40 minutes).
- Sprinkle flour over onions; cook and stir for 2 minutes.
- Pour in white wine; scrape up any browned bits from the pot.
- Add beef broth, thyme, and bay leaf.
- Bring to a simmer; cook uncovered for 30 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Preheat oven broiler.
- Slice baguette and toast slices on a baking sheet until golden.
- Ladle soup into oven-safe bowls.
- Top with toasted baguette slice and a generous amount of grated Gruyere cheese.
- Place bowls on a baking sheet and broil until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Serve hot.
Substitution
Jason's Deli French Onion Soup copycat recipe relies on caramelized sweet onions and a rich beef broth for its signature deep flavor profile. If you prefer a vegetarian alternative, substitute beef broth with mushroom or vegetable broth, which will preserve the umami taste without altering the soup's integrity. When Gruyere cheese is unavailable, Swiss cheese or a mild, creamy fontina can provide a similar melt and flavor. Your toasted baguette slices should be thick enough to hold the melted cheese but not so thick that they won't become nicely crispy under the broiler. Be sure to monitor the soup while broiling to achieve a bubbly, golden cheese topping without burning.
Tips
Caramelizing the onions is crucial for developing the soup's deep, sweet flavor, so be patient and stir frequently to prevent burning. When sprinkling the flour, cook it just long enough to remove the raw taste, about 2 minutes, which helps thicken the soup without clumping. Toasting the baguette slices beforehand ensures they hold up better under the melted Gruyere, preventing sogginess in your finished dish. Use oven-safe bowls to broil your soup safely, and always watch closely to avoid burning the cheese while achieving that perfect golden crust.
Nutritions
French Onion Soup from Jason's Deli offers a rich source of B vitamins, primarily from the caramelized sweet onions, which support energy metabolism. The beef broth adds protein and minerals like iron and zinc, essential for maintaining body functions. Your meal is enriched by Gruyere cheese, providing calcium and healthy fats, while the toasted baguette contributes carbohydrates for sustained energy. This combination makes the soup a nutritious option that balances protein, vitamins, and carbs in one comforting dish.
Storage
Store your French Onion Soup in airtight containers to maintain its rich flavor and aroma. Refrigerate for up to 3 days, reheating gently on the stovetop to preserve the caramelized onions and melted Gruyere texture. For longer storage, freeze the soup without the toasted baguette and cheese, adding fresh toppings when reheating.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute beef broth with vegetable or mushroom broth for a vegetarian twist, enhancing the umami flavor. Replace Gruyere cheese with aged Swiss or Emmental cheese if you prefer a slightly milder taste. Swap white wine for dry sherry or omit alcohol for a family-friendly version while still maintaining depth. For faster caramelization, use a pinch of baking soda with the onions, but be cautious as it can alter texture and flavor if overused.
Allergies
French Onion Soup contains common allergens such as dairy from the Gruyere cheese and butter, gluten from the baguette and all-purpose flour, and sulfites that may be present in the dry white wine. The beef broth may also trigger sensitivities in individuals allergic to beef or other animal proteins. Make sure to review each ingredient carefully to ensure it aligns with your specific allergy needs.
Why this recipe?
French Onion Soup at Jason's Deli is treasured for its rich, savory broth, topped with perfectly caramelized onions and a layer of melted Swiss cheese over toasted French bread. This classic comfort dish offers a harmonious blend of sweet and savory flavors that melts in your mouth, making it a favorite among diners. You can recreate this beloved recipe at home to enjoy the same restaurant-quality taste while customizing ingredients to suit your preferences. Trying the copycat version lets you capture the authentic essence and warmth of Jason's Deli's signature soup with fresh, homemade appeal.