Easy French Onion Soup Recipe

Introduction

French onion soup is a timeless comfort food classic, loved for its rich, caramelized flavors and cheesy toasted bread topping. This easy version simplifies the process while delivering all the warmth and depth you’d expect. Perfect for a cozy dinner any night of the week.

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1/2 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 pounds (about 3) yellow onions, thinly sliced
• 1/2 teaspoon granulated white sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon pepper
• 2 tablespoons all purpose flour
• 6 cups beef broth
• 1 whole bay leaf
• 8 slices baguette
• 4 ounces (1 cup) grated Gruyere cheese
• 1 ounce (1/4 cup) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh thyme for garnish, optional

Instructions

1. Step 1: Melt the butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the olive oil, sliced onions, and sugar. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are soft, lightly browned, and caramelized, about 30 minutes.
2. Step 2: Stir in the salt, pepper, and flour, cooking for 1 minute to combine.
3. Step 3: Pour in the beef broth and add the bay leaf. Increase heat to bring to a boil, then reduce to medium-low and simmer for 30 minutes.
4. Step 4: Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
5. Step 5: Place baguette slices on a baking sheet and toast under the broiler for 2 to 3 minutes until lightly browned.
6. Step 6: Spoon the soup into 4 oven-safe bowls. Top each bowl with 2 toasted baguette slices, then sprinkle evenly with Gruyere and Parmesan cheeses.
7. Step 7: Place the bowls on a rimmed baking sheet and broil for 2 to 3 minutes until the cheese is melted and lightly browned. Garnish with fresh thyme if desired, then serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

• Use a dry white wine in place of part of the beef broth for extra depth of flavor.
• For a vegetarian version, substitute beef broth with mushroom or vegetable broth.
• Caramelize onions slowly and patiently—this step is key to developing the soup’s rich flavor.
• Gruyere cheese melts beautifully, but Swiss or mozzarella can be used if Gruyere is unavailable.

Storage

Store leftover soup separately from the toasted bread and cheese in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the soup gently on the stove before topping with fresh toasted baguette slices and cheese, then broil as instructed to enjoy it like freshly made.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, the soup can be made a day or two in advance and reheated gently. Add the toasted bread and cheese just before serving to keep the topping fresh and crisp.

What type of onions work best for French onion soup?

Yellow onions are preferred because their natural sweetness enhances caramelization, which is essential for the soup’s rich flavor.

Easy French Onion Soup Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 76 reviews

This Easy French Onion Soup is a comforting classic made simple with caramelized onions, rich beef broth, toasted baguette slices, and melted Gruyere and Parmesan cheese. Perfect as a warming appetizer or light meal, it combines deep flavors with a cheesy, crispy topping that’s sure to satisfy.

• Author: Elias
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Soup
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: French

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Sauté

• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1/2 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 pounds (about 3) yellow onions, thinly sliced
• 1/2 teaspoon granulated white sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon pepper
• 2 tablespoons all purpose flour

Broth and Seasoning

• 6 cups beef broth
• 1 whole bay leaf

Toppings

• 8 slices baguette
• 4 ounces (1 cup) grated Gruyere cheese
• 1 ounce (1/4 cup) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh thyme for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Caramelize Onions: Melt butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add olive oil, sliced onions, and sugar. Cook, stirring occasionally, until onions are soft, lightly browned, and caramelized, about 30 minutes.
2. Add Seasoning and Flour: Stir in salt, pepper, and flour, cooking for 1 minute while stirring to combine and slightly thicken the mixture.
3. Simmer the Soup: Pour in beef broth and add the bay leaf. Increase heat to bring the soup to a boil, then reduce to medium-low and simmer uncovered for 30 minutes. Taste and season with additional salt and pepper if needed.
4. Toast Baguette Slices: Place baguette slices on a baking sheet and toast under the broiler for 2 to 3 minutes, until lightly browned. Watch closely to avoid burning.
5. Assemble Bowls: Ladle soup into 4 oven-safe bowls. Top each with 2 toasted baguette slices. Sprinkle grated Gruyere and Parmesan cheeses evenly over the bread.
6. Broil to Melt Cheese: Place bowls on a rimmed baking sheet and broil in the oven for 2 to 3 minutes until the cheese is melted and lightly browned. Garnish with fresh thyme if desired and serve immediately.

Notes

• Use a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven for even caramelization of onions.
• Stir onions frequently near the end to prevent burning during caramelization.
• If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute beef broth with vegetable broth.
• For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free bread and flour alternatives.
• Keep an eye on the broiler to avoid burning the cheese topping.
• The soup can be prepared in advance up to the simmering step and reheated before serving.

Keywords: French onion soup, caramelized onion soup, easy soup recipe, classic French soup, beef broth soup, cheesy soup, comfort food