French Onion Soup Recipe
This French onion soup recipe combines golden caramelized onions, savory broth, toasted baguette, and gooey melted cheese for a comforting classic. Perfect for cozy dinners, it’s rich, budget-friendly, and surprisingly simple to make.
Ingredients
- 4 large yellow onions thinly sliced
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp sugar
- ½ cup dry white wine optional
- 8 cups beef broth or vegetable broth for vegetarian
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme or 1 tsp dried
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 French baguette sliced
- 2 cups shredded Gruyère cheese or Swiss
Instructions
- In a large pot, melt butter with olive oil over medium heat.
- Add sliced onions and cook slowly, stirring often, until caramelized (about 30–40 minutes). Sprinkle with sugar midway to enhance browning.
- Stir in garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes.
- Deglaze with white wine (if using), scraping up browned bits.
- Pour in broth, add bay leaf and thyme, then season with salt and pepper. Simmer 25–30 minutes.
- Meanwhile, toast baguette slices until golden and crisp.
- Ladle soup into oven-safe bowls, top with baguette slices, and sprinkle generously with cheese.
- Place bowls under broiler until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve hot, garnished with extra thyme if desired.
Notes
Caramelize onions low and slow for the best flavor.
For vegetarian, use veggie broth and vegetarian-friendly cheese.
Swap Gruyère for mozzarella, Swiss, or provolone if preferred.
Nutrition
Calories: 420kcal
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!