French Onion Soup is a timeless classic, known for its deep caramelized flavors, rich beef broth, and gooey melted cheese on top. Whether you’re craving a cozy meal or impressing guests, this dish is a perfect comfort food. Let’s dive into the best way to make restaurant-quality French Onion Soup at home!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Deep, Savory Flavor – Slow-cooked onions bring out an incredible taste.
✔ Golden, Gooey Cheese Topping – Melted Gruyère makes it irresistible.
✔ Restaurant-Style at Home – Impress your guests with this classic dish!
✔ Perfect for Cold Weather – Warm, cozy, and satisfying.
Ingredients 🛒
For the Soup:
- 4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp sugar (helps with caramelization)
- 1 tsp salt
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup dry white wine (optional, enhances depth)
- 6 cups beef broth (use high-quality broth for rich flavor)
- 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (or ½ tsp dried thyme)
- 1 bay leaf
- Black pepper, to taste
For the Topping:
- 1 French baguette, sliced into rounds
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- 2 cups Gruyère cheese, shredded (or Swiss cheese)
Instructions 👨🍳
Step 1: Caramelize the Onions
- In a large pot, melt butter and olive oil over medium-low heat.
- Add sliced onions, sugar, and salt, stirring occasionally. Cook for 40-45 minutes until onions are golden brown and caramelized.
- Stir in the garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes.
Step 2: Build the Broth
- Pour in the white wine, scraping up any browned bits from the pot. Let it simmer for 5 minutes.
- Add beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, bay leaf, and black pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for 20 minutes.
Step 3: Prepare the Crusty Cheese Topping
- While the soup simmers, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Brush the baguette slices with butter, place them on a baking sheet, and toast for 5 minutes until golden.
- Remove from the oven and set aside.
Step 4: Assemble and Broil
- Remove the bay leaf from the soup and ladle it into oven-safe bowls.
- Place toasted baguette slices on top, then sprinkle generously with Gruyère cheese.
- Place the bowls under the broiler for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Pro Tips for the Best French Onion Soup
✅ Use Sweet Onions – Yellow or Vidalia onions work best for caramelization.
✅ Patience is Key – Caramelizing onions properly takes at least 40 minutes.
✅ Choose the Right Cheese – Gruyère is traditional, but Swiss or provolone also work.
✅ Use Homemade Broth – If possible, homemade beef broth elevates the flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
❓ Can I Use a Different Cheese?
Yes! Gruyère is the best choice, but Swiss, provolone, or mozzarella can be used as substitutes.
❓ Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Store the soup (without the cheese topping) in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat and add fresh cheese before serving.
❓ Can I Freeze French Onion Soup?
Yes! Freeze the soup without the bread and cheese for up to 3 months. Thaw, reheat, and finish with fresh toppings.
Final Thoughts 💭
French Onion Soup is the ultimate comfort food, packed with deep flavors, crispy bread, and gooey cheese. Whether you're making it for a cozy night in or impressing guests, this dish is a true classic. Try it today and let us know how it turned out!
🔸 Loved this recipe? Share it with your friends and family! ❤️
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