French Onion Soup

This French Onion Soup recipe is a comforting classic that brings warmth and joy to any gathering. With its rich flavors from perfectly caramelized onions, high-quality beef broth, and a delightful topping of melted Gruyere cheese, this dish is perfect for cozy dinners or special occasions. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply enjoying a night in, this soup’s appeal lies in its heartiness and satisfying taste.

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• How to Make French Onion Soup
• Step 1: Slice the Onions
• Step 2: Melt the Butter
• Step 3: Cook the Onions
• Step 4: Caramelize Slowly
• Step 5: Add Flour and Wine
• Step 6: Add Broths and Herbs
• Step 7: Preheat Oven
• Step 8: Prepare Baguette Slices
• Step 9: Top with Cheese
• Step 10: Final Seasoning
• Step 11: Serve It Up!
• How to Serve French Onion Soup
• Classic Presentation
• Individual Bowls
• Accompanying Salads
• Bread Options
• How to Perfect French Onion Soup
• Best Side Dishes for French Onion Soup
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing French Onion Soup
• Reheating French Onion Soup
• Frequently Asked Questions
• How do I make French Onion Soup vegetarian?
• Can I use different types of cheese for topping?
• What is the best way to slice onions for French Onion Soup?
• How long does it take to make French Onion Soup from start to finish?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich Flavor: The slow-cooked caramelized onions create a deep, sweet flavor that makes every spoonful irresistible.
• Comforting Dish: Perfect for chilly evenings, this soup warms you from the inside out.
• Impressive Presentation: Topped with gooey cheese and served with toasted baguettes, it looks as good as it tastes.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it as an appetizer or main course; it fits any dining situation.
• Make Ahead Friendly: Prepare it in advance and reheat for easy serving on busy nights.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools makes preparing French Onion Soup easier and more enjoyable. Below are the essential items you’ll need.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large soup pot or Dutch oven
• Mandoline slicer (optional but helpful)
• Silicone spatula
• Tongs
• Baking sheet

Importance of Each Tool

• Large soup pot or Dutch oven: Ideal for even cooking and caramelizing onions over low heat.
• Mandoline slicer: Helps achieve uniform onion slices quickly, ensuring even cooking.
• Silicone spatula: Perfect for scraping the bottom of the pot without damaging it while deglazing.

Ingredients

This traditional French Onion Soup has warm baguettes topped with hot, melted Gruyere cheese. High quality beef broth, a splash of wine, and perfectly caramelized onions are the secrets to this classic recipe.

• 4 large yellow onions, (see notes for pound conversion)
• 2 large sweet onions (Vidalia)
• 6 Tablespoons butter
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme
• 2 Bay leaves
• ¾ cup dry white wine (Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio)
• 3 tablespoons flour (optional)
• 4 cups beef broth (high quality is key)
• 1 beef bouillon cube (or 1 tsp Better Than Bouillon)
• 1.5 cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• Salt/Pepper (to taste)
• 1 baguette
• 3 Tablespoons olive oil (optional)
• 6 slices Gruyere cheese

How to Make French Onion Soup

Step 1: Slice the Onions

Slice the onions into ¼-inch slices. They’ll reduce in size quite a bit during cooking, so ensure they’re not too thin. A mandoline slicer can make this task much easier.

Step 2: Melt the Butter

Melt the butter in a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-low heat until it begins to foam. This process helps clarify the butter by evaporating excess water.

Step 3: Cook the Onions

Add the sliced onions to the pot. Use tongs to toss them in the melted butter while leaving them uncovered as they cook.

Step 4: Caramelize Slowly

Allow the onions to caramelize slowly for up to 2 hours. Stir them every 10–15 minutes; if brown residue forms at the bottom of the pot, add a splash of wine and scrape it off with a silicone spatula.

Step 5: Add Flour and Wine

Once nearly done, sprinkle flour over the onions and cook for an additional 2 minutes. Pour in any remaining wine and increase heat to medium-high, tossing frequently until richly browned.

Step 6: Add Broths and Herbs

Add beef broth, beef bouillon cube, chicken broth, Worcestershire sauce, bay leaves, and thyme. Simmer over medium heat for about 45 minutes with the lid slightly ajar.

Step 7: Preheat Oven

While your soup simmers, preheat your oven to 350° F.

Step 8: Prepare Baguette Slices

Slice your baguette into ½-inch thick pieces. Brush them with olive oil if desired and bake for about 5 minutes until slightly toasted.

Step 9: Top with Cheese

Increase your oven’s temperature to 450° F. Place Gruyere cheese on each baguette slice and bake until bubbly and golden brown.

Step 10: Final Seasoning

Remove bay leaves and thyme stems from your soup. Season to taste with salt and pepper before serving.

Step 11: Serve It Up!

Ladle warm soup into bowls and top each serving with your cheesy baguette slices. Enjoy this comforting French Onion Soup!

How to Serve French Onion Soup

French Onion Soup is a delightful dish that warms the soul and delights the palate. Serving it the right way can enhance its flavors and presentation.

Classic Presentation

• Baguette Toppers: Use freshly baked baguette slices topped with melted Gruyere cheese for the perfect finish.
• Garnish with Thyme: A sprig of fresh thyme on top adds a touch of elegance and enhances flavor.

Individual Bowls

• Soufflé Dishes: Serve in individual soufflé dishes for a charming, rustic look.
• Broiler-Safe Bowls: Make sure your bowls are broiler-safe if you plan to melt cheese directly on top.

Accompanying Salads

• Simple Greens: A light mixed greens salad dressed with vinaigrette pairs wonderfully for a refreshing contrast.
• Caesar Salad: The creamy dressing complements the richness of the soup nicely.

Bread Options

• Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread provides an extra layer of flavor and texture.
• Crusty Artisan Bread: A good quality artisan bread can be served alongside for dipping.

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How to Perfect French Onion Soup

To make your French Onion Soup truly exceptional, consider these helpful tips.

• Caramelization: Allow onions to caramelize slowly for maximum sweetness and depth of flavor.
• Quality Broth Matters: Use high-quality beef broth as it greatly impacts the soup’s overall taste.
• Wine Selection: Choose a dry white wine like Chardonnay; it adds acidity that balances the richness.
• Season Gradually: Taste and adjust seasoning throughout cooking to achieve the perfect balance.
• Cheese Choice: Gruyere cheese is traditional, but mixing in some mozzarella can enhance meltiness.
• Serve Hot: Ensure that both soup and toppings are piping hot upon serving for the best experience.

Best Side Dishes for French Onion Soup

Pairing your French Onion Soup with complementary side dishes can elevate your meal. Here are some delightful options:

1. Mixed Green Salad: Lightly dressed greens provide a crisp contrast to rich soup flavors.
2. Garlic Bread: Crunchy and buttery, this classic side is perfect for dipping in the soup.
3. Caesar Salad: The creamy dressing and crunchy croutons add texture to your meal.
4. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies bring freshness and balance to each bite.
5. Bruschetta: Topped with tomatoes and basil, bruschetta offers a zesty kick alongside the soup.
6. Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses allows guests to explore different flavors while enjoying their soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making French Onion Soup, even small mistakes can affect the final dish. Here are some common pitfalls and how to avoid them.

• Using the wrong onions: Stick with yellow or sweet onions for the best flavor. Avoid using red onions, as they can alter the taste.
• Rushing the caramelization: Caramelizing onions takes time—around 2 hours on low heat. Don’t rush it; otherwise, you’ll miss that rich sweetness.
• Overlooking broth quality: The broth is a key component of French Onion Soup. Use high-quality beef broth for a deeper flavor, and avoid low-sodium options.
• Skipping the wine: A splash of dry white wine enhances the soup’s flavor profile. Don’t skip this step; it adds complexity.
• Not seasoning properly: Taste as you go! Adding salt and pepper at various stages brings out more flavors in your soup.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Allow soup to cool completely before sealing to prevent condensation.

Freezing French Onion Soup

• Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
• Leave some space at the top of the container as soup expands when frozen.

Reheating French Onion Soup

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and heat in a covered dish until warmed through; top with bread and cheese before reheating for extra deliciousness.
• Microwave: Heat in short bursts of 1 minute, stirring in between until hot.
• Stovetop: Heat gently over medium heat, stirring occasionally until hot. Add a splash of broth if it thickens too much.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making French Onion Soup.

How do I make French Onion Soup vegetarian?

You can substitute beef broth with vegetable broth and use vegan cheese for topping.

Can I use different types of cheese for topping?

Yes! While Gruyere is traditional, you can also use Swiss cheese or mozzarella for a different flavor profile.

What is the best way to slice onions for French Onion Soup?

Aim for uniform ¼-inch slices. Using a mandoline slicer can make this process easier and faster.

How long does it take to make French Onion Soup from start to finish?

The total time is about 175 minutes, including prep and cook time, but most of that is hands-off while you let the onions caramelize.

Final Thoughts

French Onion Soup is not only a classic comfort food but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it by adding herbs or different cheeses based on your preference. Give this recipe a try; it’s perfect for cozy evenings or impressing guests at dinner!