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Easy French Onion Soup Recipe

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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