Classic French Onion Soup

This Classic French Onion Soup is the epitome of comfort food! With its deep, savory flavor from perfectly caramelized onions, a rich beef broth base, and a gooey, cheesy topping, this soup is both satisfying and indulgent. Topped with a slice of garlic-buttered French bread and melted Gruyère cheese, it’s a bowl of warmth you’ll want to enjoy again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This French Onion Soup combines the sweet, caramelized onions with the rich flavors of beef broth, creating a perfectly balanced soup. The Gruyère cheese melted over a crisp, buttery baguette slice adds the finishing touch that makes each bite extra comforting. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or just craving a cozy meal, this soup will quickly become a favorite. It’s full of flavor, easy to prepare, and perfect for cold nights or gatherings with loved ones.

Ingredients

For the Soup:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 5 large yellow onions, thinly sliced

• 1 teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)

• 3 cloves garlic, finely minced

• ½ cup dry white wine (or beef broth, for deglazing)

• 7-8 cups beef broth (or bone broth, depending on how brothy you like your soup)

• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme

• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

• 1 bay leaf

For the Baguettes:

• 1 demi French baguette, cut into 1-inch thick slices

• 1 tablespoon butter

• Garlic powder, to taste

• 8 ounces Gruyère cheese, thickly shredded

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

Directions

Prepare the Soup Base:

1. Cook the Onions: In a large Dutch oven or pot, melt the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and salt, stirring to coat them in the butter. Cook the onions, stirring occasionally, for 30-40 minutes, until they are deeply caramelized and golden brown. Check every 10-15 minutes to ensure they don’t burn. If the onions are sticking, reduce the heat slightly.

2. Add Flour and Garlic: Once the onions are caramelized, add the flour and minced garlic, stirring to coat the onions. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to cook off the raw flour taste.

3. Deglaze the Pan: Pour in ½ cup of dry white wine (or beef broth) and scrape up any brown bits from the bottom of the pot. This adds extra flavor to the soup.

4. Add the Broth and Seasonings: Slowly add the beef broth, thyme, freshly ground black pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and bay leaf. Stir to combine and bring the soup to a simmer. Let it simmer uncovered for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

5. Adjust Seasonings: After 30 minutes, remove the bay leaf. Taste the soup and adjust the seasonings, adding more salt and pepper as needed.

Prepare the Baguettes:

1. Toast the Bread: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange the baguette slices in a single layer on the baking sheet. Brush one side of each slice with butter and sprinkle with garlic powder. Toast in the oven for 5 minutes per side, until the bread is golden and crispy on the edges. Remove from the oven and set aside.

Assemble the Soup:

You have two options to finish the soup:

Option 1:

1. Top with Cheese: Place the toasted baguette slices on top of the soup in each bowl. Sprinkle with shredded Gruyère cheese.

2. Melt the Cheese: Place the bowls in the oven (on a baking sheet) and bake for 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve immediately.

Option 2 (Traditional Method):

1. Top with Cheese: Ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls or crocks. Place a toasted baguette slice on top of each bowl, then sprinkle each with about 1/3 cup of shredded Gruyère cheese.

2. Broil: Place the bowls under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, watching carefully, until the cheese is melted and golden brown. Serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

• Yield: Serves 6

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 1 hour

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Variations

1. Vegan Version: Use vegetable broth, dairy-free butter, and vegan cheese (like cashew cheese or Daiya) to make a vegan-friendly version.

2. Add More Herbs: Enhance the flavor by adding fresh herbs such as rosemary, sage, or bay leaves along with thyme.

3. Different Cheese: If you’re not a fan of Gruyère, you can substitute with Swiss, mozzarella, or even cheddar for a different flavor profile.

4. Spicy Version: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the soup for a mild kick.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover French onion soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pot over low heat until hot, and add fresh toasted baguette slices and cheese when serving. If freezing, store the soup base without the bread and cheese for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and reheat before serving.

FAQs

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, this soup can be made a day or two in advance. The flavors will continue to develop as it sits. Just store it in the fridge and reheat before serving.

Can I use chicken broth instead of beef broth?

Yes, you can use chicken broth, but beef broth provides a richer flavor that complements the caramelized onions better. If using chicken broth, consider adding a little soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce for depth of flavor.

How do I know when the onions are properly caramelized?

The onions should be a deep golden brown and have a soft, jam-like consistency. If they start to burn, reduce the heat slightly and add a splash of water to deglaze the pan.

Can I make the soup without wine?

Yes, you can substitute the wine with additional beef broth or water. The wine adds acidity and depth, but the soup will still be delicious without it.

How do I store leftover soup?

Allow the soup to cool before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The bread may become soggy, so you may want to add fresh toasted bread and cheese when reheating.

Conclusion

This Classic French Onion Soup is a comforting, flavorful dish perfect for chilly evenings or any time you want a warm, satisfying meal. With its rich caramelized onions, savory broth, and melty cheese topping, it’s the ultimate comfort food. Whether you serve it in traditional crocks or top it with cheesy garlic bread, this soup is sure to be a hit at your dinner table!

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