Name: French Onion Soup Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced; 3 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon sugar; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional); 8 cups beef broth; 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce; 2 sprigs fresh thyme or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 bay leaf; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 baguette, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds; 2 cups shredded Gruyère cheese

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If you’re looking to bring a touch of Paris to your own kitchen, this French Onion Soup Recipe is the answer. Imagine spoonfuls of sweet, deeply caramelized onions mingling with rich beef broth, crowned with that irresistible lid of melty Gruyère crust. Whether you crave a comforting dinner or a showstopping starter for guests, this recipe offers soul-warming elegance that’s much easier than you’d think. Let’s ladle up some classic French comfort, one delicious bowl at a time!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this French Onion Soup Recipe truly lies in its simplicity—just a handful of classic ingredients blend together for a symphony of rich flavors and textures. Each element has a role, from the sweet onions to the sharp Gruyère, so don’t underestimate the basics!

Yellow onions: The star—that signature sweet, mellow flavor only comes with slow caramelizing.
Unsalted butter: For velvety richness, butter starts those onions off on the right note.
Olive oil: A splash of olive oil with butter creates the perfect base for savory goodness.
Salt: Essential for drawing moisture from the onions and developing that deep flavor.
Sugar: Just a touch to boost caramelization and help things along.
Garlic: Adds warmth and a subtle background aroma you’ll love.
Dry white wine: Optional but highly recommended for brightness and complexity.
Beef broth: This is where the soup gets its soul—choose a robust broth for real depth.
Worcestershire sauce: Just a splash for umami magic and a flavor boost.
Fresh thyme (or dried): A sprig or two for classic herbal notes.
Bay leaf: A single bay leaf brings aroma and earthiness.
Salt and pepper: For perfect seasoning before serving.
Baguette: Thick slices are the ultimate vessel for catching that bubbling cheese.
Gruyère cheese: Melty, stretchy, and nutty Gruyère gives you that iconic golden top.

How to Make French Onion Soup Recipe

Step 1: Caramelize the Onions

This is where patience pays off! Melt the butter with the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the sliced onions, sprinkling with salt and sugar. Let them cook, stirring often, for 30–40 minutes. Don’t rush—wait for that irresistible deep golden-brown color. The caramelization brings out the signature sweetness and savory notes that make the French Onion Soup Recipe unforgettable.

Step 2: Add Garlic & Deglaze with Wine

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1–2 minutes, just until fragrant. Then, if you’ve got white wine handy, pour it in to deglaze the pan. Scrape up every bit of caramelized goodness sticking to the bottom—those browned bits add complexity and character. Simmer for 3–4 minutes to let the alcohol cook off, leaving behind wonderful layers of flavor.

Step 3: Simmer with Broth & Aromatics

Pour in the beef broth, add the Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and bay leaf. Bring everything to a lively simmer and let it bubble gently, uncovered, for 20–25 minutes. This step infuses the soup with magisterial depth and lets all the aromatics do their work. When done, fish out the bay leaf and thyme sprigs, and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Prepare the Cheesy Baguette Toasts

Meanwhile, get ready for the best part! Arrange your baguette slices on a baking sheet and toast them briefly under the broiler until golden. Sprinkle each with a generous pile of shredded Gruyère cheese and return to the broiler until the cheese is bubbling, melted, and golden brown on top. These cheesy toasts are the essential finishing touch for any French Onion Soup Recipe.

Step 5: Assemble and Broil to Finish

Ladle piping-hot soup into oven-safe bowls, top each with a cheesy toast, and carefully broil for 2–3 minutes. The cheese will melt and cascade down the sides, forming that famous golden crust you’ll want to crack through with your spoon. Serve immediately—you’re in for an unforgettable bowl of comfort!

How to Serve French Onion Soup Recipe

Garnishes

A finishing sprinkle of extra Gruyère or a scatter of freshly cracked black pepper makes a simple, elegant garnish. Fresh thyme leaves or even chopped chives add a fragrant pop of green against the golden cheese. Serve piping hot, letting everyone dive through the cheesy crust into the sweet, savory broth beneath.

Side Dishes

This French Onion Soup Recipe is soul-satisfying on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with light salads, a classic Niçoise, or even a simple green salad tossed with a zesty vinaigrette. For heartier appetites, add a platter of cured meats or a few slices of country pâté to bring a true bistro experience to your table.

Creative Ways to Present

For a memorable dinner party, serve mini versions in espresso cups or ramekins as an elegant appetizer. You could even set up a build-your-own station with little crocks, assorted cheese options, and broiled toasts on the side, turning this French Onion Soup Recipe into an interactive feast.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool leftover soup completely before storing in an airtight container in the fridge. The flavors only get better by the next day, making this a fabulous make-ahead option. Just hold off on adding the bread and cheese until you’re ready to serve so they stay melty and fresh.

Freezing

French Onion Soup freezes surprisingly well! Ladle the cooled soup (without the toasts or cheese) into freezer-safe containers. Label and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready for a bowlful of cozy, just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat.

Reheating

Gently rewarm the soup over low heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally. Toast fresh bread and melt the cheese as you would for a new batch. For that crowning cheesy crust, broil the topped bowls right before serving, so every bite still feels fresh and luxurious.

FAQs

What kind of onions are best for French Onion Soup Recipe?

Yellow onions are classic, thanks to their balanced sweet-savory flavor. You can combine some sweet onions for added depth, or use all yellow for a traditional approach. Whichever you choose, slicing them thinly and caramelizing slowly is the real secret!

Can I make this vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply swap the beef broth for a high-quality vegetable stock. You’ll still get a hearty, flavorful result and that same gorgeous cheesy gratin on top.

Do I need oven-safe bowls?

Oven-safe crocks are traditional, but if you don’t have them, simply place the cheesy toasts on a baking sheet to broil, then float one on each bowl of hot soup when serving. You’ll still get that iconic melted cheese effect.

What’s the best cheese for topping?

Gruyère is classic for this French Onion Soup Recipe, thanks to its nutty, melty qualities. Swiss, Emmental, or even a layer of mozzarella (for extra stretch) work well too—just aim for a cheese that melts beautifully and browns under the broiler.

How can I avoid watery onions?

Take your time with caramelization; start with medium heat and allow the onions to cook down until they’re deeply golden. Don’t rush! High heat can cause them to steam rather than caramelize, which is key to the soup’s signature flavor.

Final Thoughts

If you haven’t tried making your own French Onion Soup Recipe yet, I can’t recommend it enough! Few dishes are as rewarding and comforting as a homemade bowl, brimming with sweet onions and bubbling cheese. Give it a go, savor every bite, and watch it become a beloved classic in your kitchen, too!

French Onion Soup Recipe

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4.5 from 20 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the rich and comforting flavors of this classic French Onion Soup recipe. Caramelized onions simmered in a savory beef broth, topped with cheesy Gruyère croutons – the ultimate comfort food!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Soup:

4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon sugar
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup dry white wine (optional)
8 cups beef broth
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
2 sprigs fresh thyme or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1 bay leaf
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Cheese Toasts:

1 baguette, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
2 cups shredded Gruyère cheese

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Instructions

Caramelize the Onions: In a large pot, melt butter with olive oil over medium heat. Add onions, salt, and sugar. Cook until deep golden brown and caramelized.
Add Flavors: Stir in garlic, then deglaze with wine. Add broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and bay leaf. Simmer for 20–25 minutes.
Prepare Cheese Toasts: Toast baguette slices, top with Gruyère, and broil until melted.
Serve: Ladle hot soup into bowls, top with cheese toast, and broil until golden. Serve hot.