Ina Garten Onion Fennel Soup Gratin Recipe

This Ina Garten Onion Fennel Soup Gratin Recipe is rich and savory, which uses yellow onions and Gruyère cheese. It’s a restaurant-quality dish, ready in about 1 hour and 15 minutes.

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Ina Garten Onion Fennel Soup Gratin Recipe Ingredients

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
• 2 large fennel bulbs, cored and thinly sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup dry white wine
• 6 cups beef stock or chicken stock
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 loaf baguette, sliced into 1/2-inch thick rounds
• 2 cups Gruyère cheese, grated

How To Make Ina Garten Onion Fennel Soup Gratin Recipe

1. Caramelize onions and fennel: In a large pot, melt the butter with olive oil over medium heat. Add sliced onions, fennel, and a pinch of salt. Cook for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and caramelized.
2. Deglaze with wine: Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add white wine and scrape the pot to loosen any browned bits. Simmer for 2–3 minutes to reduce.
3. Simmer the soup: Add stock, thyme, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then lower heat and simmer uncovered for 20–25 minutes. Remove bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Prepare the croutons: Preheat the broiler. Toast baguette slices under the broiler for 1–2 minutes per side. Top with Gruyère and broil until melted and bubbly.
5. Assemble and broil: Ladle soup into ovenproof bowls. Place cheese-topped croutons on top. Broil 2–3 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbling. Serve hot.

Recipe Tips

• How to caramelize onions faster: Keep the heat medium-low and stir frequently to prevent burning.
• Can I use only chicken stock? Yes, but beef stock adds deeper flavor typical of French onion soup.
• Best wine for deglazing: Dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio works well.
• What cheese is best? Gruyère melts beautifully and adds a nutty flavor, but Swiss cheese is a decent substitute.
• Can I make this ahead? Yes, make the soup and croutons ahead. Assemble and broil just before serving.

What To Serve With Onion Fennel Soup Gratin

This rich soup works best with light, crisp sides:

• Simple green salad with vinaigrette
• Roasted vegetables
• Apple slices or pear salad
• Light white wine or sparkling water

How To Store Onion Fennel Soup Gratin

Refrigerate: Store the soup in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Keep croutons separate.

Freeze: Soup base (without croutons) can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.

Onion Fennel Soup Gratin Nutrition Facts

• Calories: ~420
• Total Fat: ~24g
• Saturated Fat: ~13g
• Cholesterol: ~55mg
• Sodium: ~950mg
• Carbohydrates: ~35g
• Fiber: ~3g
• Sugars: ~8g
• Protein: ~16g

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.

FAQs

Can I skip the fennel?
Yes, but fennel adds a sweet, mild anise flavor that complements the onions.

What’s the best bread for croutons?
Use a crusty baguette or country-style bread for best results.

Can I use red onions instead of yellow?
Yellow onions are ideal for caramelizing, but red will work in a pinch.

Do I need ovenproof bowls?
Yes, for broiling the cheese topping directly on the soup.

Is this vegetarian?
Only if using vegetable stock instead of beef or chicken stock.

Try More Recipes:

• Ina Garten Lobster Corn Chowder Recipe
• Ina Garten Mexican Chicken Soup
• Ina Garten Winter Minestrone Soup Recipe