Name: Famous Barr's French Onion Soup
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 2 h
Total time: 3 h 5 min
Yield: 6
Ingredients: 3 pounds yellow onions, thinly sliced; 1/2 cup butter; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 teaspoons salt; 1 teaspoon black pepper; 1 tablespoon dried thyme; 1 bay leaf; 6 cups beef broth; 1/2 cup dry white wine; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup grated Gruyère cheese; French bread, sliced and toasted; Parmesan cheese, grated (optional)

Famous Barr’s French Onion Soup

If you’ve ever had the pleasure of visiting St. Louis, Missouri, you might have heard of Famous Barr’s, a beloved department store chain that was a staple of the city for many years. One of the most iconic dishes associated with Famous Barr’s was their French Onion Soup, a comforting and flavorful treat that has been cherished by locals and visitors alike.

While Famous Barr’s may no longer be around, the memory of their French Onion Soup lives on. And now, you can recreate this classic recipe right in your own kitchen.

This recipe for Famous Barr’s French Onion Soup captures the essence of the original dish. It’s a labor of love, requiring patience and attention to detail, but the end result is well worth the effort. The key to a truly authentic French Onion Soup lies in the caramelization of the onions. This process takes time, but it’s what gives the soup its depth of flavor.

Once the onions are caramelized, the rest of the ingredients come together quickly. Rich beef broth, dry white wine, and a touch of flour create a hearty and satisfying soup. The final touch is a layer of melted Gruyère cheese and toasted French bread, which adds a gooey, cheesy goodness to every bite.

Whether you’re a fan of French cuisine or simply looking for a delicious and comforting meal, Famous Barr’s French Onion Soup is sure to please. It’s a dish that has stood the test of time, and it’s easy to see why it’s so beloved. So why not give it a try and experience the magic of this St. Louis classic?

Questions I often get asked about this recipe:

Can I use frozen onions instead of fresh ones?
While you can use frozen onions, they may not caramelize as well as fresh ones. For the best flavor and texture, it’s recommended to use fresh onions.

Can I substitute beef broth with vegetable broth?
Yes, you can substitute beef broth with vegetable broth for a vegetarian-friendly version. However, the flavor profile may be slightly different.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free bread for the croutons and gluten-free flour to thicken the soup.

What kind of cheese can I use instead of Gruyère?
Gruyère is a classic choice for French Onion Soup, but you can also use other cheeses like Swiss or Fontina.

Can I reheat leftover French Onion Soup?
Yes, you can reheat leftover French Onion Soup. However, it’s best to reheat it slowly over low heat to prevent the cheese from becoming greasy.

What you need to make Famous Barr’s French Onion Soup:

3 pounds yellow onions, thinly sliced

1/2 cup butter

1 tablespoon olive oil

2 teaspoons salt

1 teaspoon black pepper

1 tablespoon dried thyme

1 bay leaf

6 cups beef broth

1/2 cup dry white wine

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 cup grated Gruyère cheese French bread, sliced and toasted

Parmesan cheese, grated (optional)

How to make it:

Caramelize the onions: In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter and olive oil. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are softened and caramelized, about 1-2 hours.

Add seasonings: Stir in the salt, pepper, thyme, and bay leaf. Cook for a few more minutes.

Make the broth: In a separate saucepan, combine the beef broth and white wine. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until heated through.

Thicken the soup: In a small bowl, whisk together the flour and a small amount of the simmering broth until smooth. Gradually add the flour mixture to the pot with the onions, stirring constantly until thickened.

Combine: Add the hot broth mixture to the pot with the onions and stir to combine. Simmer for 15-20 minutes more, or until the flavors have melded.

Serve: Ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls. Top with grated Gruyère cheese and toasted French bread. Broil in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Tips:

Patience is key: Caramelizing the onions is the most time-consuming part of this recipe, but it’s essential for developing the rich, sweet flavor of the soup. Take your time and let the onions cook until they are deeply golden brown.

Don’t be afraid to experiment: While the classic version of French Onion Soup calls for Gruyère cheese and toasted French bread, feel free to experiment with different toppings. Try adding a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of fresh herbs, or even a splash of sherry.

Make ahead: This soup is perfect for making ahead of time. Simply reheat it over low heat when ready to serve.

Latest Reviews:

This French Onion Soup recipe is absolutely incredible! The caramelized onions are so sweet and flavorful, and the broth is rich and comforting. I topped it with a generous amount of Gruyère cheese and toasted French bread, and it was the perfect winter meal. Highly recommend! Bernard C.

I’ve been searching for a good French Onion Soup recipe for years, and I finally found it! This recipe is spot on. The instructions are easy to follow, and the end result is absolutely delicious. I’ve already made it twice, and I’ll definitely be making it again. Leanne P.

This French Onion Soup is even better than the one I had at a fancy French restaurant! The caramelized onions are perfectly cooked, and the cheese is melted to perfection. It’s the perfect comfort food on a cold day. I can’t wait to try this recipe again and experiment with different toppings. Stacey K.

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