Rich & Classic French Onion Soup Recipe
French onion soup is the kind of dish that turns humble ingredients into something extraordinary. Slowly caramelized onions bring deep sweetness, while a rich broth adds warmth and depth. The finishing touch? Toasted bread and gooey, broiled Gruyère cheese—an irresistible combination. This easy homemade version brings the authentic taste of a Parisian café right to your kitchen.
Ingredients Of French Onion Soup Recipe
Why You Will Love This French Onion Soup Recipe
You’ll love this French onion soup because it transforms simple, everyday ingredients into something truly special. The slow-cooked onions develop a rich, caramelized sweetness that blends perfectly with the savory depth of beef broth. Topped with crispy toasted baguette slices and a generous layer of gooey, golden-brown Gruyère cheese, every spoonful is warm, hearty, and comforting. Whether you’re making it as a cozy meal for yourself or serving it as a dinner party starter, this soup feels both rustic and elegant. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to prepare and even better the next day!
Preparation Process Of French Onion Soup Recipe
The key to perfect French onion soup lies in taking your time with the onions. They should be golden and soft—not burnt—for a sweet and rich flavor. The rest is simple: simmer the broth, toast the bread, and finish with melty cheese under the broiler.
Step By Step Instructions
Caramelize the onions: In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and sugar. Cook slowly for 30–40 minutes, stirring frequently, until onions are golden and caramelized.
Add garlic and deglaze: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute. Pour in the wine (if using), scraping the bottom of the pot to release browned bits.
Add broth and herbs: Stir in the beef broth, bay leaf, and thyme. Bring to a simmer and cook uncovered for 20–25 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Toast the baguette slices: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange baguette slices on a baking sheet and toast for 5–7 minutes per side, until crisp.
Assemble and broil: Ladle hot soup into oven-safe bowls. Place one or two toasted baguette slices on top and sprinkle generously with cheese. Broil until the cheese is melted and bubbling—2–3 minutes.
How to Serve?
- In individual oven-safe bowls topped with cheese and bread
- With a green salad for a light lunch or dinner
- As a cozy appetizer before steak or roast chicken
- Alongside extra baguette slices for dipping
- Paired with dry white wine or sparkling water with lemon
Tips & Variations
No wine? Use a splash of balsamic vinegar for added depth.
Cheese options: Gruyère is classic, but Swiss, provolone, or mozzarella can work too.
Make it vegetarian: Substitute with vegetable broth and skip the Worcestershire (if used).
Don’t rush the onions: Low and slow is the key to proper caramelization.
Make ahead: Soup base can be made 2–3 days in advance and refrigerated.
Nutrition
- Calories: 390
- Protein: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fat: 21g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 8g
Recipe Card
Rich & Classic French Onion Soup Recipe
Course: Soup Recipe4
servings15
minutes1
hour390
kcalThis classic French Onion Soup recipe delivers deep, savory flavor with sweet caramelized onions, a rich beef broth, and a golden, gooey cheese topping. Topped with toasted baguette slices and melty Gruyère, it’s a comforting dish that feels fancy without being complicated. Whether served as an elegant starter or a cozy main, this soup satisfies with every spoonful. It’s a timeless comfort food that’s easier to make than you think—and perfect for cold nights or special occasions. With just a few ingredients and a bit of patience, you can recreate a French bistro favorite right at home.
Ingredients
4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon sugar
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup dry white wine (optional)
6 cups beef broth (low-sodium preferred)
1 bay leaf
2 sprigs fresh thyme (or ½ tsp dried thyme)
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 baguette, sliced into ¾-inch rounds
2 cups shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese
Directions
- Caramelize the onions:
- In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and sugar. Cook slowly for 30–40 minutes, stirring frequently, until onions are golden and caramelized.
- Add garlic and deglaze:
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute. Pour in the wine (if using), scraping the bottom of the pot to release browned bits.
- Add broth and herbs:
- Stir in the beef broth, bay leaf, and thyme. Bring to a simmer and cook uncovered for 20–25 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Toast the baguette slices:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange baguette slices on a baking sheet and toast for 5–7 minutes per side, until crisp.
- Assemble and broil:
- Ladle hot soup into oven-safe bowls. Place one or two toasted baguette slices on top and sprinkle generously with cheese. Broil until the cheese is melted and bubbling—2–3 minutes.
Recipe Video
Notes
- Caramelizing onions takes time but is essential for rich flavor—don’t skip or speed up this step.
- Use good-quality beef broth for the best results.
- Gruyère adds the most authentic flavor, but other melting cheeses will also work.
FAQs
Conclusion
This French Onion Soup recipe proves that simple ingredients, when treated with care, can create something truly comforting and elegant. From the sweet caramelized onions to the bubbling cheese crust, every bite is rich with flavor and tradition. It’s the perfect dish to serve on cold nights, at dinner parties, or whenever you crave something cozy yet refined. Once you try this homemade version, you may never order it at a restaurant again—it’s that satisfying and surprisingly easy to make.
