Description
This French onion soup recipe transforms simple ingredients into an elegant, comforting dish. Slowly caramelized onions give it sweetness and richness, while beef broth, white wine, and herbs build complexity. Finished with toasted baguette slices and bubbling, melted Gruyère cheese, it’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. Ideal for cozy evenings, dinner parties, or anytime you want a taste of rustic French cooking at home.
Ingredients
- 6 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¾ cup dry white wine
- 6 cups beef broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian)
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 French baguette, sliced and toasted
- 1½ cups grated Gruyère cheese
- Optional: splash of sherry or brandy, Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
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Caramelize onions in butter and olive oil over low heat for 45–55 minutes until deeply golden.
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Add garlic, then deglaze with white wine, scraping up browned bits.
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Pour in broth, add herbs, and simmer uncovered for 30–40 minutes.
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Meanwhile, toast the baguette slices until crisp.
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Ladle hot soup into oven-safe bowls, top with toasted bread and cheese.
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Broil until cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
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Let rest for a few minutes and serve hot.
Notes
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Mix cheeses for a more complex topping.
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Toast bread until very dry to avoid sogginess.
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For deeper flavor, use homemade broth if possible.
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Double the batch and freeze leftovers for future cozy meals.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop + Broiler
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 470