French onion soup with gruyère cheese toastie

This French Onion Soup with Gruyère Cheese Toastie is deep, rich, and irresistibly comforting. Sweetly caramelised onions, thyme, and white wine create a silky savoury base, while the toasted sandwich adds a golden, cheesy crunch – the ultimate winter indulgence.

By Matt Tebbutt
From Saturday Kitchen Recipes

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This French-inspired dish earns a Nutri-Score C. Rich in dairy and full-flavoured ingredients, it offers plenty of protein and calcium from cheese, but should be enjoyed in moderation due to its sodium and fat levels.

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Method

Make the Soup

1. Melt the butter in a large saucepan over low heat. Add onions, thyme, garlic, and bay leaf. Cover and cook for about 20 minutes until the onions soften and caramelise gently.
2. Stir in the yeast extract and cook for another minute. Mix in the flour until fully combined.
3. Gradually whisk in the wine, followed by the stock. Bring to the boil, season well, reduce the heat, and simmer gently for 5–10 minutes.

Make the Gruyère Cheese Toastie

4. In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and cayenne pepper. Brush both sides of the bread slices with the mixture.
5. Layer the salami, gherkins, and Gruyère between the bread slices. Press gently together.
6. Cook in a toasted sandwich maker until crisp and golden. Alternatively, pan-fry over medium heat for 2–3 minutes on each side until the cheese melts.

To Serve

7. Ladle the soup into bowls and top each with two toastie triangles.
8. Sprinkle over extra Gruyère and set under a hot grill for 1–2 minutes until melted.
9. Handle with care – bowls will be hot – and serve immediately.

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Suggested Wine Pairing

• Majestic: Les Jamelles Chardonnay – Buttery and well-rounded, matching the soup’s rich base and cheese toastie perfectly.
• Tesco Finest Côtes du Rhône – Balanced red with spice and depth, complementing the caramelised onions and salami.
• Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference Chenin Blanc – Offers freshness to cut through the creamy cheese and soup.

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What can you serve with this

1. Mixed green salad – Adds freshness and balances the richness.
2. Cornichons or pickles – Their acidity lifts the savoury flavours.
3. Apple slaw – Crisp and refreshing side, excellent contrast.
4. Roast beetroot – Earthy sweetness pairs naturally with onion soup.
5. Glass of cold cider – Complements the dish’s French bistro feel.

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FAQs for French Onion Soup with Gruyère Cheese Toastie

• Can I freeze the soup?
  Yes, let it cool and store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
• Can I make the toastie ahead?
  It’s best fresh, but you can toast it slightly early and reheat under the grill.
• What onions are best?
  White or yellow onions caramelise best for depth of flavour.
• Can I make it vegetarian?
  Swap beef stock for vegetable stock and skip the salami.
• Why use yeast extract?
  It intensifies the umami flavour of the onions, giving that French bistro richness.
• How do I avoid burnt onions?
  Cook low and slow, stirring often for gentle caramelisation.

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Nutri-score Health Check

This meal rates a C for providing good protein and calcium from cheese while staying moderate in calories per serving.

Positive Factors

• Onions provide antioxidants and fibre.
• Gruyère cheese adds calcium and protein.
• White wine adds depth without adding fat.

Negative Factors

• Cheese increases saturated fat and salt content.
• Salami adds sodium, so moderation is key.

Nutri-Score calculated automatically; intended as a guide only for balance and enjoyment.