Classic French Onion Soup
French Onion Soup is a heartwarming bowl of magic that transports you to a quaint French bistro with every spoonful.
This timeless recipe is all about caramelized onions, a rich beef broth, and a golden blanket of bubbly, melted cheese.
Perfect for cozy nights or elegant gatherings, this dish feels like a warm hug with a touch of sophistication.
Let’s dive in and create this flavorful masterpiece together—don’t worry, I’ve got plenty of shortcuts to keep things simple and stress-free!
How to Make It
Note: This is an overview. See the recipe card below this post for ingredient quantities and full instructions.
Caramelize the onions.
Melt butter with a touch of olive oil in a large pot, then slowly cook sliced onions until they turn a deep, golden-brown color. Stir frequently to ensure even caramelization without burning. This step takes time, but the rich, sweet flavor is worth the wait!
Simmer with broth and seasonings.
Stir in garlic, season with salt and pepper, and sprinkle with flour to create a lightly thickened base. Gradually pour in the rich beef broth and a splash of dry white wine. Add bay leaves and fresh thyme, then let the soup simmer gently to develop its deep, savory flavor.
Prepare the bread and cheese topping.
Slice the baguette and toast it until golden and crisp. Generously grate Gruyère cheese, ensuring there’s plenty to create a gooey, bubbly topping for the soup.
Assemble and broil.
Ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls, place a slice of toasted baguette on top of each, and pile on the Gruyère cheese. Place the bowls under the broiler until the cheese is melted, bubbling, and golden brown. Serve immediately for the ultimate comfort food experience.
Pro Tips
- Patience is key: Caramelizing onions takes time, but the deep flavor is worth it. Stir them frequently and don’t rush the process.
- Use good-quality broth: The broth makes or breaks the soup. Homemade or store-bought, go for the best you can get.
- Cheese matters: Gruyère is classic, but feel free to experiment with Comté or even Swiss for a slightly different flavor.
- Toasted bread hack: Lightly rub your toasted baguette with a garlic clove for an extra layer of flavor.
Storage
- Refrigerator: Store leftover soup (without bread and cheese) in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop.
- Freezer: Freeze the soup base in portions for up to 3 months. Add fresh bread and cheese when ready to serve.
Classic French Onion Soup
Description
Transform everyday onions into a gourmet experience with this easy yet elegant recipe. Perfectly caramelized onions swim in a flavorful broth, topped with crusty bread and gooey cheese.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Melt butter with olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions, stirring occasionally until they caramelize (about 30–40 minutes). Sprinkle in sugar halfway through to enhance caramelization.
- Stir in garlic, salt, and pepper, cooking for another 2 minutes.
- Sprinkle flour over the onions, stirring until fully incorporated. Cook for 1–2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
- Slowly add the beef broth and white wine, stirring constantly. Add bay leaves and thyme. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer for 20 minutes.
- Preheat your broiler.
- Ladle soup into oven-safe bowls, place a slice of toasted baguette on top, and sprinkle generously with Gruyère cheese.
- Broil until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown. Serve immediately.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 6
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 350kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 18g28%
- Sodium 800mg34%
- Total Carbohydrate 32g11%
- Protein 12g24%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
- For vegetarian options, use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
- Swap Gruyère with mozzarella for a milder cheese flavor.
These values are approximate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients and brands used. Always check your ingredient labels for precise nutrition details.
