Why You’ll Love This Recipe

French Onion Soup is a timeless, deeply savory dish made from slow-caramelized onions simmered in rich beef broth and topped with crusty bread and melted cheese. With its bold, comforting flavor and iconic gratinéed top, this bistro classic is perfect for cozy nights, special occasions, or whenever you’re craving something rustic and indulgent.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

yellow onions (thinly sliced)garlicbutterolive oilbeef brothdry white wine or sherry (optional)bay leaffresh thyme or driedthymebaguette or crusty breadgruyère cheese (or Swiss, Comté)saltblack pepper

directions

In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt butter and olive oil over medium heat.

Add sliced onions and a pinch of salt; cook slowly, stirring often, until deeply golden and caramelized (about 30-40 minutes).

Add minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes more.

Deglaze the pot with wine or sherry, scraping up browned bits.

Stir in beef broth, bay leaf, thyme, salt, and pepper.

Bring to a simmer and cook for 20 minutes to blend flavors.

Remove bay leaf and thyme sprigs if using fresh.

Ladle soup into oven-safe bowls, top each with a slice of baguette and plenty of grated cheese.

Place bowls under the broiler until cheese is melted and bubbly.

Serve hot and enjoy carefully.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.Preparation time: 10 minutesOnion caramelization: 30-40 minutesSimmering time: 20 minutesBroiling time: 5 minutesTotal time: 1 hour 5–15 minutes

Variations

Use chicken or vegetable broth for a lighter version.

Add a splash of balsamic vinegar for depth.

Try mozzarella or provolone for a milder cheese topping.

Include a touch of Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce to enhance umami.

Add a sprinkle of fresh herbs or cracked pepper before serving.

storage/reheating

Store soup (without bread or cheese) in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.Soup can be frozen for up to 3 months; thaw and reheat gently on the stovetop.Assemble with bread and cheese just before serving for best texture.

FAQs

Can I caramelize the onions faster?

Low and slow is best for flavor—avoid rushing or they’ll burn.

What kind of onions should I use?

Yellow onions are classic, but sweet onions also work well.

Can I skip the wine?

Yes, substitute with a bit of extra broth or a splash of vinegar.

What’s the best cheese for topping?

Gruyère is traditional, but Swiss, mozzarella, or a blend will work.

Is French Onion Soup vegetarian?

Not traditionally, but you can use vegetable broth and skip the cheese or use a plant-based version.

Can I make this ahead?

Yes, the soup base stores well—assemble with bread and cheese when ready to serve.

Do I need oven-safe bowls?

Yes, for broiling the cheese topping safely—otherwise, broil bread slices separately and place on top when serving.

Can I use red wine?

Yes, it gives a slightly richer flavor—use dry red for best results.

What bread works best?

Baguette slices or any crusty, sturdy bread that holds up to broiling.

Why is my soup too sweet?

Overcooked onions can turn bitter—keep heat medium-low and stir often.

Conclusion

French Onion Soup is a rich, soul-warming classic that brings out the best in simple ingredients through slow cooking and thoughtful layering. With its luxurious broth, sweet caramelized onions, and bubbly cheese topping, it’s the ultimate comfort food that feels both rustic and refined. One taste, and it might just become your favorite soup of all time.