Why You’ll Love This Recipe

French Onion Soup is a classic comfort dish with rich, savory flavors that come from slowly caramelized onions simmered in a robust beef broth, topped with crusty bread and melted Gruyère cheese. This timeless French bistro favorite is perfect for cozy evenings and makes an impressive starter or main course.

ingredients

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

yellow onionsbutterolive oilsaltgranulated sugardry white winebeef stock (or broth)bay leafsthymefreshly ground black pepperbaguette slicesGruyère cheese

directions

Peel and thinly slice the onions.

In a large pot over medium heat, melt butter with olive oil. Add onions, salt, and a pinch of sugar.

Cook the onions slowly, stirring frequently, until deeply golden and caramelized—about 35-40 minutes.

Deglaze the pot with dry white wine, scraping up the brown bits from the bottom.

Add the beef stock, bay leaves, thyme, and black pepper. Simmer for 30 minutes, then remove bay leaves and thyme sprigs.

Preheat the broiler and toast the baguette slices until golden.

Ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls. Top each with a toasted baguette slice and generous handful of shredded Gruyère.

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

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4.Preparation time: 15 minutesCaramelizing onions: 40 minutesSimmering time: 30 minutesBroiling: 5 minutesTotal time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Variations

Use chicken or vegetable broth for a lighter version.

Add a splash of brandy or cognac before simmering for depth.

Top with a mix of Gruyère and Parmesan for extra sharpness.

Use sourdough instead of baguette for a tangy twist.

Add garlic for a more aromatic profile.

storage/reheating

Store leftover soup (without bread and cheese) in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.To reheat, simmer on the stovetop until hot. Re-toast bread and broil with fresh cheese for best results.Freeze the broth portion for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat as needed.

FAQs

What kind of onions are best for French Onion Soup?

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

Can I make French Onion Soup vegetarian?

Yes, use vegetable broth and omit cheese or use a plant-based version.

Do I have to use wine?

No, you can skip the wine or replace it with a bit of vinegar for acidity.

What cheese is best for topping?

Gruyère is classic, but Swiss, Emmental, or mozzarella can also work.

Why is sugar added to the onions?

It helps speed up and enhance the caramelization process.

Can I prepare this in advance?

Yes, the soup can be made a day ahead and reheated when ready to serve.

Is there a gluten-free option?

Use gluten-free bread for the topping or skip it entirely.

What’s the best pot to use?

A heavy-bottomed Dutch oven or soup pot ensures even cooking.

Can I use red wine instead of white?

Yes, but it will give the broth a darker, richer flavor.

How do I keep the cheese from burning?

Keep a close eye under the broiler and rotate bowls as needed.

Conclusion

French Onion Soup is a timeless dish that combines simple ingredients into a deeply flavorful and satisfying experience. Whether you’re making it for guests or enjoying a solo dinner, its rustic charm and cheesy, crusty topping will never disappoint. Give this recipe a try and enjoy the magic of slow-cooked comfort in a bowl.