Name: Classic French Onion Soup Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h 10 min
Total time: 1 h 25 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon sugar; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 8 cups beef broth (preferably homemade or low sodium); 1/2 cup dry white wine or dry sherry (optional); 2 fresh thyme sprigs; 1 bay leaf; 1 baguette, sliced into 1/2 inch thick rounds; 2 cups grated Gruyère cheese

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There is nothing quite as comforting and indulgent as a bowl of rich, savory, and deeply flavorful Classic French Onion Soup Recipe. This timeless dish beautifully blends caramelized onions simmered to perfection in a robust beef broth, topped with toasted bread and melted cheese that creates a golden, bubbling crust. Whether you’re looking to cozy up on a crisp evening or impress guests with a simple yet elegant appetizer, this soup is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that pulls you in with every spoonful.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a group of cooking ingredients placed on a dark surface with a white marbled texture in the background. In the front, there is a long golden-brown loaf of bread with a dusted flour look. To the left, a white bowl filled with shredded pale yellow cheese is visible. Behind the bowl, three whole onions with light yellow and orange skin are stacked together. Next to the onions, a small brown wooden bowl holds dried green herbs. In the back, a blue and white speckled ceramic bottle with a handle stands near a jar of dark brown roasted beef base labeled

The magic of this Classic French Onion Soup Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient is essential, working together to build layers of flavor, texture, and aroma that make this soup a masterpiece. Let’s break down the essentials that transform humble onions and broth into something spectacular.

Yellow Onions: These are the star of the show, caramelizing slowly to develop their sweet, rich flavor that forms the soup’s base.
Unsalted Butter: Helps in gently cooking the onions without burning and adds creaminess to the texture.
Olive Oil: Used alongside butter to balance the flavors and help with caramelization.
Beef Broth: Provides the deep, savory backbone of the soup; homemade or high-quality store-bought works best.
Dry White Wine: Adds acidity and a bright note that lifts the rich onion flavor.
Garlic: Brings a subtle depth that enhances the savory profile.
Thyme: Fresh thyme sprigs infuse the broth with a subtle earthiness.
Bay Leaves: Add herbal complexity to the broth with just a hint of bitterness.
Baguette: Sliced and toasted, it provides the perfect crunchy base to crown the soup.
Gruyère Cheese: Melted on top, this cheese adds a nutty, creamy, and perfectly browned finish.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing balance to all the flavors.

How to Make Classic French Onion Soup Recipe

Step 1: Caramelize the Onions

Start with thinly sliced yellow onions cooked slowly in a mix of butter and olive oil over low heat. This process takes patience—about 45 minutes to an hour—but it’s worth every minute. The onions transform from sharp and pungent into rich, golden-brown strands packed with sweet, robust flavor that forms the soul of the soup.

Step 2: Deglaze the Pan

Once the onions are beautifully caramelized, pour in dry white wine to deglaze the pan. Scrape up all those delicious browned bits stuck to the bottom—they add an incredible depth of flavor to your Classic French Onion Soup Recipe. Let the wine reduce slightly to concentrate the taste.

Step 3: Add Broth and Herbs

Pour in the beef broth and add fresh thyme sprigs and bay leaves. Bring the soup to a gentle simmer and let it cook uncovered for about 30 minutes. This step allows all the flavors to blend and deepen, creating an irresistible aroma that fills your kitchen.

Step 4: Prepare the Toppings

While the soup simmers, slice your baguette, toast the slices until crisp, and grate the Gruyère cheese. These toppings are crucial since they give the soup its classic, indulgent finish.

Step 5: Assemble and Broil

Ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls, float toasted baguette slices on top, and pile generously with Gruyère cheese. Pop the bowls under a hot broiler until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown. This broiled cheese crust is the crowning glory of the Classic French Onion Soup Recipe.

How to Serve Classic French Onion Soup Recipe

A white pot filled with French onion soup shows two main layers: on the left side, several round slices of toasted bread with light golden color and melted pale yellow cheese sprinkled with green parsley and black pepper; on the right side, soft, shredded dark brown caramelized onions mixed with broth and topped with melted cheese and parsley. Around the pot, there are sliced baguette pieces, a glass of dark red wine, a bulb of garlic, whole onions, and a white bowl with roasted orange carrots on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley adds a touch of color and a fresh, herbal note that contrasts beautifully with the rich soup. You can also add a crack of fresh black pepper if you like a little extra kick.

Side Dishes

To complement your soup, serve a crisp green salad or a simple plate of roasted vegetables. These lighter options balance the richness of the soup, making your meal complete without weighing you down.

Creative Ways to Present

For an elegant twist, serve the soup in individual mini crock pots or rustic ramekins. You can even hollow out a round sourdough loaf and ladle the soup inside for a show-stopping presentation that’s as fun to serve as it is to eat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place leftover soup in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Keep the toasted bread and cheese separate until ready to serve to maintain their perfect texture.

Freezing

Classic French Onion Soup Recipe freezes beautifully. Freeze the soup without the bread and cheese in portion-sized containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove.

Reheating

Warm the soup slowly on the stove, stirring occasionally. Once hot, add fresh toasted baguette slices and cheese and broil as you would when freshly made to recreate that delightful bubbly topping.

FAQs

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Absolutely! Substitute beef broth with a rich, homemade vegetable broth and use vegetable-based alternatives for the traditional toppings if needed. The key is to keep the deep caramelized onion flavor alive.

What type of cheese works best?

Gruyère is the traditional choice because it melts perfectly and has a nutty flavor that complements the soup. However, Emmental or even Swiss cheese can be good substitutes if Gruyère is unavailable.

How long does it take to caramelize onions properly?

Plan for at least 45 minutes to an hour over low heat, stirring frequently. Patience is essential here—rushing will result in burnt or unevenly cooked onions and a less flavorful soup.

Can I use other types of onions?

Yellow onions are preferred for their balance of sweetness and pungency, but white or sweet onions can also work. Mixing a couple of types adds subtle complexity to the flavor.

Is it necessary to use wine?

The wine adds a lovely acidity and depth that enhances the soup’s flavor, but if you prefer not to use alcohol, you can substitute it with a splash of apple cider vinegar or extra broth for balance.

Final Thoughts

There really is something magical about this Classic French Onion Soup Recipe that makes it a forever favorite in my kitchen, and I hope it becomes one for you too. The process of slowly caramelizing onions, creating that hearty broth, and finishing with that golden cheese crust is truly comforting and rewarding. So grab your onions, get your pot ready, and dive into a bowl of warm, cheesy deliciousness that feels like a hug in a bowl!