French Onion Soup is a rich, comforting dish made with caramelized onions, flavorful broth, and topped with a cheesy, toasted baguette. This classic French recipe is perfect for cold days or any time you’re craving something hearty and satisfying. The combination of sweet onions, savory broth, and melted Gruyère cheese makes for an irresistible meal that’s surprisingly easy to make at home.
Ingredients for French Onion Soup
- 4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar (helps with caramelizing the onions)
- 8 cups beef broth (for a rich base)
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional, for added depth of flavor)
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 baguette, sliced into 1-inch pieces
- 2 cups shredded Gruyère cheese (for topping)
Instructions for French Onion Soup
1. Caramelize the Onions
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter with the olive oil over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and cook, stirring frequently, for about 10-15 minutes until softened.
- Sprinkle the sugar over the onions and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, for another 30-40 minutes until the onions are deeply caramelized and golden brown. Be patient with this step, as the slow caramelization process is key to the soup’s flavor.
2. Deglaze the Pot
- Once the onions are caramelized, add the dry white wine to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let the wine simmer for about 2-3 minutes until mostly evaporated.
3. Add Broth and Herbs
- Pour in the beef broth, add the bay leaf and thyme, and bring the soup to a simmer. Lower the heat and let it simmer gently for about 20-30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
4. Prepare the Baguette Topping
- While the soup is simmering, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the baguette slices on a baking sheet and toast them in the oven for about 5 minutes, or until they are golden and crispy.
5. Assemble and Broil
- Ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls and top each with a toasted baguette slice. Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded Gruyère cheese on top of the bread.
- Place the bowls under the broiler in your oven for 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
6. Serve Hot
- Carefully remove the bowls from the oven and garnish with additional thyme if desired. Serve the French Onion Soup hot, with extra bread on the side for dipping.
Cook’s Notes and Tips
- Caramelization Tip: If the onions start to stick to the pan during caramelization, you can add a splash of water or broth to help them cook evenly and prevent burning.
- Wine Substitute: If you prefer not to use wine, you can substitute with an equal amount of extra beef broth.
- Cheese Options: While Gruyère is the traditional cheese used for French onion soup, you can also use Emmental, Swiss, or even Provolone.Variations for French Onion Soup
1. Vegetarian French Onion Soup
- Replace the beef broth with vegetable broth or a rich mushroom broth to create a vegetarian version of this classic soup. Make sure to adjust seasoning to maintain a rich flavor.
2. Cheese Croutons
- Instead of broiling the entire bowl of soup, you can make cheese croutons by placing the toasted baguette slices on a baking sheet, topping them with cheese, and broiling separately. Serve them alongside the soup for a DIY topping option.
3. Add Protein
- For a heartier soup, stir in cooked shredded chicken or sausage just before serving. This adds an extra layer of flavor and makes the soup even more filling.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make French onion soup ahead of time?
Yes! French onion soup actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld. Simply store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the soup on the stovetop and broil the cheese-topped baguette slices just before serving.
2. Can I freeze French onion soup?
Yes, you can freeze French onion soup (without the cheese and bread). Let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to airtight containers. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop before serving.
3. What kind of onions should I use?
Yellow onions are preferred for their sweetness, but you can also use white or red onions. A mix of different onion types can add extra depth of flavor.
A Classic, Comforting Soup
This French Onion Soup is a timeless classic that brings together sweet, caramelized onions, savory beef broth, and a rich topping of melted Gruyère cheese. Whether you’re making it for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to impress. Pair it with a simple green salad or enjoy it on its own for a comforting and satisfying meal
