Go Back
To make a great French onion soup, you need key ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need: - 4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 teaspoon sugar - 4 cups beef broth (or vegetable broth if preferred) - 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste - 8 slices of French baguette - 1½ cups shredded Gruyère cheese - Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish These ingredients work together to create a warm, rich flavor that is hard to resist. The broth is the heart of this soup. I recommend using high-quality beef broth for a deep, savory taste. If you prefer a lighter option, vegetable broth works well too. Just make sure it’s low-sodium, so you can control the salt level in your dish. A rich broth enhances the flavor and brings everything together beautifully. Garnishes can elevate your soup. After broiling, sprinkle some fresh parsley on top. This adds a pop of color and freshness. You can also serve extra baguette slices on the side for dipping. The crunchy bread complements the soft, warm soup, making each bite delightful. For a twist, try adding a drizzle of truffle oil for extra flavor. Start by gathering your ingredients. You need four large yellow onions, unsalted butter, and olive oil. Slice the onions thinly for even cooking. In a large pot, combine the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Once the butter melts and bubbles, it's time for the onions. Add them to the pot. Stir the onions to coat them in the butter and oil. This step is crucial for building a solid flavor base. Cooking the onions requires patience. Stir them occasionally for about 30-35 minutes. After 10 minutes, sprinkle in one teaspoon of sugar. This sugar helps the onions caramelize, giving your soup a rich taste. You'll know they’re ready when they turn golden brown and smell sweet. The longer you cook them, the deeper the flavor becomes. Once your onions are caramelized, add in the balsamic vinegar and dried thyme. Stir this mixture and let it cook for another five minutes. This step allows the flavors to blend. Next, pour in four cups of beef broth. If you prefer, use vegetable broth. Increase the heat slightly to bring the soup to a gentle simmer. Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. Let the soup simmer for about 20 minutes. This helps the flavors deepen even more. When you’re ready, follow the Full Recipe for the final touches! To get the best flavor, aim for a rich, golden-brown color on your onions. Start by cooking the onions on low to medium heat. Stir them often to avoid any burning. The key is patience; allow them to cook for about 30-35 minutes. Adding sugar after 10 minutes helps boost caramelization. This step enhances the natural sweetness and depth of flavor. Gruyère cheese is my top choice for French onion soup. It melts beautifully and adds a nutty flavor. If you want to mix things up, try Comté or Emmental. These cheeses also melt well. Make sure to shred your cheese for even melting. A good cheese is essential for that gooey, bubbly top that everyone loves. For a charming touch, use oven-safe bowls. Ladle the soup into them and top with toasted baguette slices. Pile on the cheese and broil until golden. Serve the bowls on a wooden board with extra baguette slices. This not only looks lovely but invites your guests to dig in. Fresh parsley on top adds a pop of color and freshness. Enjoy this classic dish with a warm, inviting feel. {{image_4}} You can make French onion soup vegetarian. Just swap out beef broth for vegetable broth. This keeps the soup rich and tasty. Use the same amount of broth as the recipe calls for. The sweet onions still shine through. You won’t miss the meat at all! While Gruyère is classic, feel free to mix it up. Try Swiss for a milder taste. You can use sharp cheddar for a bolder flavor. Even mozzarella adds a nice stretchiness. Experiment with combinations to find your favorite. Cheese makes each bowl special. Enhance your soup with fresh herbs. A sprig of thyme or rosemary adds depth. You can also try a pinch of nutmeg for warmth. For a spicy kick, add a dash of cayenne pepper. These small changes can make each bowl unique. Let your taste buds lead the way! Storing French onion soup is simple. First, let the soup cool to room temperature. Then, pour it into airtight containers. Make sure to leave some space at the top, as it will expand when frozen. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. For the best taste, eat it fresh. If you have leftover baguette, store it separately. This keeps it from getting soggy. Freezing French onion soup is a great option for long-term storage. Use freezer-safe containers or bags. Label them with the date for easy tracking. The soup can last up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge. This will help preserve the flavors and texture. To reheat the soup, use a pot on low heat. Stir it often to avoid sticking. You can also microwave it in short bursts. If you want to serve it like fresh, top it with toasted baguette and cheese before broiling. This will give that lovely golden crust back to your soup. Enjoy every savory spoonful! Yes, you can use other onions. Sweet onions, like Vidalia, work well. Red onions add color and a milder flavor. Each type gives a unique taste, so feel free to experiment. To make French onion soup gluten-free, change the bread. Use gluten-free baguette instead of regular bread. Ensure your broth is gluten-free as well. Many brands offer gluten-free options. The best bread for serving is a French baguette. Its crust is perfect for crunch. You can also use sourdough or ciabatta for a twist. These breads hold up well in the soup. French onion soup is a savory delight. We covered essential ingredients, from onions to broth. You learned to caramelize onions perfectly and combine flavors. I shared tips for selecting cheese and garnishing for a stunning look. You can even adapt the recipe for vegetarian tastes or special diets. Finally, I addressed storage and reheating to keep your soup fresh. Now, dive into this comforting dish and impress everyone with your skills. Enjoy every warm, flavorful spoonful!

31. French Onion Soup

Warm your heart and soul with this delicious Savory French Onion Soup! Made with caramelized onions, rich beef broth, and topped with gooey Gruyère cheese, this comforting dish is perfect for cold nights. Follow our easy step-by-step recipe to create a cheesy masterpiece that will impress your family and friends. Click through to discover the full recipe and elevate your cooking game today!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 teaspoon sugar

4 cups beef broth (or vegetable broth if preferred)

1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

1 teaspoon dried thyme

Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste

8 slices of French baguette

1½ cups shredded Gruyère cheese

Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions
 

Prep the Base: In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, combine the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and starts to bubble, it's ready for the onions.

    Caramelize the Onions: Add the thinly sliced onions to the pot. Cook them gently, stirring occasionally to prevent burning, for approximately 30-35 minutes. As the onions begin to soften, after about 10 minutes, sprinkle in the sugar. This will encourage a deep caramelization, enhancing the soup’s flavor.

      Infuse the Flavors: Once the onions are beautifully golden, stir in the balsamic vinegar and dried thyme. Continue to cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and develop a richer taste.

        Add the Broth: Pour in the beef broth (or vegetable broth) and increase the heat slightly to bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Season with salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste. Allow the soup to simmer for about 20 minutes so that the flavors deepen.

          Prepare the Baguette: While the soup simmers, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the baguette slices on a baking sheet in a single layer and toast them in the oven until they are golden and crisp, about 5-7 minutes. This will provide a delightful crunch for your soup.

            Assemble the Soup: When you’re ready to serve, ladle the steaming soup into oven-safe bowls. Top each bowl with one or two slices of the toasted baguette. Then, generously mound the shredded Gruyère cheese on top of the bread.

              Broil for Perfection: Carefully place the bowls on a baking sheet and broil in the oven for about 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and develops a rich golden brown color—watch closely to avoid burning!

                Garnish and Serve: Once done, remove the bowls from the oven and let them cool slightly. Before serving, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a pop of color and freshness.

                  Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 4

                    Optional Presentation Tips: For a touch of elegance, serve each bowl on a decorative wooden board accompanied by extra baguette slices, inviting your guests to indulge in the comforting warmth of this classic dish.