French Onion Soup

This classic French onion soup is a warm, rich, and comforting dish featuring deeply caramelized onions, a flavorful broth, and a golden, cheesy topping. Perfect for cold evenings or as a starter for an elegant meal, it is both timeless and satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

French onion soup is the perfect combination of rustic charm and sophisticated flavor. The slow-cooked onions bring out a deep sweetness, balanced by the savory broth and a touch of herbs. The toasted bread and melted cheese on top make each spoonful indulgent and hearty. It is easy to prepare, yet it delivers a restaurant-quality taste at home.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Yellow onions, thinly sliced

• Unsalted butter

• Olive oil

• Garlic, minced

• All-purpose flour

• Beef broth or vegetable broth

• Dry white wine (optional)

• Bay leaf

• Fresh thyme sprigs

• Salt

• Black pepper

• Baguette slices

• Gruyère cheese, grated

directions

1. Melt butter with olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

2. Add the sliced onions and cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until caramelized and golden brown, about 30–40 minutes.

3. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

4. Sprinkle in the flour and stir well, cooking for 1–2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.

5. Deglaze with wine if using, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.

6. Add the broth, bay leaf, thyme, salt, and pepper. Simmer uncovered for 20–25 minutes.

7. Remove the bay leaf and thyme sprigs. Adjust seasoning to taste.

8. Preheat the oven broiler. Ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls, place baguette slices on top, and sprinkle generously with Gruyère cheese.

9. Broil until the cheese is melted and bubbly, then serve immediately.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 4–6

• Prep time: 15 minutes

• Cook time: 1 hour

• Total time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Variations

• Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a vegetarian version.

• Add a splash of brandy or sherry for a deeper flavor.

• Replace Gruyère with Swiss or provolone cheese if desired.

• Include a pinch of sugar while caramelizing onions to speed up the process and enhance sweetness.

storage/reheating

Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. To reheat, warm on the stovetop over medium heat until hot, or microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally. If topping with bread and cheese again, reassemble and broil before serving.

FAQs

1. Can I make French onion soup ahead of time?

Yes, the soup base can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator, then reheated before adding bread and cheese.

2. What type of onions work best?

Yellow onions are traditional, but you can use a mix of yellow and sweet onions for extra depth.

3. Can I freeze French onion soup?

Yes, freeze without the bread and cheese topping for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat before serving.

4. What cheese is best for topping?

Gruyère is the classic choice due to its nutty, melty qualities, but Swiss or provolone also work well.

5. How do I caramelize onions properly?

Cook them slowly over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, to allow their natural sugars to develop.

6. Can I make it without alcohol?

Yes, simply omit the wine and use extra broth.

7. Is this soup gluten-free?

It can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free bread and a gluten-free flour substitute.

8. Why add flour to the soup?

Flour slightly thickens the broth, giving the soup more body.

9. Can I use red wine instead of white?

Yes, but it will give the soup a deeper, richer flavor and darker color.

10. How do I prevent soggy bread?

Broil the bread separately before adding it to the soup, then top with cheese and broil again briefly.

Conclusion

French onion soup is a simple yet elegant dish that transforms humble onions into a rich, satisfying meal. With its deep flavor, cheesy topping, and comforting warmth, it is ideal for special occasions or cozy weeknight dinners

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