Go Back
+ servings
French Onion Soup

Hearty French Onion Soup for Cozy Nights In

Delve into the warmth of this French Onion Soup, a classic comfort food brimming with flavor and topped with cheese.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 40 minutes
Servings: 4 bowls
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: French
Calories: 380

Ingredients
  

For the Soup
  • 4 cups thinly sliced yellow onions
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter Can use salted butter but adjust salt
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil Any neutral oil can be used
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 pinch sugar Optional
  • 6 cups beef broth Substitute with vegetable broth for a vegetarian version
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine Splash of apple cider vinegar can suffice
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme Dried thyme may be used with adjustment
  • to taste freshly cracked black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour Gluten-free flour can be used
For the Topping
  • 1 loaf French bread Ciabatta can work well
  • 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese Swiss or mozzarella can substitute
  • 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese Pecorino Romano can be used for a sharper taste

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Oven
  • Baking Sheet

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a large pot, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Allow the butter to foam and bubble.
  2. Once melted, add 4 cups of thinly sliced yellow onions, stirring to coat. Sauté for about 40-45 minutes, until they become deep golden brown.
  3. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of kosher salt and a pinch of sugar over the onions, stirring well for another 5 minutes to deepen flavors.
  4. Stir in 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour, cooking for 2-3 minutes to thicken the soup.
  5. Pour in 1/2 cup of dry white wine and scrape up brown bits from the bottom. Allow to simmer for 3-5 minutes.
  6. Add 6 cups of beef broth, 1 teaspoon of fresh thyme, 2 bay leaves, and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. Bring to a gentle simmer for about 30 minutes.
  7. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice French bread and toast in the oven for about 10 minutes.
  8. Ladle soup into oven-safe bowls, placing toasted bread on top. Sprinkle with a mix of shredded Gruyère and Parmesan cheese.
  9. Broil for 2-4 minutes until cheese is bubbling and golden brown.
  10. Serve hot, ensuring every bowl has a crispy, cheesy topping.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bowlCalories: 380kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 12gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 50mgSodium: 900mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 8mgCalcium: 450mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Slow caramelization is key for the best flavor. Toast bread properly before adding to the soup and watch the broiler closely to avoid burning.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!