Philly Cheesesteak French Onion Soup

This Philly Cheesesteak French Onion Soup is a delightful fusion dish that combines the comforting flavors of classic French onion soup with the hearty essence of a Philly cheesesteak. Perfect for cozy nights in or gatherings with friends, this soup is sure to impress. With its caramelized onions, tender beef, and melty cheeses, it’s not just a meal—it’s an experience! Plus, this recipe is keto-friendly, low carb, and gluten-free, making it suitable for various dietary needs.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavorful Fusion: Enjoy the rich tastes of both French onion soup and Philly cheesesteak in one bowl.
• Hearty and Filling: Packed with protein and satisfying ingredients, this dish will keep you full.
• Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps, you’ll have a delicious meal ready in no time.
• Versatile Dish: Perfect as a main course or starter for any occasion.
• Diet-Friendly: This recipe fits into keto, low carb, and gluten-free diets.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into cooking, you’ll want to gather your kitchen tools. Having the right equipment makes the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Kitchen Tools

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

Why These Tools Matter

• Dutch oven or soup pot: Ideal for even heat distribution while simmering the broth.
• Large skillet: Perfect for sautéing vegetables and cooking meat evenly.
• Rubber spatula: Essential for deglazing the pot and scraping up delicious bits stuck to the bottom.

Ingredients

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

For the Broth

• 1/2 cup cooking apple juice
• 4 cups beef stock

For Toppings

• 1 Keto Everything Bun
• 1/2 small red, green, and yellow bell peppers, thinly sliced
• 10 ounce ribeye steak (or substitute thinly sliced chicken or beef cutlets)
• 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 a 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 onions and continue cooking until they start to brown, which should take about 10 minutes.

Step 3: Add Flavorings

Incorporate Worcestershire sauce, garlic, thyme, bay leaves, salt, and pepper into the mix. Cook while stirring for an additional 5 minutes.

Step 4: Deglaze the Pot

Deglaze by pouring in cooking apple juice. Use a rubber spatula to scrape up any bits stuck at the bottom of the pot.

Step 5: Simmer the Broth

Pour in beef stock. Bring everything to a boil before reducing heat and letting it simmer for about 25 minutes.

Step 6: Cook Peppers and Steak

While your broth simmers, heat remaining olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced peppers with a sprinkle of salt and pepper; sauté for around 5 minutes. Then add your chosen beef cutlet (or chicken) until it’s cooked to your liking. Combine these cooked ingredients back into your soup mixture.

Step 7: Prepare for Baking

Discard bay leaves from soup. Divide mixture into four large oven-proof ramekins. Top each with two pieces of toasted bun and one slice of provolone cheese. Divide gruyere cheese evenly among all ramekins.

Step 8: Broil Until Golden Brown

Preheat your oven to broil setting. Place ramekins under broiler until cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

Step 9: Garnish and Serve

Garnish each serving with fresh thyme leaves and a sprinkle of black pepper before enjoying your delicious creation!

How to Serve Philly Cheesesteak French Onion Soup

Serving Philly Cheesesteak French Onion Soup is all about enhancing its rich flavors and comforting texture. Whether it’s a cozy dinner or a gathering with friends, these suggestions will elevate your dining experience.

Pair with Fresh Herbs

• Thyme: A sprinkle of fresh thyme not only adds color but enhances the soup’s aroma.
• Parsley: Chopped parsley can provide a fresh, vibrant touch to balance the richness.

Accompany with Crunchy Bread

• Crusty Baguette: Serve slices of a warm, crusty baguette for dipping into the soup.
• Garlic Toast: Add garlic toast for an extra layer of flavor that complements the cheesiness.

Offer a Salad

• Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad with crisp romaine and creamy dressing pairs well with the hearty soup.
• Mixed Greens: Lightly dressed mixed greens offer a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors.

Include Some Pickles

• Dill Pickles: The tanginess of dill pickles can cut through the richness of the soup, providing a delightful crunch.
• Pickled Jalapeños: For those who enjoy heat, pickled jalapeños add a spicy kick that complements the dish.

How to Perfect Philly Cheesesteak French Onion Soup

Perfecting your Philly Cheesesteak French Onion Soup involves attention to detail in both preparation and presentation. Follow these tips to ensure your soup is a hit every time.

• Bold Caramelization: Take your time when caramelizing onions to develop deep, rich flavors. Aim for a golden brown color.
• Quality Broth: Use high-quality beef stock for a more robust flavor. Homemade broth is always best if you have the time.
• Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh herbs and vegetables. Freshness enhances taste significantly.
• Cheese Layering: Layer cheeses on top of the soup rather than mixing them in. This technique creates a beautiful cheese crust when broiled.
• Taste as You Go: Adjust seasoning gradually throughout cooking. This ensures balanced flavors in the final dish.
• Serve Immediately: For best results, serve the soup right after broiling so that it stays hot and cheesy.

Best Side Dishes for Philly Cheesesteak French Onion Soup

Complementing your Philly Cheesesteak French Onion Soup with side dishes can enhance its appeal and create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options:

1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes flavored with roasted garlic for an indulgent side.
2. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Crispy Brussels sprouts tossed in olive oil and seasoning make for a healthy contrast.
3. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw adds crunch and brightness to balance out the richness of the soup.
4. Stuffed Bell Peppers: Tender bell peppers filled with quinoa, veggies, or meat offer additional heartiness that pairs well.
5. Cornbread Muffins: Sweet cornbread muffins provide a delightful texture change alongside your soup.
6. Vegetable Stir-Fry: A colorful vegetable stir-fry can lighten up your meal while adding freshness and nutrients.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing Philly Cheesesteak French Onion Soup, it’s easy to make some common errors that can affect the flavor and texture of your dish.

• Skipping the caramelization: Properly caramelizing onions is crucial for depth of flavor. Take your time and let them cook slowly until golden brown.
• Using low-quality broth: A rich beef stock enhances the taste significantly. Opt for a high-quality stock or homemade broth for the best results.
• Overcooking the steak: To maintain tenderness, cook the steak just until it reaches your desired doneness. This keeps it juicy and flavorful in the soup.
• Neglecting seasoning: Taste as you go! Adjust salt and pepper levels throughout cooking to ensure balanced flavors.
• Not using enough cheese: Cheese is essential for that gooey, comforting topping. Don’t skimp on the Gruyere and provolone for an indulgent finish.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.
• Consume within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing Philly Cheesesteak French Onion Soup

• Use freezer-safe containers or bags to prevent freezer burn.
• This soup can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Philly Cheesesteak French Onion Soup

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place soup in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Heat until warmed through.
• Microwave: Transfer soup to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each until hot.
• Stovetop: Pour soup into a pot over medium heat. Stir occasionally until heated through, adding a splash of broth if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes this Philly Cheesesteak French Onion Soup keto-friendly?

This recipe uses low-carb ingredients like beef stock and keto-friendly buns, making it suitable for a ketogenic diet.

Can I customize the toppings for my Philly Cheesesteak French Onion Soup?

Absolutely! Feel free to add different cheeses or even sautéed mushrooms and jalapeños to personalize your soup.

How do I store leftover Philly Cheesesteak French Onion Soup?

Store any leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze it for up to three months.

What kind of beef works best in this recipe?

Ribeye is recommended due to its tenderness and flavor, but you may also use sirloin or flank steak if preferred.

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes! Replace beef stock with vegetable stock and omit the meat altogether while adding more vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini.

Conclusion

Philly Cheesesteak French Onion Soup blends rich flavors and textures that are sure to please any palate. With its comforting appeal, it’s perfect for customization—swap out meats or cheeses as you like. Give this recipe a try; it might just become your new favorite comfort food!

---