French Onion Soup is one of the most comforting and timeless dishes you can prepare. With its deep caramelized onion flavor, rich broth, and cheesy toasted bread on top, this classic recipe delivers warmth and satisfaction in every spoonful. It’s simple, rustic, and perfect for weeknights or cozy gatherings, making it a reliable recipe for any home cook. This article provides a clean, SEO-friendly WordPress-ready format with clear structure, ingredients, and detailed instructions.
Ingredients
For the Soup:
- 5–6 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon sugar (helps caramelize the onions)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- ½ cup dry white wine (optional but recommended)
- 6 cups beef broth (or a mix of beef and chicken broth)
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 bay leaves
- 4–5 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
For the Topping:
- 1 baguette, sliced into rounds
- 2 cups shredded Gruyère cheese (or a mix of Gruyère and mozzarella)
- Fresh thyme for garnish
Instructions
1. Prepare the Onions
Slice the onions into thin, even strips for proper caramelization. Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat, then add the olive oil. Add the onions, salt, pepper, and sugar. Cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until the onions turn deep golden brown. This step takes 30–40 minutes but builds the soup’s signature flavor.
2. Add Garlic and Flour
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute. Sprinkle the flour over the onions and mix well. This helps thicken the broth slightly. Cook for 2–3 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
3. Deglaze the Pot
Pour in the white wine and scrape the bottom of the pot to release all the browned bits. Simmer until the wine reduces by half. If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, replace the wine with extra broth.
4. Build the Broth
Add the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, bay leaves, and thyme. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 25–30 minutes. Remove the bay leaves and thyme stems before serving.
5. Prepare the Bread Topping
Place baguette slices on a baking sheet and toast them in the oven at 400°F (200°C) until crisp and golden. Top each slice with shredded cheese and return them to the oven until the cheese melts and bubbles.
6. Assemble the Soup
Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Add two cheese-topped baguette slices on each bowl. Let the cheese melt slightly into the soup for the classic French onion finish. Garnish with fresh thyme.
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Serving Suggestions
French Onion Soup pairs beautifully with:
- A crisp green salad
- Warm crusty bread
- Roasted chicken
- Light pasta dishes
Its rich flavor and rustic charm make it suitable for cold evenings, holiday meals, or anytime you want a comforting homemade dish.
Storage Instructions
Store leftover soup (without the bread topping) in an airtight container for 3–4 days. Reheat on the stove and prepare fresh toasted baguette slices for the best texture. You can also freeze the soup for up to 2 months.