French Onion Soup is a classic, comforting dish perfect for chilly days or when you’re in the mood for something rich and satisfying. This recipe combines sweet caramelized onions, savory beef broth, and gooey melted cheese for a delightful experience in every spoonful.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich and Flavorful: The deep caramelized onions create a robust and slightly sweet flavor that’s perfectly balanced with the savory broth.
- Simple Ingredients: You don’t need a long list of fancy items to create this incredible dish.
- Perfect Comfort Food: Warm, cheesy, and hearty, it’s a cozy meal for any occasion.
- Easy to Customize: You can adjust the ingredients to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Yellow onions
- Unsalted butter
- Olive oil
- Beef broth or stock
- Dry white wine (optional)
- Fresh thyme
- Bay leaf
- French baguette
- Gruyere cheese
Directions
- Caramelize the Onions: In a large pot, melt butter with olive oil over medium heat. Add sliced onions and cook slowly, stirring frequently, until deeply golden and caramelized, about 30-40 minutes.
- Deglaze the Pan: Add a splash of white wine to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Cook until the wine reduces.
- Simmer the Soup: Add beef broth, thyme, and a bay leaf. Bring to a simmer and let the flavors meld for about 20-30 minutes. Remove thyme stems and bay leaf before serving.
- Prepare the Bread: Slice the baguette into rounds and toast until golden.
- Assemble and Broil: Ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls. Top each with a toasted baguette slice and a generous layer of grated Gruyere cheese. Broil until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve immediately.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4-6 bowls
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Replace beef broth with vegetable stock for a vegetarian-friendly soup.
- Cheese Options: Use Swiss or provolone cheese if Gruyere isn’t available.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free bread for the topping.
- Wine-Free: Skip the wine and use a splash of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice for acidity.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through. If reheating with cheese, assemble the soup and broil again before serving.
FAQs
How long does it take to caramelize onions?
It typically takes about 30-40 minutes to achieve a deep golden caramelization.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the soup base in advance and refrigerate. Add the bread and cheese just before serving.
What’s the best onion to use for this soup?
Yellow onions are traditional, but white or sweet onions can also work well.
Can I use pre-grated cheese?
Freshly grated cheese melts better and provides a creamier texture, but pre-grated can be used in a pinch.
Is the wine necessary?
No, you can omit it or substitute it with a splash of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice.
What kind of bread works best?
A crusty French baguette is ideal for its texture and ability to soak up the soup without becoming overly soggy.
Can I freeze French Onion Soup?
Yes, freeze the soup base without the bread and cheese for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat before adding the toppings.
How do I avoid burning the onions?
Cook over medium to low heat, stirring frequently, and avoid rushing the caramelization process.
Can I use chicken broth instead of beef broth?
You can, but the flavor will be lighter and less traditional.
What’s the best way to broil the cheese topping?
Use an oven-safe bowl, and place it under the broiler for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Conclusion
Easy French Onion Soup is a timeless recipe that combines simple ingredients with rich, comforting flavors. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a quiet night in, this dish is guaranteed to impress and satisfy. Give it a try and savor every delicious bite!
PrintEasy French Onion Soup
This classic French onion soup is rich, hearty, and comforting. Sweet caramelized onions simmered in a flavorful broth topped with crusty bread and gooey melted cheese make it a perfect dish for cold nights. It’s simple to prepare and tastes just like a gourmet restaurant version!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the soup:
- 4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups beef broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional)
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
For topping:
- 6 slices of French baguette, toasted
- 1 1/2 cups grated Gruyère cheese (or Swiss cheese)
Instructions
- Caramelize the onions:
- Heat the butter and olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the sliced onions and sprinkle with sugar. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 30–40 minutes until the onions are deeply caramelized and golden brown.
- Add garlic and deglaze:
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- If using wine, pour it in to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits. Let it simmer for 3–4 minutes.
- Simmer the soup:
- Add the beef broth, bay leaf, and thyme. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer uncovered for 20–30 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Prepare the topping:
- Preheat your broiler. Place the toasted baguette slices on a baking sheet and sprinkle generously with Gruyère cheese. Broil for 2–3 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Assemble and serve:
- Ladle the hot soup into bowls and top each with a cheese-topped baguette slice. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- For a vegetarian option, use vegetable broth and skip the wine.
- If Gruyère isn’t available, substitute with Emmental or mozzarella cheese.