What sets Applebee’s French Onion Soup apart is the attention to detail and impeccable execution of their recipe.
But let’s not forget about the presentation! The bubbly, golden-brown cheese cascading over the soup, crispy croutons peeking through, is enough to make anyone’s mouth water. It’s a feast for the eyes that tempts you to dive right in and savor every spoonful.
Whether you’re enjoying a hearty lunch, a cozy dinner date, or simply seeking solace on a chilly day, Applebee’s French Onion Soup is the ultimate comfort food that promises to warm your heart and lift your spirits.
How to make Applebee’s French Onion Soup
Applebee’s French Onion Soup is a classic soup offered by the American restaurant chain Applebee’s. It is a rich and flavorful soup made with caramelized onions, beef broth, and a topping of toasted bread and melted cheese. This dish is a crowd-pleaser and is often enjoyed as an appetizer or as a comforting meal option.
Ingredients:
- 4 large onions, thinly sliced
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Baguette or French bread, sliced
- Gruyere or Swiss cheese, grated
Instructions
- Begin by melting the butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the sliced onions to the pot and cook slowly for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become caramelized and golden.
- Once the onions have reached the desired caramelization, add the beef broth, chicken broth, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir well to combine all the flavors.
- Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 20-30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- While the soup simmers, preheat your oven to broil. Place the sliced baguette or French bread on a baking sheet and toast both sides until they turn a beautiful golden brown. Make sure to keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
- Once the bread is toasted, remove the bay leaf from the soup and taste to adjust the seasoning if necessary. Ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls, leaving enough room for the tantalizing cheese topping.
- Arrange the toasted bread slices on top of the soup bowls, covering the entire surface. Generously sprinkle the grated Gruyere or Swiss cheese over the bread slices, allowing it to spill over the edges for that irresistible gooey goodness.
- Place the soup bowls on a baking sheet and carefully transfer them to the preheated oven. Broil for a few minutes or until the cheese is bubbly, golden brown, and slightly crisp.
- Once the cheese has melted perfectly, remove the soup bowls from the oven, let them cool for a moment, and then serve hot.
Tips
- Try mixing different types of onions, such as yellow, red, and white for a more intense flavour.
- Don’t rush the caramelization process. Simmering the onions over low heat releases their natural sweetness, adding depth to the soup.
- You can replace the beef and chicken broth with vegetable broth without compromising the deliciousness.
- Experiment with different cheese varieties to find your preferred combination. Fontina or Mozzarella can be excellent alternatives to Gruyere or Swiss cheese.
- Don’t skimp on the cheese; a generous amount is what makes this soup extra indulgent.
Final Thoughts
Now that you have unlocked the secrets to creating Applebee’s French Onion Soup, it’s time to implement your newfound knowledge. With each spoonful of this rich, comforting soup, you’ll transport yourself to a world of culinary bliss.
