French Onion Soup - What kind of Cheese?

[Zandy595]

What kind of cheese do you put on top of French Onion Soup?

Most of the recipes I've been seeing say Gruyere. I just got back from the store where I asked for Gruyere at the deli. I tasted it (at home) - it's smoked. I look at the label, it says Smoked Gruyere. I didn't ask for smoked. The deli woman is older and has worked there for a long time, so I'm surprised she made that mistake. It wasn't like they were busy and she was in a hurry. I was the only customer at the counter. Luckily I'm not making it until tomorrow and will send DH to get something else. I saw some regular packaged Gruyere, but it was over $9. What else can I use that is similar to Gruyere, but less expensive. I don't even know what it's supposed to taste like since I've only had the smoked kind.

 

[mjkacmom]

What kind of cheese do you put on top of French Onion Soup?

Most of the recipes I've been seeing say Gruyere. I just got back from the store where I asked for Gruyere at the deli. I tasted it (at home) - it's smoked. I look at the label, it says Smoked Gruyere. I didn't ask for smoked. The deli woman is older and has worked there for a long time, so I'm surprised she made that mistake. It wasn't like they were busy and she was in a hurry. I was the only customer at the counter. Luckily I'm not making it until tomorrow and will send DH to get something else. I saw some regular packaged Gruyere, but it was over $9. What else can I use that is similar to Gruyere, but less expensive. I don't even know what it's supposed to taste like since I've only had the smoked kind.

Swiss cheese will be fine, just won't taste as rich.

 

[Angelhalo]

I always use plain gruyere but a nice provolone might be good.

 

[SaraJayne]

I use either gruyere (or if that isn't available), provolone.

 

[Imzadi]

I like Swiss. Provolone is a little too bland in the soup for my taste, although I like it in sandwiches.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

Mozzerella makes a nice substitute. Swiss is OK. However I like most cheeses. Harvarti is a nice mild white cheese and the mexican cheese Queso Blanco might be awesome on top of french onion soup.

 

[Zandy595]

Provolone sounds good. I'll have to tell DH to make sure he doesn't get smoked.


OK, another question - What kind of wine/alcohol should I use? My first thought was sherry, but I don't know if that's traditional. I've seen red wine, white wine, brandy and sherry. It seems like every recipe is different.

 

[Meriweather]

Swiss

 

[Angelhalo]

Provolone sounds good. I'll have to tell DH to make sure he doesn't get smoked.


OK, another question - What kind of wine/alcohol should I use? My first thought was sherry, but I don't know if that's traditional. I've seen red wine, white wine, brandy and sherry. It seems like every recipe is different.

I use sherry. If I don't have sherry I use white wine

 

[goofyernmost]

Provolone. Just isn't the same without it.

 

[dejr_8]

melted?

 

[Mermaid02]

I use swiss or provolone........

 

[FayeW]

Swiss cheese is the secret to excellent French Onion soup.

 

[DMickey28]

I don't like sharp cheeses so I prefer Provolone on my French Onion soup. I also prefer to make it with Sherry vs. anything else. If I have red wine instead I'll throw that in but prefer the Sherry or even a dash of Port.

I LOVE a good French Onion soup and usually find I can make it better than I can get it in any restaurant!

 

[Cogswel_Cogs]

I agree with the swiss.
Though I use a lot of Parmegean or romano with the swiss

 

[FSUDisneyGirl]

We do provolone and sherry.

 

[Zandy595]

I don't like sharp cheeses so I prefer Provolone on my French Onion soup. I also prefer to make it with Sherry vs. anything else. If I have red wine instead I'll throw that in but prefer the Sherry or even a dash of Port.

I LOVE a good French Onion soup and usually find I can make it better than I can get it in any restaurant!

Care to share your recipe?

 

[wdhinn89]

Monteray Jack cheese

Provolone is to oily