This warm and cozy French Onion Soup is packed with sweet, caramelized onions and topped with bubbly cheese. It’s like a big, comforting hug in a bowl!
Every spoonful is a treat, especially with that golden, melty cheese on top. I like to pair it with some crispy bread for a perfect bite—trust me, you won’t want to stop! 🥖
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Yellow Onions: These are the star of the show! Yellow onions become sweet when caramelized. If you’re in a pinch, you can use white onions, but they may be sharper in flavor.
Butter & Olive Oil: The combination helps achieve the best flavor and caramelization. If you want a dairy-free option, use a vegan butter substitute or just oil.
Beef Broth: For a vegetarian version, substitute with vegetable broth. You can even use mushroom broth for an extra depth of flavor.
Gruyère Cheese: The classic choice for topping the soup! If you can’t find it, Swiss cheese or a combination of mozzarella and Parmesan works well, too.
How Do I Caramelize Onions Perfectly?
Caramelizing onions is essential for building flavor in this soup. The key is low and slow cooking. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Start with a mix of butter and olive oil in a heavy pan. It helps prevent burning.
- Add sliced onions, and stir to coat. Keep the heat at medium and be patient!
- After about 10 minutes, add sugar. This helps enhance the sweetness and aids caramelization.
- Cook for 30-40 minutes until the onions are a deep golden brown. Stir occasionally to avoid burning!
Follow these tips, and you’ll have the perfect base for your French Onion Soup! Enjoy each delicious sip! 🍵
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
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 cups beef broth (preferably low sodium)
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional)
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves, or 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Topping:
- 1 baguette, sliced into 1/2-inch thick rounds
- 2 cups grated Gruyère cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious French Onion Soup will take about 1 hour total. This includes about 40 minutes of cooking time and some additional time for toasting the baguette and broiling the cheese. Perfect for a cozy dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sautéing the Onions:
In a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter along with the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and stir well to coat them in the butter and oil. Cook the onions, stirring occasionally, until they become soft and begin to caramelize. This should take about 30-40 minutes. Be patient—this step is important! Add the sugar after about 10 minutes to help them caramelize nicely.
2. Adding Garlic and Deglazing:
Once the onions are beautifully golden, add in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Pour in the white wine (if using) and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any tasty browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pot. Allow the wine to reduce by half—this should take about 5 minutes.
3. Simmering the Soup:
Next, add the beef broth, thyme, and bay leaf to the pot. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer uncovered for 30 minutes. Taste it and add salt and freshly ground black pepper to your liking. Just before serving, be sure to remove the bay leaf.
4. Toasting the Baguette:
While the soup is simmering away, preheat your oven’s broiler. Arrange your baguette slices on a baking sheet and place them under the broiler. Toast them until they are golden brown, about 1-2 minutes per side. Keep a close eye on them to avoid burning!
5. Serving the Soup:
Now it’s time to assemble! Ladle the steaming hot soup into oven-safe bowls or crocks. Place one or two toasted baguette slices on top of each bowl, then generously sprinkle the grated Gruyère cheese over the top.
6. Broiling the Cheese:
Carefully place the bowls on a baking sheet and broil them until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown, which will take about 2-4 minutes. Make sure to watch them closely to prevent burning!
7. Enjoying the Soup:
Once finished, carefully remove the bowls from the oven. Garnish with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately. Enjoy the warm, savory, and comforting taste of your homemade French Onion Soup!
Bon appétit! 🍽️
Can I Use Different Types of Onions?
Yes, while yellow onions are traditional and sweet when caramelized, you can use white onions for a sharper flavor, or even a mix of red onions for added color and sweetness!
Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply substitute the beef broth with vegetable broth for a delicious vegetarian version. You can even use mushroom broth for an extra umami boost!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave. Avoid microwaving the cheesy bread directly, so keep it separate until ready to serve again!
Can I Make the Soup Ahead of Time?
You can definitely prepare the soup a day in advance without the cheese topping. Just store it in the fridge, and when ready to serve, reheat it and add the toasted baguette and cheese, then broil until bubbly!