Longhorn French Onion Soup Recipe

Longhorn French Onion Soup is a tasty and comforting dish suitable for any occasion. It combines caramelized onions, beef broth, red wine, and seasonings to create a rich and flavorful soup. Topped with toasted baguette slices and melted Gruyere cheese, it is a truly satisfying meal enjoyed in many American restaurants.

The baguette adds a satisfying crunch, while the cheese contributes a creamy and gooey texture, creating a perfect blend of flavors and textures. The flavors dance on your tongue, offering a delightful experience. The slow-cooked onions meld perfectly with the savory broth, creating a burst of flavor with each bite.

The soup brings comfort and warmth, making it a perfect choice on a cold winter evening. As a soup fanatic, I have explored various French onion soup recipes and perfected this one. The key lies in properly caramelizing the onions and using high-quality ingredients, ensuring a delicious outcome.

Despite its name, Longhorn French Onion Soup is not a French dish but rather an American adaptation of the classic French soup. The addition of bread and cheese has become an iconic feature in the United States.

The Story Behind The Recipe

The Longhorn French Onion Soup recipe’s exact origin is uncertain, but French Onion Soup has a long history tracing back to the Roman Empire.

Onions were widely grown and easy to store, making them a common food worldwide. In 18th-century France, onion soup gained popularity among the less affluent due to being an affordable and filling meal.

The modern version of French Onion Soup, featuring the bread and cheese topping, is believed to have originated in Paris’ Les Halles market district in the late 19th century. Legend has it that market workers began their day with bowls of onion soup, served with bread and cheese on top. It is a delicious blend of flavors and textures that led to its widespread popularity in city restaurants and cafes.

The specific origin of the Longhorn French Onion Soup recipe is less clear. Longhorn Steakhouse, a well-known American restaurant chain, offers this soup as an appetizer. The chefs at Longhorn Steakhouse likely developed the recipe as a unique variation of the classic French Onion Soup.

How To Cook Longhorn French Onion Soup

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 6 cups beef broth
• 4 large sweet onions, sliced thinly
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 slices of baguette, sliced 1/2-inch thick
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/2 cup red wine
• 1/2 cup grated Gruyere cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Step-by-step instructions for making Longhorn French Onion Soup

1. In a big pot or Dutch oven, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and garlic. Cook, stirring now and then, until the onions turn caramelized and golden brown, which should take about 30-40 minutes.
2. Sprinkle the flour onto the onions and stir until the flour is spread evenly. Cook for an extra 2-3 minutes.
3. Pour in the beef broth, red wine, Worcestershire sauce, and add the bay leaf. Let it come to a simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with salt and pepper according to your taste.
4. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Toast the baguette slices in the oven for 5-7 minutes or until they’re slightly browned.
5. Take out the bay leaf from the soup and pour the soup into four bowls that are safe to use in the oven. Put one slice of toasted baguette on top of each bowl.
6. Sprinkle Gruyere and Parmesan cheese over the baguette slices and the soup.
7. Bake the soup bowls in the oven for 10-12 minutes or until the cheese becomes melted and bubbly.

Tips for making Longhorn French Onion Soup

• Cook the onions slowly for up to 30 to 40 minutes stirring every 5 to 10 minutes. As they cook, there might be brown bits at the bottom of the pot. Use a silicone spatula to scrape and clean the bottom. Repeat this as necessary while cooking.
• Allow them to cool before freezing and keep them in a sealed container.
• Choose Gruyere or Swiss cheese for an authentic flavor.
• Opt for crusty bread for the tastiest crouton crunch.

Flavourful substitute

• Red wine: you can use white wine or apple cider vinegar instead of red wine.
• Gruyere cheese: If you don’t have Gruyere cheese you can use Swiss cheese or Provolone cheese.
• Beef broth: instead of beef broth you can use chicken broth or vegetable broth.

Serving suggestions

• Classic Combo: Serve Longhorn French Onion Soup with a side of crusty bread or a baguette for dipping. The combination of the soup and bread creates a satisfying and flavorful experience.
• Dinner Rolls: Accompany the soup with warm dinner rolls or garlic bread for a delightful combination of flavors and textures.
• Wine Pairing: Consider serving a glass of red wine alongside the soup, as it complements the rich and savory flavors of the dish.
• Green Salad: Pair the rich flavors of the soup with a light green salad. The freshness of the salad adds a crisp contrast to the hearty soup.
• Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: Offer a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for those who enjoy a creamy touch in their soup.