A comforting, classic soup made with caramelized onions, rich beef broth, and a cheesy topping, this Easy French Onion Soup is the ultimate dish for cozy evenings. Whether it’s a chilly day or you’re just in the mood for something hearty, this soup hits all the right notes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Rich and Flavorful: The caramelized onions and beef broth create a deep, savory flavor that’s hard to resist.
Easy to Make: While it requires a little patience to caramelize the onions, the recipe itself is simple and straightforward.
Perfect for Special Occasions or Weeknight Dinners: This soup feels gourmet but is easy enough to whip up on a weeknight.
Customizable: Adjust the seasoning, cheese, or even the type of bread for a soup that suits your preferences.
Comfort in a Bowl: There’s nothing quite like the combination of warm soup, crusty bread, and melty cheese.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
4 large onions, thinly sliced
4 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon sugar
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
6 cups beef broth
1/2 cup dry white wine (optional)
1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
Salt and pepper, to taste
4-6 slices of French bread, toasted
1 cup Gruyère cheese, grated
Directions
Heat butter and olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and sugar. Cook for 25-30 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onions are golden brown and caramelized.
Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Sprinkle the flour over the onions and stir well. Cook for an additional minute to eliminate the raw flour taste.
Gradually pour in the beef broth and white wine (if using). Add the thyme, then season with salt and pepper. Bring the soup to a boil, reduce the heat, and let it simmer for 20 minutes.
Preheat the broiler. Ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls. Top each with a slice of toasted French bread and a generous sprinkle of Gruyère cheese.
Place the bowls on a baking sheet and broil for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve immediately.
Servings and Timing
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 55 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 4-6 servings
Variations
Vegetarian Option: Substitute vegetable broth for beef broth and omit the wine.
Cheese Alternatives: Swap Gruyère for Swiss, provolone, or even a sharp cheddar for a different flavor profile.
Bread Choices: Use sourdough, baguette, or any crusty bread you have on hand.
Herb Twist: Experiment with rosemary or a bay leaf for an added layer of flavor.
Lighter Version: Reduce the butter and cheese for a lighter version of the soup.
Storage/Reheating
Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through. If you have leftover cheesy bread, reheat it separately under the broiler for best results.
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FAQs
How do I caramelize onions properly?
Take your time and cook the onions low and slow. Stir frequently, and don’t rush the process to get the perfect golden-brown color.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the soup base ahead of time and store it in the fridge. When ready to serve, reheat it and add the bread and cheese topping just before broiling.
What if I don’t have oven-safe bowls?
You can broil the bread slices topped with cheese on a baking sheet and then place them on top of the soup when serving.
Is wine necessary in the recipe?
No, the wine adds depth, but the soup will still be delicious without it. You can substitute with additional broth or a splash of apple cider vinegar for acidity.
Can I freeze French Onion Soup?
Yes, freeze the soup base (without the bread and cheese) in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Conclusion
French Onion Soup is the perfect combination of rich, savory, and comforting flavors. It’s a dish that can make any meal feel special while being surprisingly easy to prepare. Whether you’re entertaining guests or indulging in a quiet night in, this recipe is sure to please. Don’t forget to pair it with a crisp salad or a glass of wine for a truly delightful experience.
📖 Recipe:
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Easy French Onion Soup
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings
Description
A comforting and rich French Onion Soup recipe featuring caramelized onions, savory beef broth, and a cheesy, crusty bread topping. Perfect for cozy nights, this soup is easy to make and absolutely irresistible.
Ingredients
4 large onions, thinly sliced
4 tbsp butter
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp sugar
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
6 cups beef broth
1/2 cup dry white wine (optional)
1 tsp fresh thyme (or 1/2 tsp dried thyme)
Salt and pepper, to taste
4–6 slices French bread, toasted
1 cup Gruyère cheese, grated
Instructions
- Heat butter and olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add sliced onions and sugar. Cook, stirring frequently, for 25–30 minutes until caramelized.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes.
- Sprinkle flour over onions, stir well, and cook for 1 minute.
- Gradually pour in beef broth and white wine (if using). Add thyme, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 20 minutes.
- Preheat broiler. Ladle soup into oven-safe bowls. Top each with toasted bread and grated Gruyère cheese.
- Broil for 2–3 minutes until cheese is bubbly. Serve immediately.
Notes
Substitute vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
Use Swiss or provolone cheese as alternatives to Gruyère.
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze the soup base for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop, Broiler
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4–6 servings
- Calories: 320 kcal
