French Onion Soup Recipe

Perfectly caramelized onions in a rich broth topped with melted Gruyere—discover how simple it is to make classic French onion soup at home.

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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

classic french onion soup

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:

  1. 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).
  2. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
  3. Pour in white wine (if using) and simmer until reduced by half.
  4. 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.
  5. Preheat the broiler. Ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls, top with toasted bread slices, and sprinkle generously with Gruyere cheese.
  6. 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:

NutrientAmount per Serving
Calories250 kcal
Total Fat10 g
Saturated Fat4 g
Cholesterol15 mg
Sodium800 mg
Total Carbs30 g
Dietary Fiber3 g
Sugars8 g
Protein10 g
Vitamin D2% DV
Calcium20% DV
Iron10% 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!

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