French Onion Noodle Soup

French Onion Noodle Soup takes the beloved flavors of classic French Onion Soup and elevates them with the addition of tender egg noodles. This comforting dish is thick, rich, and full of flavor, making it an ideal choice for weeknight dinners or cozy weekends. The combination of caramelized onions, savory beef broth, and melted Swiss or Gruyere cheese creates a soup that is both hearty and satisfying. Perfect for serving to guests or enjoying with a warm slice of crusty bread, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your home.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup salted butter
• 4 sweet onions, sliced
• 8 cups beef broth
• 1/4 cup cooking sherry
• 1/2 tablespoon granulated sugar (optional)
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 2 bay leaves, dried
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme
• 12-ounce bag egg noodles
• 8 ounces Swiss or Gruyere cheese, shredded

Instructions

• Melt butter in a large soup pot over medium heat.
• Add sliced onions and cook until caramelized, stirring regularly to prevent burning, until golden brown.
• Pour in beef broth and cooking sherry.
• Whisk in sugar, flour, salt, and Worcestershire sauce until smooth.
• Add bay leaves, thyme sprigs, and egg noodles.
• Bring soup to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes or until noodles are fully cooked.
• Serve hot, topped with shredded cheese, and garnish with fresh thyme and freshly ground pepper.

Serving and Storage Tips

• This recipe serves 8 people. Serve hot with crusty bread or a fresh side salad for a complete meal.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over low heat to prevent the noodles from becoming mushy.
• For longer storage, freeze the soup (without cheese) in individual portions for up to 2 months. Add cheese when reheating.

Variations

• Vegetarian Version: Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth and a vegetarian Worcestershire sauce.
• Creamy Version: Stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream before serving for a richer, creamier soup.
• Cheese Variations: Swap Swiss or Gruyere with mozzarella, fontina, or cheddar for a unique flavor.
• Extra Veggies: Add carrots, celery, or mushrooms during the caramelization step for added nutrition and depth of flavor.
• Wine-Free Option: Replace cooking sherry with apple juice or a splash of balsamic vinegar for a non-alcoholic version.

FAQs

1. Can I use pre-sliced onions? Yes, but thin slices caramelize more evenly.
2. Can this soup be made ahead of time? Yes, prepare a day in advance and reheat before serving.
3. Can I use different noodles? Egg noodles work best, but any pasta that cooks quickly can be used.
4. Can I make it gluten-free? Use gluten-free flour and noodles.
5. Can I freeze this soup? Yes, freeze before adding cheese; thaw and reheat when needed.
6. Can I make it spicy? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes while cooking.
7. Can I add more vegetables? Yes, carrots, celery, or mushrooms are great additions.
8. How do I prevent onions from burning? Cook over medium heat and stir regularly.
9. Can I substitute cheese? Yes, Swiss, Gruyere, mozzarella, or fontina all work.
10. How long do leftovers last? Refrigerate for up to 3 days.

French Onion Noodle Soup is a comforting and flavorful twist on the classic French Onion Soup. Its rich caramelized onions, savory beef broth, tender noodles, and melted cheese make it a perfect meal for cozy nights, family dinners, or entertaining guests. Versatile and easy to prepare, this soup can be customized with different cheeses, vegetables, or even made vegetarian. With proper storage, it keeps well in the fridge or freezer, making it convenient for meal prep. This hearty, satisfying dish is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.

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