Philly Cheesesteak French Onion Soup

This Philly Cheesesteak French Onion Soup is a delightful blend of rich flavors, perfect for cozy dinners or casual gatherings. Combining the comforting essence of classic French onion soup with the hearty appeal of a Philly cheesesteak, this dish is a must-try! Its melty cheese topping and savory broth make it suitable for any occasion, from family meals to festive celebrations.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich Flavors: The combination of caramelized onions, flavorful beef, and melted cheese creates a satisfying dish that tantalizes your taste buds.
• Easy Preparation: With straightforward steps, this recipe allows even novice cooks to create a gourmet experience at home.
• Versatile Meal: Enjoy it as a main course or serve it as an appetizer; it’s perfect for any meal.
• Health-Conscious Option: This version is keto, low carb, and gluten-free, making it suitable for various dietary needs.
• Comfort Food Classic: A warm bowl of soup is ideal for chilly evenings or whenever you’re in need of some comfort food.

Tools and Preparation

To make this delicious soup, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools to ensure everything goes smoothly.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Large Dutch oven or soup pot
• Large skillet
• Rubber spatula
• Oven-proof ramekins

Why These Tools Matter

• Large Dutch oven or soup pot: Perfect for simmering the broth and allowing flavors to meld beautifully.
• Large skillet: Ideal for sautéing vegetables and cooking meat evenly.
• Rubber spatula: Helps deglaze the pan easily, ensuring no flavor gets left behind.
• Oven-proof ramekins: Essential for serving the soup with a bubbly cheese topping straight from the oven.

Ingredients

This Philly Cheesesteak French Onion Soup combines two of my favorite things — the rich cheesiness of a classic French onion soup and a hearty Philly cheesesteak sandwich. Caramelized onions, thinly sliced ribeye, tender bell peppers, aromatic garlic, simmered in a rich broth, topped with melty gruyere and provolone cheeses. It is even keto, low carb and gluten free.

For the Soup Base

• 4 tablespoons avocado oil or olive oil
• 3 large yellow onions, peeled and thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce or coconut aminos
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt, more to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves or 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 2 bay leaves
• 1/2 cup cooking apple juice
• 4 cups beef stock

For the Toppings

• 1 Keto Everything Bun
• 1/2 small red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1/2 small green bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1/2 small yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 10 ounces ribeye steak (or substitute chicken breast), thinly sliced
• 4 slices provolone cheese
• 1 1/4 cups shredded Gruyere cheese

How to Make Philly Cheesesteak French Onion Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Onions

• Heat 3 tablespoons of oil in your large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium heat.
• Add the onions to the pan and sauté until soft, about 12 minutes.

Step 2: Caramelize the Onions

• Add the butter to the pan with the onions.
• Continue cooking until they start to brown, which takes about another 10 minutes.

Step 3: Flavorful Additions

• Stir in Worcestershire sauce (or coconut aminos), garlic, thyme, bay leaves, salt, and pepper.
• Cook this mixture for about 5 minutes to enhance flavors.

Step 4: Deglaze the Pan

• Pour in the cooking apple juice to deglaze.
• Use your rubber spatula to scrape up any bits stuck to the bottom of the pan.

Step 5: Simmering Broth

• Add beef stock to your pot.
• Bring it to a boil before reducing heat to low. Let it simmer for about 25 minutes.

Step 6: Prepare Peppers and Steak

• In a separate large skillet over medium heat, add remaining tablespoon of olive oil.
• Sauté the bell peppers seasoned with salt and pepper for about 5 minutes.
• Incorporate steak into this skillet and cook until desired doneness is reached.
• Add cooked peppers and steak back into your main soup pot. Taste and adjust salt if needed.

Step 7: Assemble Ramekins

• Discard bay leaves from your soup mixture.
• Divide soup among four large oven-proof ramekins.
• Top each ramekin with two pieces of toasted bun and one slice of provolone cheese. Evenly distribute Gruyere cheese on top.

Step 8: Broil Until Bubbly

• Preheat your oven’s broiler setting.
• Place ramekins under broiler; cook until cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

Step 9: Final Touches

• Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs and a sprinkle of black pepper right before serving.

Now you have a delicious Philly Cheesesteak French Onion Soup that will impress everyone at your table!

How to Serve Philly Cheesesteak French Onion Soup

Serving Philly Cheesesteak French Onion Soup is an experience filled with warmth and flavor. This comforting dish can be enjoyed on its own or paired with various sides to elevate the meal.

Pair with Crusty Bread

• A slice of crusty bread is perfect for dipping into the rich soup, soaking up all the delicious flavors.

Top with Fresh Herbs

• Garnishing your soup with fresh thyme or parsley adds a burst of color and freshness that complements the dish beautifully.

Serve in Individual Ramekins

• Presenting the soup in individual oven-proof ramekins not only looks elegant but also keeps each serving warm.

Accompany with a Side Salad

• A light side salad with mixed greens and a simple vinaigrette balances the richness of the soup and adds a refreshing crunch.

How to Perfect Philly Cheesesteak French Onion Soup

Perfecting your Philly Cheesesteak French Onion Soup involves attention to detail and a few key practices. Follow these tips to enhance your dish.

• Choose Quality Ingredients: Opt for high-quality beef stock and fresh vegetables to build a flavorful base for your soup.
• Caramelize Onions Slowly: Take your time when caramelizing onions; slow cooking enhances their sweetness and depth of flavor.
• Season Gradually: Add salt, pepper, and herbs incrementally while cooking. Taste as you go to achieve the perfect balance.
• Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh thyme or other herbs can elevate the taste significantly compared to dried versions.
• Broil Until Golden: Ensure you broil the cheese until it’s bubbly and golden brown for that perfect texture contrast in every bite.
• Let It Rest: Allowing the soup to sit for a few minutes before serving lets flavors meld together beautifully.

Best Side Dishes for Philly Cheesesteak French Onion Soup

Pairing side dishes with your Philly Cheesesteak French Onion Soup can enhance your dining experience. Here are some excellent options:

1. Garlic Bread
   A classic choice, garlic bread adds a crunchy texture and complements the cheesiness of the soup perfectly.
2. Caesar Salad
   Crisp romaine lettuce topped with creamy Caesar dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the hot, savory soup.
3. Roasted Vegetables
   A mix of seasonal roasted vegetables offers a healthy, flavorful side that pairs well with any hearty soup.
4. Coleslaw
   This crunchy side brings a tangy flavor that offsets the richness of the cheesy broth nicely.
5. Stuffed Peppers
   Bell peppers stuffed with quinoa or rice create a filling side that resonates with the flavors in your soup.
6. Potato Wedges
   Crispy potato wedges seasoned with herbs are delightful for dipping into your delicious bowl of soup.
7. Antipasto Platter
   An assortment of cured meats, cheeses, olives, and pickles creates an inviting spread that complements the main dish beautifully.
8. Cornbread
   Sweet cornbread adds a unique twist, offering both sweetness and texture alongside your savory soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Philly Cheesesteak French Onion Soup, it’s easy to overlook some details. Here are common mistakes to watch for:

• Skipping the Caramelization: Failing to properly caramelize the onions can lead to a lack of depth in flavor. Spend enough time cooking them until they are golden brown for the best taste.
• Ignoring Seasoning Adjustments: Not tasting and adjusting seasoning throughout cooking can result in bland soup. Always taste as you go and add more salt or pepper if needed.
• Using Low-Quality Ingredients: Low-quality broth or cheeses can ruin the dish. Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for a richer and more satisfying flavor.
• Overcooking the Steak: Cooking the steak too long can make it tough. Add it at the right time and cook only until it reaches your preferred doneness.
• Not Deglazing Properly: Skipping deglazing may mean missing out on delicious bits stuck to the pan. Scrape those bits up with your liquid to enhance flavors.
• Forgetting About Garnishes: Neglecting to garnish your soup can make it look less appealing. Fresh herbs or a sprinkle of black pepper adds a nice touch.

Refrigerator Storage

• Duration: Store leftover soup in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Containers: Use glass or plastic containers that seal well.

Freezing Philly Cheesesteak French Onion Soup

• Duration: Freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
• Containers: Ensure containers are freezer-safe and leave space for expansion.

Reheating Philly Cheesesteak French Onion Soup

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat soup in an oven-safe dish until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every minute until hot.
• Stovetop: Warm over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated evenly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Philly Cheesesteak French Onion Soup?

Philly Cheesesteak French Onion Soup is a comforting blend of classic French onion soup flavors combined with elements of a Philly cheesesteak, featuring caramelized onions, beef, and melted cheese.

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the soup ahead of time. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze it for longer storage.

How do I customize my Philly Cheesesteak French Onion Soup?

You can customize this recipe by adding different vegetables like mushrooms or using various cheeses based on your preference.

What sides pair well with this soup?

This hearty soup pairs nicely with a fresh salad or crusty bread for dipping, enhancing your meal experience.

Conclusion

This Philly Cheesesteak French Onion Soup is a delightful fusion that combines rich flavors and textures. It’s perfect for cozy dinners and offers plenty of customization options to suit your taste preferences. Give it a try!

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