Name: French Onion Soup Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 5 large Vidalia (or sweet) onions, thinly sliced; 3 tablespoons butter; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon flour; ⅓ cup dry white or red wine; 32 ounces beef broth or stock; 24 ounces chicken broth; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 tablespoon fresh thyme (or ½ teaspoon dried); 1-2 bay leaves; 8 slices French baguette; 1 tablespoon olive oil, for bread; 1 ½ cups Gruyère cheese, grated

This French Onion Soup is a classic dish that’s perfect for a cozy evening. Sweet caramelized onions simmer in a rich and flavorful broth, topped with crusty bread and a generous layer of melted Gruyère cheese. It’s a comforting and satisfying soup that’s sure to warm you up on a chilly day.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Classic French Flavors: This soup is a beloved classic for a reason! It’s packed with authentic French flavors that will transport you straight to a Parisian bistro.
Easy to Make: With readily available ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is surprisingly easy to prepare, even for beginner cooks.
Hearty and Satisfying: This soup is a complete meal in itself, providing a satisfying combination of sweet caramelized onions, rich broth, and cheesy bread.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this French Onion Soup:

Vidalia onions: Or any sweet onion variety, thinly sliced.
Butter: Adds richness and flavor to the soup.
Olive oil: Prevents the butter from burning and helps with caramelizing the onions.
Flour: Used to thicken the soup.
Dry white or red wine: Adds depth of flavor and acidity.
Beef broth: Provides a rich and savory base for the soup.
Chicken broth: Adds a lighter flavor to balance the beef broth.
Salt and pepper: To taste.
Fresh thyme: Or dried thyme, adds a subtle herbaceous note.
Bay leaves: Adds a subtle aromatic flavor.

For Topping:

French baguette: Sliced, for a classic topping.
Olive oil: For brushing the bread.
Gruyère cheese: Grated, adds a nutty and cheesy flavor.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

How to Make French Onion Soup

Step 1: Caramelize the Onions

In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, melt the butter with the olive oil over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are soft, golden brown, and caramelized, about 20-30 minutes. If the onions start to brown too quickly, add a tablespoon or two of water to deglaze the pan. Season the onions with salt and pepper during the last 5 minutes of cooking.

Step 2: Deglaze and Thicken the Soup

Add the wine to the pot and deglaze the pan by scraping any browned bits off the bottom. Bring the wine to a simmer for a few minutes to allow the alcohol to cook out. Whisk in the flour and cook for an additional minute.

Step 3: Simmer the Soup

Pour in the beef broth and chicken broth. Add salt, pepper, thyme, and bay leaves. Cover the pot and simmer over low heat for 20-30 minutes, or until the flavors have melded. Season to taste with additional salt and pepper if needed.

Step 4: Prepare the Bread and Cheese

Preheat the oven to 450°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil. Lightly brush both sides of the baguette slices with olive oil and toast in the oven until lightly browned.

Step 5: Assemble and Broil

Ladle the soup into individual oven-safe bowls or crocks, filling them about 2/3 of the way full. Place 2 slices of toasted baguette on top of each bowl and cover generously with grated Gruyère cheese. Broil in the oven until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown. Watch carefully to prevent burning.

Step 6: Serve

Carefully remove the bowls from the oven using hot pads. Let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh thyme, if desired.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Use high-quality broth: A good-quality beef and chicken broth will make a big difference in the flavor of the soup.
Don’t rush the caramelization: Caramelizing the onions takes time, but it’s worth it for the deep flavor it adds to the soup.
Adjust the seasoning: Taste the soup and adjust the salt and pepper as needed.

How to Serve

Classic French Meal: Serve this French Onion Soup with a side salad and crusty bread for a complete French-inspired meal.
Cozy Dinner: This soup is also satisfying enough to enjoy as a cozy dinner on its own.
Party Appetizer: Serve the soup in smaller portions as an elegant appetizer for a dinner party.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover French Onion Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-5 days without the baguette.

Reheating

Reheat the soup gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Toast the baguette and cheese separately before serving.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of onion?

While Vidalia onions are preferred for their sweetness, you can use other sweet onion varieties like yellow onions or white onions.

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes, substitute the beef broth with vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Gruyère cheese is classic for French Onion Soup, but you can experiment with other cheeses like Swiss cheese or provolone.

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the soup ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the soup and prepare the bread and cheese topping just before serving.

Evelyn

Hey, I'm Evelyn! I'm a home cook with a passion for fun, real recipes that make my kitchen my happy place. Dive in and share the flavor of my everyday foodie adventures!

French Onion Soup Recipe