French Onion and Brandied Apple Soup & Candied Walnut Blue Cheese Toast
This sophisticated soup is a decadent twist on the classic French onion, with the addition of brandied apples and a crispy, blue cheesy toast. The sweet and savory flavors blend together perfectly, while the brandy adds a subtle warmth and depth. It's a perfect starter for an elegant dinner party or a special night in.
Equipment
- Dutch oven pot
- Air Fryer
Ingredients
For the Soup:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion thinly sliced
- 1 Granny Smith or Red apple thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup Brandy optional
- 2 clove garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 3 cups good quality beef broth
- 1 sprig fresh thyme
- 1 bay leaf optional
- Pinch of red pepper flakes
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
For the Toast Topping:
- 2 slices thick-cut bread rustic sourdough, ciabatta, leftover bagel or baguette recommended
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons walnuts chopped
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- Pinch of cinnamon
- 3 ounces blue cheese crumbled
Instructions
Caramelize the onions and apples:
- Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium to low heat.
- Add the onions and apples, and cook for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and caramelized (if the pan gets a little dried out, add 1-2 tablespoons of water).
- Stir in the brandy and cook for another minute while scraping the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon or spatula.
Build the broth:
- Add the garlic, broth, thyme, and bay leaf (if using). Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook for 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Prepare the walnuts:
- While the soup simmers, layer parchment paper to the air fryer tray and preheat the air fryer at 350°F (175°C).
- Toss the walnuts with olive oil, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Spread on the lined air fryer tray and air fry for 5-10 minutes, checking occasionally, until golden and caramelized.
- Pour into a bowl, set aside and allow time for it to cool.
Toast the bread:
- Toast the bread slices in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 5 minutes or until golden on both sides. Lay both the walnut mixture and blue cheese onto each toast and air fry for another 1-2 minutes.
Assemble and serve:
- Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Top each with a walnut and cheese toast.
- Dig in and let the aroma of caramelized onions, sweet apples, and sharp blue cheese transport you to culinary heaven!
Notes
Tips and Variations:
- Don't want to use Brandy? Substitute with apple cider or apple or orange juice.
- Feel free to experiment with different cheeses for the topping. Brie or Camembert can offer a milder option.
- Add a dollop of crème fraîche or mascarpone for an extra touch of richness.
- If serving to vegetarians, omit the beef broth and use vegetable broth instead.