Rich, savory, and topped with golden, bubbly cheese, Classic French Onion Soup is the ultimate comfort dish. Made with caramelized onions, a flavorful broth, and crispy toasted bread, this traditional French favorite is simple yet incredibly satisfying.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Deep, rich flavor: Slow-cooked onions create a naturally sweet and savory base.
- Cheesy, crispy topping: Melted cheese over crusty bread is irresistible.
- Perfect for any occasion: A cozy weeknight dinner or an elegant appetizer.
Ingredients
- 4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, for faster caramelization)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups beef broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 baguette, sliced into rounds
- 1 ½ cups shredded Gruyère cheese (or Swiss cheese)
Tools You’ll Need
- Large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon for stirring
- Baking sheet
- Oven-safe bowls for serving
How to Make Classic French Onion Soup
Step 1: Caramelize the Onions
- In a large pot, melt butter with olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the sliced onions and stir to coat. Cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Sprinkle with sugar (optional) and continue cooking for another 30-40 minutes, stirring often, until the onions are deep golden brown.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 more minutes.
Step 2: Build the Soup Base
5. Pour in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and bay leaf.
6. Bring to a simmer and let cook for 20-30 minutes to develop flavor.
7. Remove the bay leaf and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Step 3: Prepare the Bread and Cheese
8. While the soup simmers, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
9. Arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet and toast for 5-7 minutes until golden.
Step 4: Assemble and Broil
10. Ladle the hot soup into oven-safe bowls and top each with toasted baguette slices.
11. Sprinkle generously with Gruyère cheese.
12. Place the bowls under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
13. Carefully remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.
What to Serve with French Onion Soup
- Simple Green Salad: A fresh side balances the richness of the soup.
- Roasted Vegetables: Carrots, Brussels sprouts, or asparagus pair well.
- Grilled Chicken or Steak: A protein-packed side dish makes it a full meal.
Tips for the Best French Onion Soup
- Low and slow is key: Caramelizing onions properly takes time but builds deep flavor.
- Use quality broth: A rich, homemade or high-quality store-bought broth makes all the difference.
- Cheese matters: Gruyère is traditional, but Swiss or mozzarella work well too.
Storing and Reheating
- Refrigerate: Store leftover soup in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Freeze without the bread and cheese for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Warm on the stove over medium heat. Add fresh toasted bread and cheese before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different cheese?
Yes! Try Swiss, provolone, or even cheddar for a different twist.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap the beef broth for vegetable broth and omit Worcestershire sauce if needed.
Do I need oven-safe bowls?
If you don’t have them, you can toast the bread with cheese separately and add it on top when serving.
Conclusion
Classic French Onion Soup is a timeless dish that delivers deep, savory flavors in every bite. Whether you’re making it for a cozy night in or an elegant dinner, it’s always a crowd-pleaser. Try it today and let us know how it turns out!
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 60 minutes
Cuisine: French
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 350 | Protein: 12g | Carbohydrates: 35g | Fat: 18g | Fiber: 4g | Sodium: 600mg
Classic French Onion Soup
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Description
Rich, savory, and topped with golden, bubbly cheese, Classic French Onion Soup is the ultimate comfort dish. Made with caramelized onions, a flavorful broth, and crispy toasted bread, this traditional French favorite is simple yet incredibly satisfying.
Hungry for more? Subscribe now and have this recipe sent directly to your inbox—along with exclusive foodie updates!
Ingredients
- 4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, for faster caramelization)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups beef broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 baguette, sliced into rounds
- 1 ½ cups shredded Gruyère cheese (or Swiss cheese)
Instructions
Step 1: Caramelize the Onions
- In a large pot, melt butter with olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the sliced onions and stir to coat. Cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Sprinkle with sugar (optional) and continue cooking for another 30-40 minutes, stirring often, until the onions are deep golden brown.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 more minutes.
Step 2: Build the Soup Base
5. Pour in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and bay leaf.
6. Bring to a simmer and let cook for 20-30 minutes to develop flavor.
7. Remove the bay leaf and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Step 3: Prepare the Bread and Cheese
8. While the soup simmers, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
9. Arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet and toast for 5-7 minutes until golden.
Step 4: Assemble and Broil
10. Ladle the hot soup into oven-safe bowls and top each with toasted baguette slices.
11. Sprinkle generously with Gruyère cheese.
12. Place the bowls under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
13. Carefully remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Low and slow is key: Caramelizing onions properly takes time but builds deep flavor.
- Use quality broth: A rich, homemade or high-quality store-bought broth makes all the difference.
- Cheese matters: Gruyère is traditional, but Swiss or mozzarella work well too.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Cuisine: French
