Tips for Perfect Savory Short Rib French Onion Soup
Caramelize the onions slowly: Don’t rush the caramelization process. It’s what gives French Onion Soup its signature sweetness and depth of flavor.
Deglaze with wine: Adding wine helps lift the fond (those browned bits) from the pot, intensifying the flavor of the soup. White wine is traditional, but red wine can also be used if you prefer a richer, more robust flavor.
Use quality cheese: Gruyère is the best choice for its nutty, slightly sweet flavor and excellent melting properties, but Swiss or Comté cheese are good substitutes.
Short ribs tip: Be sure to remove excess fat from the short ribs after cooking to avoid making the soup too greasy. You can also make the short ribs a day in advance and refrigerate them, which allows the fat to solidify and be easily removed.
Variations and Substitutes
Vegetarian option: Replace the short ribs with mushrooms for a meaty texture and swap the beef broth for vegetable broth.
Cheese swap: If Gruyère isn’t available, you can use Emmental, Swiss, or even sharp cheddar for a different flavor profile.
Bread alternatives: For a different twist, try sourdough or ciabatta slices for the Gruyère toast.
