A French onion soup is a classic French soup made with onions, broth, and croutons topped with cheese. It is traditionally served in a special type of oven-safe crockery bowl designed specifically for French onion soup. These iconic containers go by a few different names depending on the language.
Names for a French Onion Soup Container
In English, these containers are most commonly referred to as:
- French onion soup bowls
- French onion soup crocks
- Ramekins
In French, they have two main names:
- Les pots à soupe à l’oignon
- Les ramequins
The French names translate literally to “onion soup pots” and “ramekins” respectively. Ramequin is borrowed from the French term “ramekin” meaning a small glazed earthenware container used for cooking and serving food.
Characteristics
French onion soup containers have the following characteristics:
- Made from oven-safe ceramic or earthenware able to withstand very high temperatures
- Round or oval shape with straight sides
- Typically 1.5-3 inches tall and 4-6 inches wide
- Handle-less and topped with a small lid or no lid
- Ideal for individual serving sizes
The material needs to be flame and oven-proof because the soup is topped with a bread and cheese topping and then broiled to melt and slightly brown the cheese. The wider, shallower bowl shape helps maximize the crispy toasted cheese surface.
History
French onion soup dates back to at least the 18th century in France. It was originally a peasant dish made to use up leftover bread and onions. The now-iconic crockery bowls emerged later on to facilitate browning the bread and cheese topping in the oven.
These special containers became popularized in French restaurants and cafes starting in the 1920s. They remain a staple serving dish for French onion soup today around the world.
Use in Restaurants
In restaurants, the aesthetics and presentation of French onion soup plays a big role. The piping hot, aromatic soup topped with a raft of melted cheese served in a traditional oven-browned crock is an appetizing sight.
The individual crocks also make it easy for wait staff to deliver the soup neatly from a tray table directly to the diner’s place setting. This style of individual oven crock maintains the ideal temperature and texture when served compared to a communal tureen.
Availability
Authentic French onion soup crocks can be purchased online or in kitchenware stores. Look for options made from stoneware, cast iron, or enameled cast iron. Prices range from $10-50 USD depending on size, material, brand, and whether the crocks are sold individually or in sets.
Some examples of top-rated French onion soup crocks include:
| Brand | Material | Size | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Le Creuset | Enameled Cast Iron | 4.5″ diameter x 2″ high | $20 each |
| Emile Henry | Ceramic | 6″ diameter x 2.5″ high | $50 for a set of 4 |
| Staub | Cast Iron | 6.75″ diameter x 2.5″ high | $40 each |
Alternatives
For home cooks lacking dedicated French onion soup crocks, there are some suitable alternatives to achieve the signature presentation:
- Oven-safe coffee mugs or small bowls
- Custard dishes or ramekins
- Small cast iron skillets
- Miniature gratin dishes
- Shallow baking dishes
The most important factors are that the dish can withstand broiler temperatures up to 500°F and has sides short enough to allow the cheese topping to brown.
Popularity
French onion soup remains beloved due to its savory, soul-warming properties. The aromas and flavors mingle in a satisfying medley of sweet caramelized onions, beef or chicken broth, white wine, herbs, and garlic.
It’s a classic appetizer or meal starter in French bistros that is also ubiquitous on the menus of steakhouses and French restaurants internationally. It pairs excellently with bread, salad, and wine.
While versions sans crock also exist, the traditional presentation in a small earthenware oven crock elevated by a toasted cheese crust remains the gold standard.
Both home cooks seeking an authentic dish and restaurants wishing to offer a touch of Parisian bistro flair would be wise to invest in these specialized cooking vessels.
Tips for Use
Here are some tips for maximizing the French onion soup experience using traditional crocks:
- Choose oven-safe crocks with at least 2-inch sides to prevent boiling over.
- Rub the inside of the crocks with a cut garlic clove for extra flavor.
- Fill crocks to 1/2 inch below the rim to leave room for cheese.
- Pick a bread that will fit inside the crock’s opening when cut to size.
- Sprinkle cheese generously over the bread to get that crusty melted top.
- Broil 4-6 inches from heat for 3-5 minutes until browned.
- Allow to cool 2-3 minutes before serving so cheese firms up.
- Provide individual small plates for transporting the hot crocks.
Serving Suggestions
French onion soup is rich and filling. Here are some serving recommendations:
- As an appetizer course in a multi-course meal
- Alongside a fresh green salad as a light lunch
- With a sandwich or tartine as a cozy dinner
- At a wine tasting paired with a dry white wine or red Beaujolais
For easy transport from kitchen to table, place each crock atop an oven-safe saucer or small plate. Topped with bubbly cheese and piping hot, this classic soup is sure to delight family and guests.
French Onion Soup Container Key Facts
To summarize, the key facts about French onion soup containers are:
- Called French onion soup bowls or crocks in English
- Known as pots à soupe à l’oignon or ramequins in French
- Made from oven-safe ceramic, stoneware or enameled cast iron
- Typically 1.5-3″ tall and 4-6″ wide with short straight sides
- No handles or lids to maximize surface area
- Allow soup topped with cheese to be broiled
- Popularized by French cafes and bistros in the 1920s
- Provide an iconic presentation for serving the classic soup
Conclusion
French onion soup crocks are specialized oven-safe containers designed specifically for serving the classic French onion soup au gratin. With short, straight sides perfect for topping with a large piece of toast and broiling to melt cheese, these iconic bowls deliver both visual appeal and ideal texture.
Used for centuries in French cooking and now ubiquitous on French restaurant menus around the world, the French onion soup crock delivers savory, soul-warming soup in perfect individual portions. Both restaurants seeking authentic charm and home cooks wanting to master a French classic would do well to get their hands on traditional ceramic ramekins or French onion soup crocks.