Spice up your soup: the surprising cheese that will give your french onion soup a kick
What To Know
- Once the soup is hot and bubbly, remove it from the heat and sprinkle a generous amount of grated provolone cheese over the surface.
- Place the soup under a preheated broiler or grill for a few minutes, or until the cheese is melted and slightly browned.
- Using provolone cheese in French onion soup offers a unique and flavorful twist on a classic dish.
French onion soup, a classic dish known for its rich, caramelized onions and gooey, melted cheese, is a beloved comfort food. While Gruyère and Swiss cheese are the traditional choices for topping this soup, can you venture outside the norm and use provolone cheese instead? The answer is a resounding yes!
The Unique Taste of Provolone
Provolone cheese, a semi-hard cheese originating in Italy, boasts a slightly salty, nutty flavor with a hint of sweetness. Its texture is firm yet supple, making it an excellent melting cheese. When melted, provolone forms a smooth, creamy consistency that adds a unique depth of flavor to French onion soup.
Benefits of Using Provolone Cheese
1. Flavorful Complement: Provolone cheese complements the caramelized onions’ sweetness without overpowering them. Its nutty notes enhance the soup’s savory profile, creating a harmonious balance of flavors.
2. Creamy Texture: The melted provolone provides a velvety texture that coats the onions and croutons, enriching the soup’s overall mouthfeel.
3. Stretchy Goodness: Provolone cheese is known for its stretchy quality, which adds a satisfying gooeyness to each spoonful of soup.
How to Use Provolone Cheese in French Onion Soup
Incorporating provolone cheese into your French onion soup is a simple process:
1. Prepare the Soup: Follow your preferred recipe to prepare the French onion soup base.
2. Sprinkle the Cheese: Once the soup is hot and bubbly, remove it from the heat and sprinkle a generous amount of grated provolone cheese over the surface.
3. Broil or Grill: Place the soup under a preheated broiler or grill for a few minutes, or until the cheese is melted and slightly browned.
Variations and Tips
1. Blending Cheeses: For a more complex flavor, blend provolone with other cheeses such as Gruyère, Swiss, or mozzarella.
2. Croutons: Use crusty bread for the croutons to absorb the flavorful broth and melted cheese.
3. Herbs and Spices: Enhance the soup’s flavor with fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary, and a dash of black pepper.
Troubleshooting
1. Cheese Not Melting: Ensure the soup is hot enough before adding the cheese. If it’s not melting, increase the temperature slightly.
2. Cheese Burning: Keep a close eye on the soup under the broiler or grill to prevent the cheese from burning.
Takeaways: Embrace the Flavorful Twist
Using provolone cheese in French onion soup offers a unique and flavorful twist on a classic dish. Its nutty flavor, creamy texture, and gooey goodness complement the caramelized onions perfectly, creating a rich and satisfying culinary experience. Whether you’re a traditionalist or an adventurous cook, consider incorporating provolone cheese into your next batch of French onion soup for an unforgettable taste sensation.
Top Questions Asked
1. What type of provolone cheese should I use?
Aged provolone cheese with a slightly sharp flavor works best in French onion soup.
2. How much provolone cheese should I add?
Use about 1/2 cup of grated provolone cheese per serving of soup.
3. Can I use other cheeses with provolone?
Yes, you can blend provolone with other cheeses like Gruyère, Swiss, or mozzarella for a more complex flavor.
4. Can I make French onion soup ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the soup up to 3 days in advance and reheat it before serving.
5. What can I serve with French onion soup?
Serve French onion soup with a crusty bread or croutons for dipping, and a side salad for balance.
