French Onion Soup

Rich, comforting, and full of deep caramelized onion flavor, French Onion Soup is topped with toasted bread and bubbly melted cheese for the ultimate cozy meal.

Ingredients

For the Soup

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, helps with caramelization)
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• ½ cup dry white wine (optional)
• 6 cups beef broth
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Topping

• 8 slices French baguette
• 2 cups shredded Gruyère cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

1. Caramelize the Onions

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter with the olive oil over medium-low heat.
2. Add the sliced onions and sugar, if using.
3. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 35–45 minutes, until the onions are deeply golden and caramelized.
4. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute.

2. Build the Soup

1. Sprinkle the flour over the onions and stir for 1–2 minutes.
2. Add the white wine (if using) and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
3. Stir in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and bay leaf.
4. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 20–25 minutes.
5. Remove the thyme sprigs and bay leaf, then season with salt and pepper.

3. Prepare the Bread

1. Toast the baguette slices until crisp.
2. Divide the soup among oven-safe bowls.
3. Place 1–2 slices of toasted baguette on top of each bowl.
4. Cover generously with Gruyère and Parmesan cheese.

4. Broil

1. Place the bowls on a baking sheet.
2. Broil for 2–4 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly browned.

Prep Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Total Time: About 1 hour 25 minutes

Tips

• Be patient when caramelizing the onions—their rich sweetness develops slowly and is the key to great flavor.
• Gruyère is the traditional choice, but Swiss, Emmental, or mozzarella can also be used.
• For a richer soup, use homemade beef stock if available.
• Serve with a crisp green salad or extra crusty bread for a complete meal.

Enjoy this warm, cheesy, restaurant-style French Onion Soup that’s perfect for chilly evenings or special occasions