This cozy French Onion Soup is all about warm, rich flavors. It’s made with sweet caramelized onions, savory broth, and topped with melted cheese and toasted bread.
Every spoonful feels like a warm hug. I love the smell of the onions as they cook—it’s like magic in the kitchen! Grab a bowl and get ready to enjoy a classic dish.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Yellow Onions: These onions are sweet and perfect for caramelizing. If you don’t have yellow onions, you might try sweet onions like Vidalia, but avoid red onions as they can alter the flavor significantly.
Butter & Olive Oil: While I recommend both for flavor, you can use just one. If you prefer dairy-free, swap with coconut oil or vegan butter, which works great for sautéing.
Beef Broth: For a lighter option, you can use chicken broth or vegetable broth. If you’re vegetarian or vegan, ensure your broth is made without animal products.
Gruyère Cheese: This cheese melts beautifully and has a rich flavor. If it’s not available, Swiss cheese is a good alternative. For a vegan version, look for plant-based cheese that melts well.
How Do You Caramelize Onions Perfectly?
Caramelizing onions can seem tricky, but taking your time is the key. Here’s how to get it right!
- Heat your pot to medium heat and add butter and olive oil.
- Add sliced onions, stirring to coat them evenly.
- Cook slowly, stirring occasionally. Lowering the heat helps, too—aim for about 40-50 minutes. Patience is key!
- Sprinkle sugar halfway through to enhance the sweetness and help with browning.
Keep an eye on them to prevent burning, and enjoy that sweet aroma filling your kitchen!
How to Make French Onion Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 6 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 cups beef broth (or a mix of beef and chicken broth)
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Topping:
- 1 baguette, sliced
- 2 cups grated Gruyère cheese (or Swiss cheese)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful French Onion Soup takes about 15 minutes to prep and 1 hour to cook. You’ll spend around 40 to 50 minutes caramelizing the onions to get that perfect sweet flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Melt the Butter & Oil:
In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter with the olive oil over medium heat. This combo gives a rich base for our soup!
2. Caramelize the Onions:
Add the sliced onions to the pot and stir to coat them well. Cook them slowly, stirring occasionally, until they’re beautifully caramelized and golden brown, about 40 to 50 minutes. Halfway through cooking, sprinkle the sugar over the onions to enhance their sweetness.
3. Add Garlic & Flour:
Once the onions are caramelized, add the minced garlic and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until it’s fragrant. Then, stir in the flour and cook for an additional 2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste.
4. Pour in the Liquid:
If you’re using white wine, pour it in and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any tasty browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pot. Next, add the beef broth, thyme, and bay leaves. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for about 30 minutes.
5. Season the Soup:
After simmering, season the soup with salt and pepper to taste, and don’t forget to remove the bay leaves!
6. Prepare the Toast:
While the soup simmers, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet and toast them until golden brown, about 5 to 7 minutes. This will provide a crispy topping.
7. Assemble the Soup:
Now, ladle the hot soup into oven-safe bowls. Place one or two of the toasted baguette slices on top of the soup in each bowl.
8. Add the Cheese:
Generously sprinkle the grated Gruyère cheese over the bread slices. You want that gooey, cheesy goodness!
9. Broil to Perfection:
Place the bowls on a baking sheet and set them under the broiler until the cheese melts, bubbles, and turns a lovely golden brown, about 2 to 5 minutes. Keep a close watch to avoid burning!
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Using potholders, carefully take the bowls out of the oven. If desired, garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color. Serve hot and savor the rich, comforting flavors of your homemade French onion soup!
Can I Use Different Types of Onions?
Yes! While yellow onions are traditional for their sweetness, you can experiment with sweet onions like Vidalia. Just avoid red onions, as they can give the soup an undesired flavor.
Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian or Vegan?
Absolutely! Simply substitute beef broth with vegetable broth, and use olive oil instead of butter. For the cheese, choose a plant-based cheese or simply omit it for a lighter soup.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove or in the microwave. You can add a little water or broth if it thickens too much.
Can I Prepare the Soup in Advance?
Yes! You can make the soup a day in advance and refrigerate it. Just reheat and prepare the cheese toast right before serving for that delicious gooey topping!