Soups & Drinks

French Onion Soup

Name: French Onion Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h 10 min
Total time: 1 h 25 min
Yield: 6
Ingredients: 5 large yellow onions, thinly sliced; 4 tbsp unsalted butter; 2 tbsp olive oil; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 2 tsp sugar; 1/2 cup dry white wine; 8 cups beef broth; 2 bay leaves; 2 fresh thyme sprigs; Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 1 French 1 baguette, sliced into 1-inch thick rounds; 2 cups Gruyère cheese, grated; 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

September 3, 2025

Servings: 6 Total Time: 1 hr 25 mins Difficulty: Beginner

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Introduction

French Onion Soup is a timeless classic from French cuisine, loved worldwide for its rich, savory flavors and comforting appeal. At its heart, this dish is beautifully simple: sweet caramelized onions simmered in a flavorful beef broth, topped with slices of toasted bread, and smothered in melted, gooey cheese. The combination of the deep, slightly sweet onion flavor with the salty broth and golden, cheesy topping makes it a truly indulgent yet rustic soup.

Traditionally served in French bistros, this dish has become a global comfort food. It’s elegant enough for dinner parties yet cozy enough for a cold winter night at home. The magical balance of flavors—sweet, savory, cheesy, and toasty—makes French Onion Soup an unforgettable experience.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love French Onion Soup because it transforms the humble onion into something extraordinary. The slow caramelization process draws out natural sweetness, turning simple ingredients into a rich and flavorful masterpiece. It’s one of those recipes that rewards patience with incredible depth of flavor.

Another reason I adore it is the topping—a crusty baguette slice floating on top, smothered in bubbling melted Gruyère cheese. Each spoonful is hearty, cheesy, and soul-warming. This soup feels like comfort food with a touch of sophistication, which is why it’s always a winner in my kitchen.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

Elegant yet comforting – perfect for both casual and special occasions.
Rich layers of flavor – caramelized onions, savory broth, and cheesy bread.
Affordable ingredients – elevates basic pantry staples into something gourmet.
Make-ahead friendly – tastes even better the next day.
Classic French tradition – a recipe worth mastering for every home cook.

Recipe Details

Cuisine: French
Course: Soup / Appetizer
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 6 bowls
Calories: ~400 per serving

Ingredients

5 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
4 tbsp unsalted butter
2 tbsp olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 tsp sugar (helps caramelize onions)
1/2 cup dry white wine (optional, but recommended)
8 cups beef broth (or half beef, half chicken broth)
2 bay leaves
2 fresh thyme sprigs (or 1 tsp dried thyme)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For topping:

1 French baguette, sliced into 1-inch thick rounds
2 cups Gruyère cheese, grated (Swiss cheese works as substitute)
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

Simple Cooking Directions

Caramelize onions in butter and oil until deep golden brown.
Deglaze with white wine, then add broth, herbs, and seasonings. Simmer.
Toast baguette slices and top with Gruyère.
Ladle soup into oven-safe bowls, top with bread and cheese, and broil until bubbly.
Serve hot and cheesy!

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Caramelize the Onions

In a large heavy pot, melt butter with olive oil over medium heat.
Add sliced onions and cook slowly, stirring often, for 30–40 minutes until deep golden brown.
Sprinkle sugar to speed up caramelization, and add garlic in the last few minutes.

Step 2: Deglaze the Pan

Pour in white wine to deglaze, scraping up browned bits. Let it reduce by half.

Step 3: Simmer the Soup

Add beef broth, bay leaves, thyme, salt, and pepper.
Simmer uncovered for 25–30 minutes to develop flavor.
Remove bay leaves and thyme sprigs before serving.

Step 4: Prepare the Bread & Cheese

Preheat oven broiler.
Place baguette slices on a baking sheet and toast until crisp.
Sprinkle with Gruyère and Parmesan, broil until cheese is melted and golden.

Step 5: Assemble & Serve

Ladle hot soup into oven-safe bowls.
Place a cheese-topped bread slice on top.
Broil bowls briefly (optional) for extra bubbly, melted cheese.

How to Serve

Serve hot in oven-safe bowls with melted cheese bubbling on top.
Pair with a crisp green salad or roasted meats for a complete meal.
A glass of dry white wine or red wine complements the soup beautifully.

Additional Recipe Tips

Use a mix of onions (yellow + sweet) for deeper flavor.
Patience is key when caramelizing onions—don’t rush!
If you prefer a lighter version, use chicken broth instead of beef broth.
Always use oven-safe bowls if broiling cheese directly on top.

Variations

Vegetarian French Onion Soup – Use vegetable broth and skip Parmesan.
Mushroom French Onion Soup – Add sautéed mushrooms for an earthy twist.
Spicy Kick – Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for warmth.
Different Cheeses – Try Comté, provolone, or mozzarella instead of Gruyère.

Freezing & Storage

Refrigerator: Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze soup (without bread and cheese) for up to 2 months.
Reheat: Warm gently on stovetop, then add fresh bread and cheese topping.

Special Equipment Needed

Large heavy pot or Dutch oven
Wooden spoon
Oven-safe soup bowls
Baking sheet (for toasting bread)

Conclusion

French Onion Soup is proof that simple ingredients can create something truly extraordinary. With its sweet caramelized onions, savory broth, crusty bread, and melted cheese, this soup is both rustic and refined. Perfect for cozy nights or elegant dinners, it’s a recipe every home cook should master. Once you taste this homemade version, you’ll never need the restaurant version again!

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