If you’re craving a warm, comforting, and deeply flavorful dish, this Classic French Onion Soup is the perfect choice! With caramelized onions, a rich broth, and a crispy, cheesy topping, this soup is pure comfort in a bowl.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich & Flavorful – Slow-cooked onions create a deep, sweet, and savory taste.
- Classic French Bistro Dish – Feels fancy but is easy to make at home!
- Perfect Comfort Food – Ideal for chilly nights or whenever you need a cozy meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Soup:
- Yellow Onions (4 large, thinly sliced) – The star of the dish, sweet and caramelized.
- Butter (2 tbsp) – Adds richness and helps with caramelization.
- Olive Oil (1 tbsp) – Prevents the butter from burning.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced) – Adds depth to the flavor.
- Beef Broth (6 cups) – Creates a robust and hearty base.
- Bay Leaf (1) – Infuses the soup with subtle herbal notes.
- Fresh Thyme (2 sprigs or ½ tsp dried) – Enhances the savory flavor.
- Salt & Black Pepper (to taste) – Balances and enhances the flavors.
- Balsamic Vinegar (1 tbsp) – Adds a touch of acidity to balance the sweetness of the onions.
For the Topping:
- French Baguette (4–6 slices, toasted) – Absorbs the flavorful broth.
- Gruyère Cheese (1½ cups, grated) – The ultimate melty, golden topping.
Tools You’ll Need
- Large heavy-bottomed pot (like a Dutch oven)
- Wooden spoon
- Oven-safe soup bowls
- Baking sheet
How to Make Classic French Onion Soup
Step 1: Caramelize the Onions
- In a large pot, heat the butter and olive oil over medium-low heat.
- Add the sliced onions and cook slowly, stirring occasionally, for about 30–40 minutes, until deep golden brown. This is key for the rich flavor!
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 2: Build the Broth
- Pour in the balsamic vinegar to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits.
- Add the beef broth, bay leaf, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a simmer and let cook for 20 minutes to develop the flavors. Remove the bay leaf and thyme stems.
Step 3: Prepare the Topping
- While the soup simmers, toast the baguette slices until golden and crispy.
- Preheat the oven broiler to high.
Step 4: Assemble and Broil
- Ladle the hot soup into oven-safe bowls.
- Place a toasted baguette slice on top of each bowl and sprinkle generously with Gruyère cheese.
- Place the bowls on a baking sheet and broil for 2–3 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
- Carefully remove from the oven, let cool slightly, and dig into the warm, cheesy goodness!
What to Serve with French Onion Soup
- A crisp green salad with Dijon vinaigrette.
- Steak or roast chicken for a classic French meal.
- A glass of sparkling water with lemon for a refreshing contrast.
Tips for the Best French Onion Soup
- Be patient with the onions – Slow caramelization is what gives this soup its signature flavor.
- Use high-quality beef broth – The broth makes a big difference in taste.
- Choose the right cheese – Gruyère melts beautifully, but Swiss or mozzarella can work too.
Storing & Reheating
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Freeze the soup (without bread and cheese) for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Warm on the stove, then add fresh toast and cheese before broiling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes! Swap beef broth for vegetable broth and use extra umami-rich ingredients like mushrooms or soy sauce for depth.
What can I use instead of Gruyère?
Try Swiss, mozzarella, or even sharp cheddar for a different twist.
Can I prepare this soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! Make the soup in advance and reheat when ready to serve. Add fresh toasted bread and cheese before broiling.
Conclusion
This Classic French Onion Soup is rich, cheesy, and full of comforting flavors. Whether you’re making it for a cozy night in or a special dinner, it’s sure to impress.
Try this recipe and let me know how it turns out!
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 1 hour
Cuisine: French
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 320 | Protein: 12g | Carbohydrates: 28g | Fat: 18g | Fiber: 3g | Sodium: 850mg
Classic French Onion Soup
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Description
If you’re craving a warm, comforting, and deeply flavorful dish, this Classic French Onion Soup is the perfect choice! With caramelized onions, a rich broth, and a crispy, cheesy topping, this soup is pure comfort in a bowl.
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Ingredients
For the Soup:
- Yellow Onions (4 large, thinly sliced) – The star of the dish, sweet and caramelized.
- Butter (2 tbsp) – Adds richness and helps with caramelization.
- Olive Oil (1 tbsp) – Prevents the butter from burning.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced) – Adds depth to the flavor.
- Beef Broth (6 cups) – Creates a robust and hearty base.
- Bay Leaf (1) – Infuses the soup with subtle herbal notes.
- Fresh Thyme (2 sprigs or ½ tsp dried) – Enhances the savory flavor.
- Salt & Black Pepper (to taste) – Balances and enhances the flavors.
- Balsamic Vinegar (1 tbsp) – Adds a touch of acidity to balance the sweetness of the onions.
For the Topping:
- French Baguette (4–6 slices, toasted) – Absorbs the flavorful broth.
- Gruyère Cheese (1½ cups, grated) – The ultimate melty, golden topping.
Instructions
For the Soup:
- Yellow Onions (4 large, thinly sliced) – The star of the dish, sweet and caramelized.
- Butter (2 tbsp) – Adds richness and helps with caramelization.
- Olive Oil (1 tbsp) – Prevents the butter from burning.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced) – Adds depth to the flavor.
- Beef Broth (6 cups) – Creates a robust and hearty base.
- Bay Leaf (1) – Infuses the soup with subtle herbal notes.
- Fresh Thyme (2 sprigs or ½ tsp dried) – Enhances the savory flavor.
- Salt & Black Pepper (to taste) – Balances and enhances the flavors.
- Balsamic Vinegar (1 tbsp) – Adds a touch of acidity to balance the sweetness of the onions.
For the Topping:
- French Baguette (4–6 slices, toasted) – Absorbs the flavorful broth.
- Gruyère Cheese (1½ cups, grated) – The ultimate melty, golden topping.
Notes
- Be patient with the onions – Slow caramelization is what gives this soup its signature flavor.
- Use high-quality beef broth – The broth makes a big difference in taste.
- Choose the right cheese – Gruyère melts beautifully, but Swiss or mozzarella can work too.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Cuisine: French
