What You’ll Love About This Recipe
This homemade French onion soup is rich, comforting, and packed with deep, caramelized flavors that make it a favorite. You’ll love how simple ingredients come together to create something truly special.
- Easy to make—just a few basic steps transform onions into a sweet, savory masterpiece.
- Budget-friendly—uses pantry staples like onions, broth, and cheese for a cozy meal.
- Crowd-pleaser—perfect for chilly nights or impressing guests with minimal effort.
Recipe
French Onion Soup is a classic comfort dish, featuring caramelized onions in a rich beef broth, topped with toasted bread and melted cheese. This recipe offers a hearty and flavorful meal perfect for chilly evenings.
Ingredients:
- 4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional)
- 1 teaspoon thyme leaves
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 baguette, sliced
- 1 1/2 cups grated Gruyère cheese
Instructions:
- Heat butter and olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions and sugar, stirring occasionally, until caramelized (about 30-40 minutes).
- Add white wine (if using) to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits.
- Pour in beef and chicken broth, then add thyme and bay leaf. Simmer for 20 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
- Preheat the broiler. Ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls. Place a slice of baguette on top of each bowl and sprinkle generously with Gruyère.
- Broil until the cheese is bubbly and golden (about 2-3 minutes). Serve immediately.
Notes:
- For deeper flavor, use homemade beef broth.
- Substitute Gruyère with Swiss or mozzarella if needed.
Equipment:
- Large pot
- Oven-safe soup bowls
- Broiler
Time:
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Cuisine:
French
Serving:
4-6 servings
Nutrition
French onion soup is a classic dish that is both comforting and flavorful. Below is the nutritional information per serving.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 |
| Total Fat | 12g |
| Saturated Fat | 6g |
| Cholesterol | 20mg |
| Sodium | 950mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 38g |
| Dietary Fiber | 4g |
| Sugars | 10g |
| Protein | 12g |
What To Serve With It
I love serving my French onion soup with crusty bread, like a warm baguette or sourdough, which soaks up all that rich broth beautifully. For the perfect finish, I top it with melted cheese, such as Gruyère or Swiss, which adds a creamy, gooey layer. These pairings make the meal feel cozy and complete.
Crusty Bread Pairings
While you’re savoring that rich, cheesy bowl of French onion soup, you’ll want something to soak up every last drop—and that’s where crusty bread comes in. I love pairing it with a classic baguette, slightly warmed so it’s crisp outside and soft inside. Sometimes, I go for a rustic sourdough loaf, its tangy flavor balancing the soup’s sweetness. A slice of ciabatta works wonders too, with its airy texture perfect for dipping. Don’t forget garlic bread—its savory kick takes it to the next level. Whatever you choose, make sure it’s fresh and hearty enough to hold up to the broth.
Cheese Topping Ideas
Now that we’ve got the bread covered, let’s talk about the star of the show—the cheese! Gruyère is my go-to for French onion soup—it melts beautifully and has a nutty flavor that’s unbeatable. If you’re feeling fancy, try mixing it with a bit of Emmental or Comté for extra depth. Mozzarella or provolone works, too, if you want something stretchy and comforting. For a bolder bite, sprinkle some sharp cheddar or fontina on top. Don’t forget to cover the soup completely with cheese—it creates that golden, bubbly crust we all crave. Trust me, it’s worth every gooey bite!
