Easy French Onion Soup Recipe

Introduction

Easy French Onion Soup is a comforting and flavorful classic that’s surprisingly simple to make at home. With caramelized onions, rich beef broth, and melted Gruyere cheese, this soup is perfect for cozy dinners any time of the year.

Ingredients

• 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
• 6 cups beef broth
• 1 whole bay leaf
• 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. Step 1: Melt the butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the olive oil, onions, and sugar. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are soft, lightly browned, and caramelized, about 30 minutes.
2. Step 2: Add the salt, pepper, and flour to the pot. Cook, stirring, for 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste.
3. Step 3: Stir in the beef broth and add the bay leaf. Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to medium-low and let it simmer uncovered for 30 minutes.
4. Step 4: Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
5. Step 5: Place baguette slices on a baking sheet and toast under the broiler for 2 to 3 minutes until lightly browned.
6. Step 6: Spoon the hot soup into 4 oven-safe bowls. Top each with 2 slices of toasted baguette, then sprinkle evenly with Gruyere and Parmesan cheeses.
7. Step 7: Place the bowls on a rimmed baking sheet and broil in the oven for 2 to 3 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden brown. Garnish with fresh thyme if desired and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

• For a vegetarian version, substitute the beef broth with a rich vegetable broth and use a vegetarian cheese or omit cheese altogether.
• Caramelizing the onions slowly over medium heat ensures deep, sweet flavors that make this soup stand out.
• Use day-old baguette for better toasting and texture under the cheese.
• Try adding a splash of dry white wine along with the beef broth for extra depth.

Storage

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat. To recreate the broiled cheese topping, ladle soup into oven-safe bowls, add toasted baguette and cheese, then broil until bubbly before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make French onion soup ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the soup a day in advance and refrigerate it. Add the bread and cheese and broil just before serving to maintain freshness and texture.

What cheese works best for French onion soup?

Gruyere is the classic choice for its excellent melting and nutty flavor. Parmesan adds a sharp finish when combined. You can also use Swiss or Emmental as alternatives.

Easy French Onion Soup Recipe

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4.6 from 121 reviews

This easy French Onion Soup recipe offers a comforting and classic dish featuring caramelized onions, rich beef broth, toasted baguette slices, and melted Gruyere and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a cozy meal, this recipe simplifies the traditional method while delivering deep, savory flavors.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Soup
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: French

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Soup Base

• 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
• 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 the butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the olive oil, thinly sliced onions, and granulated sugar. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are soft, lightly browned, and caramelized, about 30 minutes.
2. Add Seasonings and Flour: Stir in salt, pepper, and all-purpose flour. Cook while stirring for 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste.
3. Add Broth and Simmer: Pour in the beef broth and add the whole bay leaf. Increase heat to bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and let it simmer gently for 30 minutes to develop deep flavors.
4. Season the Soup: Taste the soup and adjust seasoning by adding more salt and pepper if needed.
5. Toast Baguette Slices: Arrange baguette slices on a baking sheet and toast under the broiler for 2 to 3 minutes until they are lightly browned and crisp.
6. Assemble Soup Bowls: Ladle the soup into 4 oven-safe bowls. Place 2 toasted baguette slices over the top of each bowl, then sprinkle equal portions of grated Gruyere and Parmesan cheese on top.
7. Broil to Melt Cheese: Place the bowls on a rimmed baking sheet and broil in the oven for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and lightly browned.
8. Serve: Optionally garnish with fresh thyme and serve hot, enjoying the comforting layers of flavor.

Notes

• Use thinly sliced yellow onions for best caramelization and flavor.
• Be sure to watch the broth while broiling to prevent burning the cheese.
• French bread or baguette can be toasted a day in advance to save time.
• Gruyere cheese can be substituted with Swiss cheese in a pinch, though flavor will differ slightly.
• For a vegetarian version, substitute beef broth with vegetable broth.

Keywords: French onion soup, caramelized onion soup, classic French soup, easy soup recipe, comfort food, stovetop soup, broiled cheese soup