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french onion soup recipe

French Onion Soup is a classic dish known for its rich flavors, warm broth, and savory caramelized onions topped with melted cheese and crusty bread. Perfect for a cozy meal, it’s satisfying and delicious.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Soup
Cuisine French
Servings 4 People
Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven
  • 1 Wooden spoon
  • 1 Ladle
  • 1 Oven-safe bowls or ramekins
  • 1 Broiler

Ingredients
  

  • 4 large yellow onions About 2 pounds, thinly sliced.
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 4 cloves garlic Minced.
  • 8 cups beef broth
  • 1 cup dry white wine
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme Or 1 teaspoon dried thyme.
  • 1 leaf bay leaf
  • 8 slices French bread Toasted.
  • 2 cups grated Gruyère cheese Or Swiss cheese.
  • freshly ground black pepper To taste.

Instructions
 

  • In a heavy-bottomed pot, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat.
  • Add the thinly sliced onions, salt, and sugar. Stir to coat the onions.
  • Cook the onions slowly, stirring occasionally, for about 30 minutes until they are caramelized and golden brown.
  • Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  • Pour in the white wine, scraping the bottom of the pot to deglaze. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes until the wine reduces by half.
  • Add the beef broth, thyme, and bay leaf to the pot. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15 minutes.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed.
  • Preheat the broiler in your oven.
  • Place the toasted French bread slices on top of the soup in the oven-safe bowls and generously top them with the grated cheese.
  • Place the bowls under the broiler for 3-5 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Keep a close watch to avoid burning.
  • Carefully remove the bowls from the oven and let them cool for a minute before serving.

Notes

For added flavor, you can use a combination of beef and chicken broth.
You can garnish the soup with fresh parsley or extra thyme for a pop of color.
This soup can be made ahead of time and reheated before adding the bread and cheese for broiling.
Ensure the bowls are oven-safe to avoid cracking under the high heat when broiling.