What You’ll Love About This Recipe
This French onion soup is cozy, comforting, and packed with rich, savory flavors that feel like a warm hug.
- Easy to make—just a few simple ingredients transform into something truly special.
- Perfect for sharing—it’s a crowd-pleaser that impresses without being fussy.
- Leftovers taste even better—the flavors deepen overnight, making it a great make-ahead meal.
Recipe

French Onion Soup is a classic comfort dish celebrated for its rich, savory flavors and hearty appeal. This timeless recipe combines caramelized onions, a flavorful broth, and gooey melted cheese atop crusty bread. Perfect for chilly evenings, it’s surprisingly simple to make at home.
Ingredients:
- 4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup dry white wine (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 slices French bread or baguette, toasted
- 1 ½ cups shredded Gruyere cheese
Instructions:
- In a large pot, melt butter with olive oil over medium heat. Add sliced onions and sugar, stirring occasionally, until caramelized (about 25–30 minutes).
- Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Pour in white wine (if using) and simmer until reduced by half.
- Add beef broth, chicken broth, thyme, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
- Preheat the broiler. Ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls, top with toasted bread slices, and sprinkle generously with Gruyere cheese.
- Broil for 2–3 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve hot.
Notes:
- For a vegetarian version, substitute vegetable broth for beef broth.
- Caramelizing onions slowly guarantees maximum flavor.
- Use oven-safe bowls to prevent cracking under the broiler.
Time:
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Serves: 4
Nutrition
This French Onion Soup recipe is packed with flavor while maintaining a balanced nutritional profile. Here’s a breakdown of its key nutrients per serving:
Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
---|---|
Calories | 250 kcal |
Total Fat | 10 g |
Saturated Fat | 4 g |
Cholesterol | 15 mg |
Sodium | 800 mg |
Total Carbs | 30 g |
Dietary Fiber | 3 g |
Sugars | 8 g |
Protein | 10 g |
Vitamin D | 2% DV |
Calcium | 20% DV |
Iron | 10% DV |
What To Serve With It
A great bowl of French onion soup deserves equally tasty companions. I always pair it with a crusty baguette or garlic bread to soak up the rich, savory broth.
A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette adds a fresh contrast to the soup’s deep flavors. If I’m feeling fancy, a charcuterie board with cured meats, cheeses, and pickles makes it feel like a special meal.
For heartier appetites, I’ll add a grilled cheese sandwich—it’s a match made in comfort food heaven. Don’t forget a glass of red wine or sparkling water to complete the experience!