Name: French Onion Soup – Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h 10 min
Total time: 1 h 25 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced; 4 tbsp unsalted butter; 2 tbsp olive oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp sugar; 1 tsp salt; ½ cup dry white wine (optional); Salt and pepper, to taste; 8 cups beef broth; 2 bay leaves; 4 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1 tsp dried thyme); 1 baguette, sliced; 2 cups Gruyère cheese, grated

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

There’s something magical about a steaming bowl of French Onion Soup – that golden, gratinéed top, the sweet-savory perfume of caramelized onions, and the way each spoonful feels like a warm hug. It’s the ultimate comfort food, with deep roots in French tradition, yet simple enough to master at home. Whether you’re after a cozy dinner or looking to impress guests, this recipe delivers everything you dream about: silky onions, rich broth, a crusty, cheesy topping, and flavors that only get better with time. Trust me, after trying this, French Onion Soup – might just become your signature soup.

Ingredients You’ll Need

With French Onion Soup – you’ll find that basic ingredients create something absolutely extraordinary. Each element serves a purpose, building layers of flavor and texture, so don’t skimp on quality and take pride in the simplicity!

Yellow onions: The star of the show – slice them thinly to achieve the perfect melt-in-the-mouth texture after caramelizing.
Unsalted butter: Rich and creamy, butter helps the onions caramelize evenly and gives the soup its luxurious base.
Olive oil: Adds flexibility to the fat and ensures nothing burns while elevating the aroma.
Garlic: Just a touch boosts the soup’s depth of flavor without overpowering those sweet onions.
Sugar: Helps the onions brown quicker, coaxing out their natural sweetness.
Salt: Essential for drawing moisture from the onions and highlighting every other flavor.
Dry white wine (optional): Splashes in a layer of acidity and brightness, but can be omitted if you prefer.
Beef broth: Provides the hearty, savory backbone that makes French Onion Soup – feel so rich and satisfying.
Bay leaves: Infuse a gentle herbal note that rounds out the richness.
Fresh thyme (or dried): Delivers earthy, aromatic character with every bite.
Salt and pepper: Final seasonings to taste, enhancing all the beautiful flavors.
Baguette: Sliced and toasted, these will form the irresistible crouton base for melted cheese.
Gruyère cheese: Nutty, melty, and utterly essential for that signature golden crust.

How to Make

Step 1: Caramelize the onions

This is where French Onion Soup – earns its deeply savory flavor. In a large pot, melt butter with olive oil over medium heat. Add onions, garlic, sugar, and salt. Stir regularly and don’t rush; the goal is to bring out the onions’ natural sweetness and develop that deep golden color, which takes about 35 to 40 minutes. If the onions start to stick, add a splash of water. You’ll know they’re ready when they’re sweet, jammy, and mahogany in color.

Step 2: Deglaze and Simmer

Once your onions are perfectly caramelized, if you’re using wine, pour it in and stir, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Let the wine cook down for a minute or two, then add the beef broth, bay leaves, and thyme. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let the soup simmer uncovered for 30 minutes. This is where all those flavors mingle and deepen, creating that unmistakable French Onion Soup – depth.

Step 3: Final Seasoning

With your kitchen already smelling irresistible, it’s time for the finishing touches. Remove the bay leaves and any thyme stems. Taste the soup and adjust with salt and pepper as needed; every pot is different, so give yourself permission to trust your taste buds here.

Step 4: Toast the Baguette

While the soup simmers, slice your baguette and toast the pieces until golden and crisp. You want them sturdy enough to hold up under all that melted cheese. A toaster oven works great, or simply bake the slices in a hot oven.

Step 5: Assemble and Broil

For the signature look and gooey topping that make French Onion Soup – so irresistible, ladle the hot soup into oven-safe bowls. Place a toasted baguette slice (or two!) on top, then pile on the Gruyère cheese. Carefully slide the bowls under a broiler or into a very hot oven, watching closely as the cheese melts and becomes bubbly and golden. This is the finishing touch that brings everything together in the most dramatic (and delicious) way.

How to Serve

Garnishes

A finishing flourish makes all the difference with French Onion Soup –. Beyond the oozy cheese, try a sprinkle of fresh thyme leaves or a crack of black pepper right before serving. If you’re feeling fancy, a tiny drizzle of good olive oil or some chopped chives adds color and contrast, making each bowl feel extra special.

Side Dishes

While French Onion Soup – can absolutely stand alone, it loves company! Fresh green salads tossed in simple vinaigrette bring a bright, crisp match to the soup’s richness. For heartier appetites, think a side of charcuterie, roasted vegetables, or even a plate of fruit and cheese—you really can’t go wrong.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, try serving French Onion Soup – in miniature ramekins as an appetizer, or pour it into a large communal pot for a rustic, family-style moment. Individual cast-iron bowls or wide mugs give it a modern twist while keeping everything piping hot. However you serve it, don’t forget the dramatic cheese pull!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

French Onion Soup – actually improves with a little rest! Store leftover soup (without the bread and cheese topping) in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. This way, each bowl you reheat will taste just as flavorful as the first.

Freezing

For longer storage, let the soup cool and pour it into freezer-safe containers, again without the baguette or cheese. It freezes beautifully for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge when ready to use, and prepare fresh toppings before serving.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm the soup gently on the stovetop until it’s piping hot. Portion into bowls, add freshly toasted bread and Gruyère, and broil or bake just as you would if you’d made it fresh. The soup’s flavor only deepens after a rest, so leftovers are a treat!

FAQs

Can I make French Onion Soup – vegetarian?

Absolutely! Swap the beef broth for a rich vegetable broth. You’ll still get lots of depth, especially if you caramelize the onions nice and slowly and use a hearty, high-quality veggie stock.

What can I use if I don’t have Gruyère cheese?

While Gruyère is traditional for its melty, nutty qualities, Swiss cheese or even mozzarella work beautifully in French Onion Soup –. Just make sure it’s a cheese that melts well for that iconic topping.

What’s the best onion for caramelizing?

Yellow onions are the go-to for their sweet yet balanced flavor, but white or even red onions work in a pinch. Just be sure to slice them evenly so they cook at the same rate.

Why does the soup need wine?

Wine adds complexity and acidity that lifts the sweetness of the onions and balances the richness of French Onion Soup –. If you’d rather skip it, don’t worry—the soup will still taste delicious!

How do I get the perfect cheesy crust?

Make sure your soup, bread, and cheese are all piping hot before broiling. Don’t be shy with the cheese—pile it high and use a hot broiler for bubbling, golden perfection that makes French Onion Soup – unforgettable.

Final Thoughts

Making French Onion Soup – at home is a deeply rewarding (and delicious!) kitchen project, guaranteed to impress anyone lucky enough to share a bowl with you. Give it a try, savor every spoonful, and let this classic become your own comfort food tradition.