French Onion Soup

French Onion Soup is a deeply savory, caramelized-onion rich soup topped with golden toasted bread and gooey melted cheese, turning simple pantry ingredients into a restaurant-worthy comfort dish.

If you’re tired of dry, overcooked chicken breasts or boring weeknight meals, this soup brings slow-cooked flavor, cozy warmth, and an elegant touch to your table with very little fuss.

At dishfoody.com, recipes like this celebrate simple techniques that create big flavor and memorable meals for family and friends.

Why This French Onion Soup Recipe Works

• Uses affordable, easy-to-find ingredients like onions, broth, and bread.
• Long, slow caramelization builds deep, naturally sweet, complex flavor.
• Perfect for weeknights or weekend feasts, and feels special enough for guests.

Choosing the Right Ingredients for French Onion Soup

Best Ingredients for This Recipe

Yellow or sweet onions are ideal for their balance of sweetness and flavor. A good-quality beef or vegetable broth gives the soup body and depth. Crusty baguette and melty cheeses like Gruyère or Swiss create the classic topping.

Buying Tips

Select firm, heavy onions without soft spots or sprouting. Choose a sturdy baguette that toasts well and holds up in the broth without turning mushy too fast.

Substitutions

Use all vegetable broth for a lighter, vegetarian-friendly version. Swiss, provolone, or mozzarella can stand in for Gruyère if needed.

Ingredients & Prep for French Onion Soup

Onion & Base Prep Essentials

• 4–5 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried)

Broth & Topping Components

• 8 cups beef or vegetable broth
• 1–2 bay leaves
• 1 baguette, sliced into ½-inch rounds
• 2 cups shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions for French Onion Soup

Pre-Cooking Prep

Peel and thinly slice onions pole-to-pole for even cooking. Grate cheese and slice baguette; set aside.

Cooking Method

1. In a large heavy pot, melt butter with olive oil over medium heat. Add sliced onions, salt, and pepper.
2. Cook onions, stirring occasionally, for 30–40 minutes until deeply golden and caramelized (lower heat if browning too quickly).
3. Stir in garlic and thyme; cook 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Deglaze pot with a splash of broth, scraping up browned bits from the bottom.
5. Add remaining broth and bay leaves; bring to a simmer and cook 20–25 minutes to meld flavors. Adjust seasoning.
6. Meanwhile, toast baguette slices under broiler until crisp and lightly golden.
7. Ladle hot soup into oven-safe bowls. Top each with 1–2 baguette slices and a generous mound of cheese.
8. Place bowls on a baking sheet and broil until cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly browned.

Doneness Check

Onions should be soft and sweet, broth rich and flavorful, and cheese fully melted with browned spots.

Resting

Let bowls rest a few minutes before serving; they will be very hot.

Pro Tips for Perfect French Onion Soup

• Take time with the onions: low and slow caramelization is key to flavor.
• Deglaze thoroughly to capture all the fond from the pot.
• Toast bread well so it holds its structure under the cheese and broth.

Flavor Variations for French Onion Soup

Spicy Twist

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the broth for subtle heat.

Keto/Paleo

Skip the bread or use low-carb bread; load extra onions and top with cheese only.

Global Flavors

• Italian: Use Parmesan and provolone and add a touch of rosemary.
• Spanish: Add smoked paprika and Manchego cheese.
• Mediterranean: Finish with a drizzle of olive oil and fresh herbs.

Serving Suggestions for French Onion Soup

Serve as a starter before steak, roast chicken, or a simple salad. Pair with crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or a light dessert to balance its richness.

FAQs for French Onion Soup

• Can I make it ahead? Yes, make the soup base in advance and add toasted bread and cheese just before serving.
• How do I store leftovers? Cool and refrigerate soup (without bread/cheese) up to 4 days; reheat gently.
• Is it freezer-friendly? The soup base freezes well; add fresh bread and cheese after reheating.

Conclusion

French Onion Soup turns humble onions, broth, and bread into a luxuriously rich and comforting dish that feels like a hug in a bowl. It’s ideal for cozy evenings, dinner parties, or anytime you crave deep, savory flavor. For more cozy recipes, visit dishfoody.com and pair this with our Cream of Vegetable Soup and warm breads for the ultimate soup night.

French Onion Soup

Print Recipe

French Onion Soup is a classic, rich, and comforting soup featuring caramelized onions simmered in beef broth and topped with crusty bread and melted Gruyère cheese.

• Author: ssam
• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 1 hr
• Total Time: 1 hr 15 mins
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Soup
• Method: Simmering and Broiling
• Cuisine: French
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 large onions, thinly sliced
• 3 tbsp butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 6 cups beef broth
• 1 cup dry white wine
• 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 baguette, sliced
• 2 cups shredded Gruyère cheese
• Fresh thyme for garnish

Instructions

• 1. Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat.
• 2. Add sliced onions and cook slowly until caramelized, about 40 minutes.
• 3. Stir in garlic and flour; cook for 2 minutes.
• 4. Pour in beef broth and wine; bring to a simmer.
• 5. Season with salt and pepper.
• 6. Simmer for 20 minutes.
• 7. Preheat broiler.
• 8. Ladle soup into oven-safe bowls.
• 9. Top with toasted baguette slices and grated Gruyère.
• 10. Broil until cheese is melted and bubbly.
• 11. Garnish with fresh thyme and serve hot.

Notes

• Cook onions slowly for deep caramelization.
• Use homemade or quality beef broth for best flavor.
• Substitute Gruyère with Swiss if unavailable.
• Serve with a side salad or crusty bread.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bowl
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 12g
• Cholesterol: 40mg

Keywords: french onion soup, caramelized onion soup, classic soup, cheesy soup