Print

Easy French Onion Soup Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Find it online: https://messykitchenmagic.com/easy-french-onion-soup-recipe/