Name: French Onion Short Rib Soup with Cheesy Gruyère Toast
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 3 h
Total time: 3 h 15 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 6 tablespoons salted butter; 4 medium yellow onions, thinly sliced; Black pepper, to taste; 2 shallots, sliced; 4 cloves garlic, chopped; 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh sage; Red chili flakes, to taste; 6-8 cups low sodium chicken broth; ½ cup tamari or low-sodium soy sauce; 4 pounds bone-in beef short ribs; 2 bay leaves; 1 star anise (optional); 2 cups baby carrots; 6 slices French bread; 2 cups shredded Gruyère cheese

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is perfect for anyone who loves a warm, comforting bowl of soup with deep, savory flavors. The combination of tender short ribs and caramelized onions creates a rich broth that's further elevated by the addition of fresh thyme, sage, and tamari. The cheesy Gruyère toast adds a luxurious touch, making this dish perfect for a cozy dinner or special gathering.

Ingredients

For the Soup:

6 tablespoons salted butter
4 medium yellow onions, thinly sliced
Black pepper, to taste
2 shallots, sliced
4 cloves garlic, chopped
2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
2 tablespoons chopped fresh sage
Red chili flakes, to taste
6-8 cups low sodium chicken broth
½ cup tamari or low-sodium soy sauce
4 pounds bone-in beef short ribs
2 bay leaves
1 star anise (optional)
2 cups baby carrots

For the Cheesy Gruyère Toast:

6 slices French bread
2 cups shredded Gruyère cheese

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) to ensure it’s ready for slow roasting the short ribs.
Cook the Onions
In a large oven-safe Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced yellow onions and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they soften and begin to caramelize. Season with black pepper to taste.
Add Aromatics and Short Ribs
Stir in the sliced shallots, chopped garlic, fresh thyme, sage, and a pinch of red chili flakes for a bit of heat. Nestle the bone-in short ribs into the pot, making sure they are partially submerged in the onions.
Add Broth and Seasonings
Pour 6 cups of chicken broth over the short ribs, making sure there is enough liquid to almost cover the meat. Add the tamari or soy sauce for a rich umami flavor. Drop in the bay leaves and star anise (if using) for added depth of flavor. Cover the Dutch oven with a lid.
Roast the Short Ribs
Transfer the Dutch oven to the preheated oven and roast for 2½ to 3 hours, or until the short ribs are tender and easily fall off the bone. During the last 1-2 hours of cooking, add the baby carrots to the pot.
Shred the Meat
Once the short ribs are tender, remove the Dutch oven from the oven. Discard the bay leaves and star anise. Carefully remove the bones from the short ribs and shred the meat with two forks. Return the shredded meat to the soup and place the Dutch oven on low heat to keep the soup warm. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt if necessary.
Prepare the Cheesy Gruyère Toast
While the soup is simmering, preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Arrange the slices of French bread on a baking sheet and toast them for 10 minutes, or until they are dry and slightly crispy.
Broil the Cheesy Toast
Switch the oven to broil and top each slice of bread with a generous amount of shredded Gruyère cheese. Broil for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Watch closely to avoid burning.
Serve the Soup
Ladle the rich short rib and onion soup into bowls. Place a cheesy Gruyère toast slice on top of each serving. Garnish with freshly ground black pepper and extra thyme, and serve immediately. Enjoy the warm, comforting flavors with each bite!

Servings and Timing

Servings: 6-8
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 3 hours
Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes

Variations

Vegetarian Version: Substitute the beef short ribs with hearty vegetables like mushrooms or cauliflower, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Spicy Kick: Add a diced jalapeño or extra chili flakes for a bit of heat.
Different Cheese: If you don’t have Gruyère, feel free to use Swiss cheese or mozzarella for a melty, cheesy topping.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration: Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: This soup freezes well—store it in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Be sure to thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave until heated through.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of meat?

Yes! Chuck roast or beef shank would also work well in this recipe. Adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure the meat is tender.

How can I thicken the soup?

If you prefer a thicker soup, stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water) at the end of cooking.

Can I skip the cheese toast?

Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of cheesy toast, you can simply serve the soup with warm, crusty bread on the side.

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the soup a day in advance. Allow it to cool completely, refrigerate, and reheat before serving.

What can I serve with this soup?

A crisp green salad or roasted vegetables would pair nicely with this hearty soup.

Can I use a slow cooker for this recipe?

Yes, you can brown the onions and aromatics in a skillet, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 7-8 hours until the meat is tender.

How do I prevent the bread from getting soggy?

Toast the bread slices before adding the cheese, and broil them just before serving to maintain their crispness.

Can I use pre-shredded cheese?

Yes, pre-shredded cheese can be used for convenience, though freshly shredded cheese may melt more smoothly.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free bread for the toast and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.

Conclusion

French Onion Short Rib Soup with Cheesy Gruyère Toast is a luxurious twist on the classic French onion soup. The combination of tender short ribs, sweet caramelized onions, and melty Gruyère cheese creates a comforting and indulgent meal. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or enjoying a cozy evening at home, this dish is sure to impress and satisfy everyone at the table.

French Onion Short Rib Soup with Cheesy Gruyère Toast