French Onion Soup is a warm hug in a bowl. It’s a classic French dish made with caramelized onions, beef broth, herbs, and topped with toasted bread and melted cheese. This rich, golden soup is the kind of meal that takes simple ingredients and turns them into something magical. Picture this: slow-cooked onions releasing their natural sweetness, soaking in savory broth, and topped with gooey cheese that stretches with every spoonful. It’s rustic, comforting, and perfect for chilly evenings. In this recipe, I’ll guide you step-by-step so anyone—even a beginner—can make this delicious soup at home.
Quick Facts
Here’s a quick look at what to expect with this recipe:
| Course | Soup |
|---|---|
| Cuisine | French |
| Difficulty | Medium |
| Servings | 4 |
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 1 hour 10 minutes |
| Calories | ~380 per serving |
Equipment Needed
Making French Onion Soup doesn’t require fancy gadgets, but having the right tools can make the process smoother:
- Large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven – Essential for caramelizing onions evenly without burning them.
- Sharp chef’s knife – To slice the onions thinly and evenly.
- Cutting board – A stable surface to safely cut your onions.
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula – Ideal for stirring and scraping the bottom of the pot.
- Oven-safe bowls or ramekins – You’ll need these to broil the cheese-topped soup at the end.
- Ladle – To serve the soup cleanly and easily.
- Baking sheet – For broiling the cheese under the soup bowls without mess.
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need:
- 5 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon sugar (helps caramelize the onions)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional)
- 6 cups beef broth (low-sodium preferred)
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1 bay leaf
- 4 slices of French baguette, toasted
- 1 ½ cups grated Gruyère cheese (or Swiss cheese)
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to make your own French Onion Soup:
- Caramelize the Onions
In a large pot, melt butter with olive oil over medium heat. Add sliced onions, salt, pepper, and sugar. Cook slowly for 30–40 minutes, stirring often until golden brown and soft. - Add Garlic and Wine
Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute. Pour in white wine (if using) and stir, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom. - Simmer the Soup
Add beef broth, thyme, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then lower heat and simmer uncovered for 25–30 minutes. Remove bay leaf before serving. - Prepare the Bread
Toast baguette slices under a broiler until crisp and golden. - Assemble and Broil
Ladle soup into oven-safe bowls. Place a toast slice on top and cover generously with cheese. Broil for 2–3 minutes or until cheese is bubbly and browned.
Essential Note:
Take your time with the onions. The deep flavor of French Onion Soup depends on slowly caramelizing the onions. Rushing this step can result in a bland soup. Use medium heat and keep stirring. If they start burning, reduce the heat slightly and add a splash of water to deglaze. Also, use good quality broth—homemade or store-bought with no added sugars or preservatives is best.
