This French Onion Chowder is a warm, comforting bowl of goodness! It’s filled with sweet onions, creamy broth, and is topped with cheesy goodness that makes each bite special.
I love how it brings a taste of a cozy café right to my kitchen. Perfect for chilly days when I just want to wrap my hands around a warm bowl. Yum! 🍲
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Yellow Onions: These are perfect for caramelizing due to their sweetness. If you’re in a pinch, you can use sweet onions like Vidalia or even red onions, which will give a slightly different flavor.
Beef Broth: It provides a robust flavor, but vegetable broth is a great option for a lighter chowder or for vegetarians. Chicken broth works too if you have that on hand!
Heavy Cream: This makes the chowder rich and creamy. You can substitute with half-and-half for a lighter version, or use coconut cream for a dairy-free option.
Gruyère Cheese: This cheese melts beautifully and adds a nice flavor. If you don’t have it, Swiss cheese works well. Mozzarella is also a good substitute but will be milder.
How Do You Perfectly Caramelize Onions?
Caramelizing onions is key to developing a deep, rich flavor for your chowder. Here’s how to do it right:
- Start with medium heat to avoid burning. Patience is key here! Stir occasionally.
- Add a sprinkle of sugar to enhance the natural sweetness, and continue to cook for 30-40 minutes.
- Look for a deep golden color when they’re done; this shows they’ve caramelized properly.
This technique will make your chowder stand out and taste incredible!
French Onion Chowder
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 4 cups beef broth (or vegetable broth for a milder flavor)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional)
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Baguette slices, toasted
- 1 cup grated Gruyère cheese (or Swiss cheese)
- Fresh thyme, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious French Onion Chowder requires about 15 minutes of prep time and around 50 minutes of cook time, bringing the total to about 1 hour and 5 minutes. Most of that time is spent on the onions, as they need to caramelize slowly for the best flavor. Once cooked, you’ll enjoy a heartwarming bowl perfect for any chilly day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Caramelizing the Onions:
In a large pot, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and sugar to the pot. Stir occasionally and let them cook until they are deeply caramelized and golden brown. This should take about 30-40 minutes—be patient, as this step builds flavor!
2. Adding Garlic:
Once the onions are caramelized, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, stirring until fragrant. This adds a lovely aroma to your chowder.
3. Making the Roux:
Sprinkle the flour over the onions and garlic mixture. Stir well and cook for 2-3 minutes to remove the raw flour taste. This creates a thick base for your chowder.
4. Adding Broth and Thyme:
Gradually pour in the beef broth and the optional white wine, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Then, add the fresh thyme leaves. This will deepen the flavors of the chowder.
5. Simmering the Chowder:
Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 15 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together and the chowder to thicken slightly.
6. Creamy Finish:
Stir in the heavy cream and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Gently heat the chowder through, being careful not to boil, so the cream doesn’t curdle.
7. Serving the Chowder:
To serve, ladle the chowder into oven-safe bowls. Top each bowl with a toasted baguette slice and a generous amount of grated Gruyère cheese.
8. Broiling for Cheesy Goodness:
Place the bowls under the broiler until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown, which should take about 2-3 minutes. Watch closely to prevent burning.
9. Enjoy:
Garnish with fresh thyme and serve immediately. Sit back, relax, and enjoy your warm, comforting French Onion Chowder!
Bon appétit! Enjoy your cozy bowl of French Onion Chowder! 🍲
Can I Use Yellow Onions Instead of White or Red Onions?
Absolutely! Yellow onions are perfect for caramelizing, giving that rich, sweet flavor ideal for French Onion Chowder. If you do have white or red onions on hand, they can also work but may provide a slightly different taste.
Is It Possible to Make This Chowder Vegetarian?
Yes! Simply swap the beef broth for vegetable broth, and you can skip the white wine if you’d like for a lighter flavor. The rest of the ingredients remain the same, and it will still be delicious!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream if needed to restore creaminess.
Can I Make This Chowder Ahead of Time?
Definitely! You can prepare the chowder a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just reheat gently and add the cheese and bread topping before broiling when you’re ready to serve!
