French onion soup is a classic dish that originated in France and has been enjoyed for centuries. It is a simple but delicious soup made with caramelized onions, beef stock, wine, and herbs. It is usually served with cheese croûtes, which are slices of bread topped with cheese and toasted under the grill.
In this article, I will show you how to make Mary Berry’s French onion soup with mustard cheese croûtes, which is a recipe from her BBC 1 series, Classic. Mary Berry is a renowned British cook and author, who has written over 70 cookbooks and hosted several TV shows. She is known for her easy and elegant recipes that anyone can follow.
This recipe is perfect for a cozy and comforting meal, especially on a cold day. It is also a great way to use up any leftover bread and cheese that you have in your kitchen. The soup is rich and flavorful, and the cheese croûtes add a nice crunch and tang. You will love this classic and delicious French onion soup!
What is Mary Berry French Onion Soup?
Mary Berry French onion soup is a classic dish that originated in France and has been enjoyed for centuries. It is a simple but delicious soup made with caramelized onions, beef stock, wine, and herbs. It is usually served with cheese croûtes, which are slices of bread topped with cheese and toasted under the grill.
Why You Love this Recipe
- Easy to make, suitable for any level of cooking experience.
- Comforting, ideal for a hearty meal on a cold day.
- Flavorful, with caramelized onions, beef stock, and herbs.
- Textured, featuring crunchy, tangy mustard cheese croûtes.
- Practical, and a great way to utilize leftover bread and cheese.
- Classically elegant, with Mary Berry’s signature simplicity.
- Versatile, serving well as either an appetizer or main.
- Home gourmet, bringing French culinary flair to your table.
- Iconic, a recipe from the legendary Mary Berry herself.
- Social favorite, perfect for sharing with friends and family.
Ingredients Needed to Make Mary Berry French Onion Soup
To make this recipe, you will need the following ingredients:
- 50g (2oz) butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 6 large white onions, thinly sliced
- 1½ tbsp caster sugar
- 200ml (7fl oz) white wine
- 2 liters (3½ pints) rich beef stock or vegetable stock
- 3 bay leaves
- 1 sprig of rosemary
- salt and freshly ground black pepper
- For the croûtes:
- ½ thin baguette
- Dijon mustard, for spreading
- 25g (1oz) Gruyère cheese, grated
Equipment
You will also need the following equipment:
- a deep saucepan
- a wooden spoon
- a measuring jug
- a measuring spoon
- a knife
- a chopping board
- a grill
- a baking sheet
- a ladle
- a cheese grater
Instructions to Make Mary Berry French Onion Soup
Follow these steps to make the soup and the croûtes:
- Heat the butter and oil in a deep saucepan over high heat. When the butter has melted, add the onions and fry for about 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Lower the heat, cover the saucepan with a lid, and cook for about 10 minutes, or until the onions start to soften.
- Remove the lid, sprinkle in the sugar, and season with salt and pepper. Then fry over high heat for 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onions are golden and caramelized.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high and line a baking sheet with foil.
- Pour in the wine and boil for 2-3 minutes, to allow the alcohol to evaporate. Then add the stock and the herbs and bring back to the boil. Simmer over medium-high heat for 8–10 minutes, or until slightly reduced.
- Meanwhile, make the croûtes. Slice the baguette into 6 thick or 12 thinner slices and toast one side under the grill. Then spread the untoasted side with mustard and top with cheese. Place them on the prepared baking sheet and grill for a few minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove the herbs from the soup and check the seasoning. Ladle the soup into warmed bowls and serve with the mustard cheese croûtes on top. Enjoy!
What Do I Serve With Mary Berry French Onion Soup?
You can serve this soup with a green salad or some crusty bread for a complete meal. You can also serve it as a starter or a light lunch. Some other dishes that go well with this soup are:
- Roast chicken or turkey
- Steak or beef stew
- Quiche or frittata
- Grilled cheese sandwich or ham and cheese croissant
Pro Tips to Make Perfect Mary Berry French Onion Soup
Here are some pro tips that will help you make the perfect Mary Berry French onion soup:
- Use a deep saucepan to cook the onions, as they will reduce a lot during the caramelization process.
- Stir the onions frequently to prevent them from burning and sticking to the bottom of the pan.
- Use a good quality beef stock or vegetable stock for the soup base, as it will enhance the flavor and richness of the soup.
- Use fresh or dried bay leaves and rosemary for the herbs, as they will add a nice aroma and taste to the soup.
- Use a white wine that you would drink, as it will affect the flavor of the soup. You can also use red wine for a deeper color and flavor.
- Use a thin baguette for the croûtes, as it will make them crispier and easier to eat.
- Use Dijon mustard for the croûtes, as it will add a nice contrast and spice to the cheese.
- Use Gruyère cheese for the croûtes, as it will melt well and have a nutty and savory flavor.
Variations of Mary Berry French Onion Soup
You can also try some variations of this soup to suit your preferences and tastes.
Here are some ideas:
- Add some sliced mushrooms, garlic, or thyme to the onion mixture for more flavor and texture.
- Use chicken stock or vegetable stock instead of beef stock for a lighter soup.
- Use cider or beer instead of wine for a different flavor and alcohol content.
- Use different types of cheese for the croûtes, such as cheddar, mozzarella, or parmesan. You can also add some garlic or herbs to the mustard for extra flavor.
- Make the soup vegan by using vegan butter, vegetable stock, and vegan cheese for the croûtes.
How do I store Mary Berry French Onion Soup Leftovers?
You can store the leftover soup and croûtes separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the soup for up to 4 months, but not the croûtes, as they will lose their crispiness and texture.
How do I reheat Mary Berry French Onion Soup Leftovers?
Stovetop Method:
- Pour the soup into a saucepan.
- Place over medium heat.
- Stir occasionally, allowing the soup to heat evenly.
- Continue until the soup reaches a pleasing temperature.
Microwave Method:
- Transfer the soup to a microwave-safe bowl.
- Heat on high for 2-3 minutes.
- Pause halfway through to stir, ensuring uniform warmth.
Revitalizing the Croûtes:
Oven Method:
- Preheat the oven to a moderate setting.
- Arrange croûtes on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 5-10 minutes until they are warm and the texture is crisp.
Toaster Method:
- Place croûtes directly in the toaster.
- Toast on a medium setting.
- Keep a vigilant watch to prevent burning.
- Remove once they are crisped to your liking.
Nutrition Facts
One serving of this soup (without the croûtes) has approximately the following nutrition facts:
- Calories: 215
- Fat: 11.4g
- Carbohydrates: 19.9g
- Protein: 7.1g
One croûte (with cheese and mustard) has the following nutritional facts:
- Calories: 83
- Fat: 3.4g
- Carbohydrates: 9.6g
- Protein: 3.6g
FAQs
How do I make my French onion soup thicker?
If you prefer a thicker consistency for your French onion soup, you can try some of these methods:
- Add some flour or cornstarch to the onion mixture before adding the wine and stock. This will create a roux that will thicken the soup as it cooks.
- Reduce the amount of stock or increase the amount of wine in the recipe. This will result in a more concentrated and rich soup.
- Simmer the soup for longer, uncovered, to evaporate some of the liquid and intensify the flavor.
- Blend some of the cooked onions with a hand blender or food processor and return them to the soup. This will create a smoother and creamier texture.
What kind of onions are best for French onion soup?
The best kind of onions for French onion soup are large white onions, as they have a mild and sweet flavor that caramelizes well. You can also use yellow onions, which are slightly more pungent and savory, but still suitable for this dish. Avoid using red onions, as they have a stronger and sharper taste that might overpower the soup.
Final Words
I hope you enjoyed this article and learned how to make Mary Berry’s French onion soup with mustard cheese croûtes. This is a classic and delicious recipe that is easy to make and perfect for a cozy and comforting meal. Try it today and let me know what you think in the comments below. Bon appétit!