French onion soup recipe

French onion soup recipe is a warm, comforting soup made from slowly caramelized onions, rich broth, and a touch of melted cheese on top. People love it for its deep, savory flavor and the cozy feeling it brings on cold evenings. Whether it’s a busy weeknight, a family dinner, or a quiet night at home, this soup fits perfectly. I usually start by slicing the onions thinly and letting them soften while I prep other ingredients, so the kitchen fills with a sweet, savory aroma. It’s a simple way to feel nourished and comforted with minimal fuss.

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Why You Will Love This Recipe

This French onion soup recipe is flavorful, easy to make, and adaptable for many occasions. The caramelized onions add natural sweetness, while the broth and melted cheese create a satisfying, rich texture. It works with simple pantry staples, making it budget-friendly and approachable. You can make it in larger batches, reheat easily, or freeze for later, so it’s perfect for meal prep. Cozy and weeknight-friendly, this soup is also crowd-pleasing and visually appealing with golden cheese topping. Even beginners can enjoy making it, and it fills the kitchen with a warm, comforting aroma that everyone will love.

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Ingredients

Tip: Use sweet yellow onions for the best flavor and natural caramelization.

  • Yellow onions – 4 large, thinly sliced
  • Unsalted butter – 3 tablespoons
  • Olive oil – 1 tablespoon
  • Garlic cloves – 2, minced
  • Beef or vegetable broth – 6 cups
  • Dry white wine – ½ cup
  • Fresh thyme – 1 teaspoon, chopped
  • Bay leaf – 1
  • Salt – to taste
  • Black pepper – ½ teaspoon
  • Baguette slices – 6
  • Gruyère or Swiss cheese – 1 cup, grated
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Instructions

Step 1: Preparation
Peel and thinly slice the onions. Mince garlic and chop thyme. Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). This ensures the oven is ready for melting cheese on the soup later.

Step 2: Main Cooking Process
In a large pot, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add onions and cook, stirring frequently, until they turn golden brown and sweetly caramelized, about 30–35 minutes. Add garlic in the last 2 minutes.

See also  Cheeseburger Soup

Step 3: Combining Ingredients
Pour in the white wine and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom. Add broth, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15–20 minutes, letting the flavors combine fully.

Step 4: Finishing & Final Simmer
Ladle soup into oven-safe bowls. Top each with a slice of baguette and sprinkle generously with grated cheese. Bake in the oven until the cheese melts and turns lightly golden, about 10 minutes. Serve immediately.

Why This Recipe Works for Busy Days

You can caramelize the onions ahead of time and store them in the fridge. The soup reheats easily on the stove or in the microwave, making it perfect for busy evenings or meal prep. Freezing portions of the soup without the bread allows you to enjoy it later without losing flavor. It’s convenient and comforting for any schedule.

Tips & Tricks

  • Stir onions often while caramelizing. High heat can burn them, while gentle heat develops sweetness. Patience is key for rich flavor.
  • Use thin slices of baguette. Thick slices may not crisp evenly under cheese and can soak too much liquid.
  • Grate cheese freshly. Pre-shredded cheese may not melt smoothly and can affect texture.
  • Remove bay leaf before serving. Forgetting it can leave a bitter, leathery taste.

Variations

Meaty Version
Add small cubes of cooked beef or chicken to the soup for extra richness. Let the meat simmer in the broth for a few minutes before topping with bread and cheese. It makes the soup more filling for family dinners.

Vegetarian Option
Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. Add extra herbs like rosemary or sage to enhance flavor. This version is fully plant-based but retains the same comforting aroma and texture.

Ingredient Swap
Replace Gruyère with mozzarella or cheddar if unavailable. The flavor will differ slightly, but the cheese melts nicely and creates a gooey topping for the soup.

See also  Baked potato soup

Flavor or Herb Boost
Add a dash of sherry or balsamic vinegar to the broth for depth. Sprinkle fresh parsley or thyme over the cheese before baking for an aromatic, visually appealing finish.

Serving Suggestions

  • With Side Salad
    Pair soup with a light green salad for a balanced meal. The freshness of the salad complements the rich, savory soup.
  • Casual Family Dinner
    Serve in deep bowls with bread slices on the side. Perfect for sharing during relaxed weeknight dinners.
  • Cheese Lover’s Twist
    Add extra cheese on top for a more indulgent treat. Great for cozy nights at home.
  • Soup & Sandwich Combo
    Serve alongside a simple sandwich or panini. It makes a filling lunch or dinner option without extra fuss.

Storage Instructions

  • Fridge Storage
    Store leftover soup without bread in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove to avoid over-reducing the broth.
  • Reheating
    Warm over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of water or broth if soup has thickened. Avoid reheating with bread to keep it from getting soggy.
  • Freezing
    Freeze in portions without bread for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
  • Make-Ahead Tips
    Caramelize onions a day ahead and refrigerate. Assemble the soup with broth and reheat, topping with bread and cheese just before serving for a quick, fresh finish.

Recipe Timing

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Rest Time: Not applicable
  • Total Time: 65 minutes

Nutrition Information (Approximate)

Each serving contains 250–300 calories, with 10–12 grams of protein depending on cheese choice. Provides small amounts of calcium and iron. Values are estimates and may vary based on ingredients and portions used.

FAQs

Yes, cook the soup fully and store without bread. Add bread and cheese just before serving.

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Rushing the onions. Without proper caramelization, the soup lacks deep flavor.

Yes, they provide natural sweetness and rich color.

It should be slightly brothy; simmer longer if too thin, or reduce slightly.

Up to 3 days in the fridge, without bread.

Conclusion

This French onion soup recipe is a cozy, satisfying dish that fills the kitchen with warmth and aroma. You can customize the broth, cheese, and herbs to your taste, making it ideal for busy nights or leisurely dinners. Even reheated leftovers stay flavorful, and the recipe encourages experimentation while remaining simple. Whether served for a family meal or a quiet evening at home, it’s a comforting classic that brings warmth and satisfaction with every bowl. Save it, tweak it, and enjoy the cozy flavors anytime.

French onion soup recipe Save
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French onion soup recipe

Recipe by Tasty VaultCourse: Soup Recipes
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

15

minutes
Cooking time

50

minutes
Calories

300

kcal

Sweet caramelized onions in savory broth, topped with toasted bread and melted cheese. This French onion soup is comforting, easy to make, and perfect for cozy evenings or family dinners.

Ingredients

  • Yellow onions – 4 large, thinly sliced

  • Unsalted butter – 3 tablespoons

  • Olive oil – 1 tablespoon

  • Garlic cloves – 2, minced

  • Beef or vegetable broth – 6 cups

  • Dry white wine – ½ cup

  • Fresh thyme – 1 teaspoon, chopped

  • Bay leaf – 1

  • Salt – to taste

  • Black pepper – ½ teaspoon

  • Baguette slices – 6

  • Gruyère or Swiss cheese – 1 cup, grated

Directions

  • Slice onions and mince garlic. Chop thyme. Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
  • Heat butter and oil in a pot. Cook onions until golden brown. Add garlic last 2 minutes.
  • Pour in wine, add broth, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Simmer 15–20 minutes.
  • Ladle soup into oven-safe bowls. Top with bread and cheese. Bake until cheese melts and lightly golden. Serve warm.

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