French onion soup has always been a comforting classic in my kitchen. One version that stands out is the Famous Barr’s French Onion Soup, a beloved dish from the Famous-Barr department store in St.
Louis, Missouri. This rich, hearty soup features deeply caramelized onions simmered in a flavorful beef broth, topped with crusty French bread and melted Gruyère cheese. It’s a timeless recipe that brings warmth and nostalgia with every spoonful.
How To Make Recipe For Famous Barr French Onion Soup?
Recipe Details
Preparation Time: Approximately 30 minutes
Cooking Time: About 4 hours
Course: Soup
Cuisine: French-American
Yield: 8 servings
Equipment Needed
- Large stockpot or Dutch oven
- Cutting board
- Sharp chef’s knife
- Wooden spoon
- Oven-safe soup bowls
- Baking sheet
- Ladle
Ingredients
- 5 pounds white onions
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 1½ teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons paprika
- 1-2 bay leaves
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- 12 cups beef broth
- 1 cup dry white wine
- Salt to taste
- 1 French baguette, sliced
- Olive oil for brushing
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 16 ounces Gruyère cheese, shredded
Instructions
1. Prepare The Onions
Begin by peeling the onions and slicing them into â…›-inch thick rings. This uniform thickness ensures even caramelization.
2. Caramelize The Onions
In a large stockpot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook slowly over low heat for about 1½ to 2 hours, stirring occasionally. The goal is to achieve a deep, golden-brown color, which imparts a rich sweetness to the soup.
3. Season The Onions
Once the onions are caramelized, add freshly ground black pepper, paprika, and bay leaves. Stir well to combine and let the spices cook with the onions for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
4. Incorporate The Flour
Sprinkle the flour over the seasoned onions, stirring continuously to prevent lumps from forming. This mixture will act as a roux, thickening the soup slightly. Cook for about 2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
5. Add Broth And Wine
Pour in about two-thirds of the beef broth, stirring to combine. In a separate bowl, mix the remaining broth with the white wine and add this to the pot. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
6. Simmer The Soup
Allow the soup to simmer uncovered for approximately 2 hours. This slow cooking process deepens the flavors and allows the soup to reduce slightly, concentrating its richness.
7. Season To Taste
After simmering, taste the soup and add salt as needed. Remember that the cheese topping will also contribute saltiness, so season judiciously.
8. Prepare The Bread Topping
While the soup is simmering, preheat your oven’s broiler. Arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet, brush them lightly with olive oil, and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese. Place under the broiler until they are lightly browned and crisp. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.
9. Assemble And Serve
Ladle the hot soup into oven-safe bowls, leaving some space at the top. Place one or two toasted baguette slices on the surface of the soup, then generously sprinkle shredded Gruyère cheese over the top, covering the bread and touching the edges of the bowl.
Place the bowls on a baking sheet and return them to the broiler until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly browned. Serve immediately, but caution your guests as the bowls will be very hot.
Nutrition Facts Of Recipe For Famous Barr French Onion Soup
- Calories: 656
- Total Fat: 31 g
- Cholesterol: 93 mg
- Sodium: 810 mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 63 g
- Protein: 27 g
Recipe For Famous Barr French Onion Soup
Serving Suggestions Of Recipe For Famous Barr French Onion Soup
This French onion soup pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette. The acidity of the dressing complements the richness of the soup.
For a heartier meal, serve alongside a steak or roasted chicken. A glass of dry white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc, echoes the wine used in the recipe and enhances the dining experience.
Tips And Variations Of Recipe For Famous Barr French Onion Soup
Make-Ahead: The flavors of this soup deepen when allowed to rest. Consider preparing the soup a day in advance, refrigerating
Conclusion
There’s a reason the Famous-Barr French Onion Soup has remained a beloved classic for generations. With its deeply caramelized onions, rich beef broth, and that irresistible layer of melted cheese, it’s the ultimate comfort food.
Whether you’re recreating cherished memories from the department store café or trying it for the first time, this soup is sure to impress.
Serve it with a crusty baguette or a simple green salad for a complete meal. I hope you enjoy making and savoring this legendary dish as much as I do!
Recipe For Famous Barr French Onion Soup
Equipment
- Large stockpot or Dutch oven
- Cutting board
- Sharp chef's knife
- Wooden spoon
- Oven-safe soup bowls
- Baking sheet
- Ladle
Ingredients Â
- 5 pounds white onions
- ½ cup 1 stick unsalted butter
- 1½ teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons paprika
- 1-2 bay leaves
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- 12 cups beef broth
- 1 cup dry white wine
- Salt to taste
- 1 French baguette sliced
- Olive oil for brushing
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 16 ounces Gruyère cheese shredded
InstructionsÂ
Prepare The Onions
- Begin by peeling the onions and slicing them into â…›-inch thick rings. This uniform thickness ensures even caramelization.
Caramelize The Onions
- In a large stockpot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook slowly over low heat for about 1½ to 2 hours, stirring occasionally. The goal is to achieve a deep, golden-brown color, which imparts a rich sweetness to the soup.
Season The Onions
- Once the onions are caramelized, add freshly ground black pepper, paprika, and bay leaves. Stir well to combine and let the spices cook with the onions for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Incorporate The Flour
- Sprinkle the flour over the seasoned onions, stirring continuously to prevent lumps from forming. This mixture will act as a roux, thickening the soup slightly. Cook for about 2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
Add Broth And Wine
- Pour in about two-thirds of the beef broth, stirring to combine. In a separate bowl, mix the remaining broth with the white wine and add this to the pot. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Simmer The Soup
- Allow the soup to simmer uncovered for approximately 2 hours. This slow cooking process deepens the flavors and allows the soup to reduce slightly, concentrating its richness.
Season To Taste
- After simmering, taste the soup and add salt as needed. Remember that the cheese topping will also contribute saltiness, so season judiciously.
Prepare The Bread Topping
- While the soup is simmering, preheat your oven’s broiler. Arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet, brush them lightly with olive oil, and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese. Place under the broiler until they are lightly browned and crisp. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.
Assemble And Serve
- Ladle the hot soup into oven-safe bowls, leaving some space at the top. Place one or two toasted baguette slices on the surface of the soup, then generously sprinkle shredded Gruyère cheese over the top, covering the bread and touching the edges of the bowl.
- Place the bowls on a baking sheet and return them to the broiler until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly browned. Serve immediately, but caution your guests as the bowls will be very hot.
Hello! I am Shikha, I am a soup recipe maker. I have a lot of passion for making soup. With a journey spanning over five years in the culinary industry, I have carved a niche for myself as a distinguished soup maker whose creations are not just meals but experiences that linger on the palate and nourish the soul. My specialization in soup-making is a testament to my creativity and relentless pursuit of perfection. Beyond my skills in the kitchen, I am an avid writer, passionately sharing my knowledge and insights into nutrition through my writing. My approach to soup-making is holistic, emphasizing each ingredient’s taste and health benefits. A well-made soup can be a cornerstone of a healthy diet, providing essential nutrients while pleasing the taste buds.