Name: Delicious French Onion Soup Recipe for Cozy Nights
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h 15 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 6 large yellow onions, thinly sliced; 3 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 8 cups beef broth; 1/2 cup dry white wine; 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or 1/2 tsp dried); 1 bay leaf; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste); 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 8 slices baguette or sourdough; 2 cups Gruyère cheese, freshly grated

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French Onion Soup is a comforting dish that fills my kitchen with an irresistible aroma. This soup features rich caramelized onions swimming in savory beef broth, topped with crunchy, toasted bread and bubbling Gruyère cheese. Perfect for chilly evenings, it offers warmth and comfort. Whether you’re entertaining guests or simply craving a cozy meal, this classic French Onion Soup will delight your taste buds and warm your heart.

Why You’ll Love This French Onion Soup

There are countless reasons to love this French Onion Soup. First, it’s incredibly comforting. The sweet, caramelized onions combined with savory broth create a flavor that warms you from the inside out. Second, the gooey Gruyère cheese adds richness that elevates every bite. Third, it’s simple to make, allowing you to impress guests with minimal effort. This Classic French Onion Soup is perfect for a cold night or as a starter for a fancy dinner. Plus, it can easily be made vegetarian by substituting beef broth with vegetable broth, making it versatile for everyone. Finally, it’s a great dish to meal prep and enjoy throughout the week, making it an easy addition to your dinner repertoire.

Ingredients for French Onion Soup

Gather these items:

6 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
8 cups beef broth
1/2 cup dry white wine
1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or 1/2 tsp dried)
1 bay leaf
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
8 slices baguette or sourdough
2 cups Gruyère cheese, freshly grated

How to Make French Onion Soup Step-by-Step

Step 1: Melt butter and olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-low heat. Add sliced onions and cook, stirring often, until deeply caramelized, about 40–45 minutes.
Step 2: Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Deglaze with white wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let simmer until the wine reduces slightly.
Step 4: Add beef broth, thyme, bay leaf, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 30 minutes.
Step 5: While the soup simmers, toast the baguette slices until golden and firm.
Step 6: Preheat broiler. Ladle hot soup into oven-safe bowls, top each with toasted bread, and cover generously with Gruyère cheese.
Step 7: Place bowls on a baking sheet and broil for 5–7 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbling.
Step 8: Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley if desired. Serve hot and enjoy.

Pro Tips for the Perfect French Onion Soup

Keep these in mind:

Caramelizing the onions is the key to depth of flavor. Take your time and stir often.
Using high-quality beef broth will enhance the soup’s richness.
For a vegetarian version, substitute beef broth with vegetable broth.
Don’t skimp on the Gruyère cheese; it creates a delicious cheesy layer on top.
Make sure your oven-safe bowls are broiler-safe to prevent cracking.

Best Ways to Serve French Onion Soup

This Cheesy Onion Soup is best served hot, straight from the oven. Pair it with a fresh salad or a side of roasted vegetables for a complete meal. You can also serve it as a starter before a main course. For a twist, try adding toppings like crispy bacon or sautéed mushrooms for extra flavor.

How to Store and Reheat French Onion Soup

To store your leftover French Onion Soup, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to enjoy, reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through. You can also broil it again with cheese on top for that fresh-out-of-the-oven experience.

Frequently Asked Questions About French Onion Soup

What’s the secret to perfect French Onion Soup?

The secret lies in the slow caramelization of the onions. This step builds the sweet, rich flavor that defines this Onion Soup. Make sure to stir them often and keep the heat low to avoid burning.

Can I make French Onion Soup ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can make the soup a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just add the cheese and bread right before broiling to keep it fresh.

How do I avoid common mistakes with French Onion Soup?

To avoid common mistakes, ensure you cook the onions until they are a deep golden brown for maximum flavor. Also, use a good quality broth for the best taste.

Variations of French Onion Soup You Can Try

There are many delicious variations of French Onion Soup. You can try a Vegetarian French Onion Soup by using vegetable broth instead of beef broth. Another idea is to make a Slow-cooked French Onion Soup in a slow cooker for a hands-off approach. Lastly, for a twist, consider adding different cheeses like mozzarella or cheddar for a unique flavor.

For more delicious recipes, check out this Chocolate Eclair Cake or Creamy Tuscan Scallops. If you’re interested in meal prepping, Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup is a great option!