Tasty French Onion Soup
French onion soup is a timeless comfort dish built on patience and simple ingredients. Slowly caramelized onions create deep, rich flavor, finished with a savory broth and a golden, cheesy topping that makes every spoonful unforgettable.
Ingredients:
4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
3 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon sugar (optional, helps caramelization)
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup dry white wine (optional)
6 cups beef broth
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1 bay leaf
For Topping:
Baguette slices, toasted
1 1/2 cups shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese
Instructions:
Melt the butter and olive oil together in a large pot over medium heat. Add the sliced onions, salt, and pepper. Stir well to coat the onions.
Cook the onions slowly, stirring often, for 30 to 40 minutes. They should become deeply golden and caramelized, not burned. Sprinkle in the sugar if using during the last 10 minutes to enhance browning.
Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the white wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Simmer for 3 to 4 minutes until slightly reduced.
Add the beef broth, thyme, and bay leaf. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed.
To Finish and Serve:
Preheat the broiler. Ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls. Top each bowl with toasted baguette slices and a generous layer of cheese.
Place the bowls under the broiler for 2 to 4 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden. Carefully remove and serve hot.
Helpful Tips:
Take your time with the onions — slow cooking is the key to rich flavor.
Gruyère melts beautifully, but Swiss or mozzarella also work well.
For a deeper taste, replace one cup of beef broth with chicken broth or add a splash of Worcestershire sauce.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve with a crisp green salad or simple roasted vegetables.
This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread and a light white wine.
Leftovers reheat well and taste even better the next day.
This tasty French onion soup is comforting, rich, and deeply satisfying — a classic recipe that never goes out of style.