Applebees French Onion Soup Recipe – Gourmet And Food

When enjoying a cozy bowl of French onion soup, it's important to consider complementary pairings that elevate the meal. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the soup's rich flavors, while a crusty baguette offers the perfect crunch for dipping. 

For an extra touch of comfort, a grilled cheese sandwich, with its gooey melted cheese and crispy bread, is an indulgent addition. Seasoned roasted vegetables can bring a healthy element to the table, adding another layer of flavor. Together, these pairings create a delightful dining experience that enhances the warmth and heartiness of French onion soup.

Now, let’s dive into the delightful world of Applebee's French Onion Soup Recipe!

Introduction

I remember the first time I had French onion soup at Applebee's. The warmth of the broth, the greeting of melted cheese, and the subtle aroma of caramelized onions created a lovely sense of comfort. Years later, I decided to replicate this magical experience in my own kitchen. After countless attempts and adjustments, I finally constructed a recipe that captures that essence.

Today, I’ll share my journey and secrets about creating Applebee's French onion soup in your kitchen. Trust me; it’s simpler than it sounds and far more rewarding than you might think!

What is Applebee's French Onion Soup?

Simply put, this dish features a rich beef broth, sweet caramelized onions, crispy bread, and melted cheese. The depth of flavor enhances each spoonful, making it an ideal dish for a cold day or just when you need comfort food.

Why This Recipe Works?

There are several reasons why this recipe stands out. Let’s break them down:

• Efficient Ingredient Use: This recipe calls for everyday ingredients, including onions, beef stock, butter, and cheese. Most likely, you already have some in your pantry.
• Rich Flavor: Caramelizing the onions is a crucial step. It transforms their natural sweetness and builds a flavor foundation that makes this soup irresistible.
• Melted Cheese Bliss: The combination of Parmesan and Provolone introduces a cheesy goodness that coats the bread beautifully. It is impossible to resist the cheesy gooeyness!
• Customizable Ingredients: Not a fan of certain vegetables or looking for a gluten-free option? No problem – you can easily swap ingredients without losing the essence of the dish.

Ingredients You'll Need To Make This Applebee's French Onion Soup

• 10 cups low-sodium beef stock
• 10 cups thinly sliced yellow onions (about 6 to 7 large)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons canola oil (or any cooking oil)
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 1 tablespoon beef concentrate
• 1 ½ teaspoons minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
• 8 slices of rustic bread
• 8 teaspoons finely grated Parmesan cheese
• 8 tablespoons shredded Provolone cheese (or thin slices)
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
• 1 bay leaf

How To Make This Soup

Let’s explore the magic of preparing this soup. Don’t worry; it follows a simple and very rewarding process.

Step 1: Caramelizing the Onions

Start by heating a large pot over medium heat. Add the butter and canola oil. Once melted, toss in the sliced onions and the sea salt.

• Stir occasionally, letting the onions cook until they become golden brown and caramelized. This can take about 30-40 minutes. Make sure not to rush; patience is key here!

Step 2: Adding the Flavor Base

Once your onions are nicely caramelized, add the minced garlic, stirring for about a minute. Next, pour in the beef stock and bring it to a gentle simmer.

• Toss in the bay leaf and thyme leaves, along with the beef concentrate, to boost flavors. Let it simmer gently for about 15-20 minutes, allowing all those delicious aromas to blend.

Step 3: Preparing the Bread

While the soup simmers, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread your rustic bread slices on a baking sheet.

• Bake them until they are crispy, roughly 10 minutes. You want them to be sturdy enough to hold the soup without disintegrating.

Step 4: Finishing Touches

Next, remove the bay leaf from the soup. In a soup bowl, ladle your scrumptious broth, ensuring you get plenty of onions.

• Top each bowl with two slices of the crunchy bread, and pile on the Provolone cheese. Finally, sprinkle the Parmesan cheese on top.

Step 5: Broil Until Golden

Place the soup bowls on a baking sheet and slide them under the broiler for about 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

• Keep an eye on it; we don’t want to take a detour to charred

How to Store the Leftovers?

Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will last for 3-4 days.

If you think you’ll want to keep it for longer, consider freezing it. Just remember to leave out the bread and cheese until you're ready to enjoy again.

To reheat, let it thaw in the fridge overnight, then warm it on the stove or in the microwave.

Recommended Side Dishes for French Onion Soup

Now that you have your soup ready, what can you serve alongside it? Here are four tasty suggestions:

• Caesar Salad: This classic salad offers crisp lettuce, creamy dressing, and crunchy croutons. The cold contrasts the warm soup beautifully.
• Garlic Bread: There’s something irresistible about garlic butter on warm bread. It’s perfect for dipping into the delicious soup.
• Fruit and Cheese Platter: Sweetness from fruits and savoriness from cheese create a perfect balance.
• Potato Wedges: Crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, these wedges provide comfort alongside the soup.

Substitutes for Ingredients

Sometimes, you may find yourself short on a few ingredients, but worry not! Here are some savvy swaps:

• Beef Stock: If you're out, chicken or vegetable stock can work as a substitute. Just keep in mind that the flavor might differ slightly.
• Yellow Onions: Sweet onions or even shallots could step in if needed. They won’t caramelize to the same extent but will still taste great.
• Parmesan Cheese: If you lack parmesan, consider Pecorino Romano. It offers a similar nutty flavor.
• Provolone Cheese: Mozzarella can provide a gooey texture. Keep in mind that the taste will change slightly.

Conclusion

After writing about this Applebee's French onion soup recipe, I can’t help but remember those cozy moments spent sharing this delightful dish with family and friends. Making it at home gives you peace of mind and the chance to personalize it. Whether you're preparing it for a chilly evening or serving guests, this recipe is bound to impress.

Next time you feel a craving, you now possess a comfort food treasure. Happy cooking, and enjoy dipping that crusty bread into your beautiful bowl of soup!