French Onion Soup

French Onion Soup is a classic, comforting dish featuring deeply caramelized onions, a rich broth, and a crispy, cheesy topping. This soup is perfect for cold days or when you need a hearty, flavorful meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Deep, Rich Flavor – The slow-cooked onions develop an intense sweetness and depth.
  • Comforting and Satisfying – Perfect for cozy evenings and chilly weather.
  • Simple Ingredients – Made with pantry staples yet packed with flavor.
  • Customizable – Easily adapted to vegetarian or gluten-free diets.
  • Great for Entertaining – A crowd-pleaser with its warm, inviting aroma.
French Onion Soup 10 French Onion Soup is a classic, comforting dish featuring deeply caramelized onions, a rich broth, and a crispy, cheesy topping. This soup is perfect for cold days or when you need a hearty, flavorful meal.


Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

  • Yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • Butter or olive oil
  • Garlic, minced
  • Beef or vegetable broth
  • Dry white wine (optional)
  • Worcestershire sauce (or soy sauce for a vegetarian option)
  • Bay leaves
  • Thyme, fresh or dried
  • Baguette or crusty bread
  • Gruyère cheese, shredded
  • Salt and black pepper

Directions

  1. In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add sliced onions and cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until deeply caramelized (about 30-40 minutes).
  2. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute.
  3. Deglaze the pot with white wine (if using), scraping up any browned bits.
  4. Pour in broth, Worcestershire sauce, bay leaves, and thyme. Simmer for 20 minutes.
  5. Remove bay leaves and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  6. Preheat the oven broiler. Ladle soup into oven-safe bowls.
  7. Top each bowl with a slice of baguette and shredded Gruyère cheese.
  8. Place under the broiler until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  9. Serve hot and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: 4
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour

Variations

  • Vegetarian Option: Use vegetable broth and replace Worcestershire sauce with a vegan alternative.
  • Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free bread for the topping.
  • Extra Rich Flavor: Add a splash of sherry or brandy before serving.
  • Cheese Alternatives: Try Swiss or mozzarella if Gruyère isn’t available.

Storage/Reheating

  • Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Freezing: Freeze in portions for up to 3 months.
  • Reheating: Warm on the stove over low heat until heated through.
French Onion Soup
French Onion Soup 11 French Onion Soup is a classic, comforting dish featuring deeply caramelized onions, a rich broth, and a crispy, cheesy topping. This soup is perfect for cold days or when you need a hearty, flavorful meal.


FAQs

Can I use red onions instead of yellow onions?

Yes, but the flavor will be slightly different—red onions are sweeter and less traditional.

What can I substitute for Gruyère cheese?

Swiss, mozzarella, or even Parmesan work well as alternatives.

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, it actually tastes better the next day as the flavors develop.

Do I have to use wine?

No, you can skip the wine or replace it with extra broth.

What’s the best bread for this soup?

A crusty baguette works best as it holds up well in the broth.

Can I make this without Worcestershire sauce?

Yes, use soy sauce or tamari for a similar umami flavor.

Is this soup freezer-friendly?

Yes, just freeze without the bread and cheese topping for best results.

What’s the key to perfect caramelized onions?

Low and slow cooking is essential for the best flavor.

Can I use pre-grated cheese?

Freshly grated cheese melts better, but pre-grated can work in a pinch.

What side dishes pair well with French Onion Soup?

A fresh green salad or a light sandwich complements the soup perfectly.

Conclusion

French Onion Soup is a timeless classic that brings warmth and depth to any meal. With its caramelized onions, rich broth, and cheesy topping, this dish is perfect for any occasion. Enjoy it as a starter or a hearty main course!

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
French Onion Soup

French Onion Soup

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star No reviews
  • Author: Maria B. Evans

Description

This classic French Onion Soup features sweet, caramelized onions in a rich broth, topped with toasted baguette slices and melted Gruyère cheese. It’s comforting, deeply flavorful, and perfect for cold days!


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • For the Soup:
  • 4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (or olive oil for a vegan option)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon sugar (helps with caramelization)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional)
  • 6 cups beef broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian version)
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 34 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (optional)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • For the Topping:
  • 1 baguette, sliced
  • 2 cups shredded Gruyère cheese (or dairy-free cheese for vegan)
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra flavor)

Instructions

  • 1. Caramelize the Onions
  • In a large pot, melt butter and olive oil over medium heat.
  • Add sliced onions, salt, and sugar. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 40-50 minutes until onions turn a deep golden brown. (Be patient—this step builds flavor!)
  • Add minced garlic and cook for another minute.
  • 2. Deglaze the Pan
  • Pour in white wine and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Let it simmer until the wine reduces by half, about 3 minutes.
  • 3. Simmer the Soup
  • Add the broth, bay leaf, thyme, and Worcestershire sauce. Bring to a simmer and let cook for 20-30 minutes.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Remove bay leaf and thyme sprigs.
  • 4. Prepare the Toasted Bread
  • While the soup simmers, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
  • Arrange baguette slices on a baking sheet and toast for about 5-7 minutes until crispy.
  • 5. Assemble and Broil
  • Ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls.
  • Top each with a slice or two of toasted baguette.
  • Sprinkle generously with Gruyère cheese.
  • Place under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Notes

  • Make it Vegan: Use olive oil instead of butter, vegetable broth instead of beef broth, and dairy-free cheese.
  • No Broiler? Just melt the cheese in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes.
  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stove over low heat.
  • Nutrition (Per Serving)
  • Calories: ~350
  • Protein: ~15g
  • Carbs: ~35g
  • Fat: ~18g
  • Sodium: ~900mg

Nutrition

  • Calories: ~350
  • Sodium: ~900mg
  • Fat: ~18g
  • Protein: ~15g

Leave a Comment & Rate this Recipe!

If you love this recipe, please consider giving it a star rating when you leave a comment. Star ratings help people discover my recipes online. Your support means a lot to me, I appreciate you.

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *