Description
This French Onion Soup is a comforting, restaurant-worthy classic featuring deeply caramelized onions, a rich umami broth, and a bubbling layer of melty Gruyère cheese over toasted baguette. Perfect for cozy nights, holiday starters, or elegant dinner parties, this easy recipe delivers authentic flavor using simple ingredients.
Ingredients
Scale
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 4 cups thinly sliced yellow onions (about 3–4 large)
- 2 tablespoons dry sherry or white grape juice (optional)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 4 cups beef broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- 4 slices French baguette
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese (or Swiss)
- Gluten-free flour and bread for GF version
Instructions
- Caramelize Onions: Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions and cook slowly, stirring often, for 25–30 minutes until golden brown.
- Deglaze & Add Flour: Add sherry or juice (if using) to deglaze, scraping browned bits. Stir in flour and cook 1–2 minutes.
- Add Broth & Seasonings: Pour in broth, add thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Simmer uncovered for 15–20 minutes.
- Toast Bread: Toast baguette slices until crisp.
- Assemble & Broil: Remove bay leaf. Ladle soup into oven-safe bowls, top with toast and cheese. Broil until bubbly and golden.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh herbs if desired and serve hot.
Notes
- Caramelize onions low and slow for the best flavor.
- Gruyère or Swiss cheese melt best and give authentic flavor.
- Vegetarian option: use vegetable broth.
- For gluten-free, use GF flour and bread.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop & Broiler
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 880mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 17g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: French Onion Soup, Classic Onion Soup, Gruyere Cheese Soup, Caramelized Onion Soup, Easy French Soup, Comfort Food