Easy French Onion Soup Recipe
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
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)
- 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.
- Add Seasoning and Flour: Stir in salt, pepper, and flour, cooking for 1 minute while stirring to combine and slightly thicken the mixture.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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