French Onion Soup Recipe

French Onion Soup is a warm and comforting soup made with slowly cooked onions, rich broth, and toasted bread topped with melted cheese. The deep flavor comes from caramelizing the onions until they are golden and sweet. This classic soup feels fancy but is easy to make at home with simple ingredients. It is perfect for cold days or when you want something cozy and filling.

Prep Time:
15 mins

Cook Time:
1 hr 20 mins

Total Time:
1 hr 35 mins

Servings:
6 People

Yield:
6 Bowls

Key Ingredients

  • Yellow onions: thinly sliced for best caramelization
  • Butter and olive oil: for rich flavor
  • Garlic: adds depth
  • Beef broth and chicken broth: creates a balanced, savory base
  • White or red wine: helps lift flavor from the pan
  • Worcestershire sauce or balsamic vinegar: for extra umami
  • Thyme and bay leaf: light herbal notes
  • French bread or baguette: toasted until crisp
  • Gruyère cheese (or Swiss, mozzarella, Parmesan): melted topping
French Onion Soup Recipe Ingredients

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Slow-cooked onions give natural sweetness without sugar
  • Rich broth tastes restaurant-quality
  • Simple ingredients you can find anywhere
  • Perfect make-ahead soup for busy days
  • Cheesy bread topping makes it extra comforting

Variations and Tips

  • Use vegetable broth instead of beef for a vegetarian version
  • Mix different onions like yellow and sweet onions for deeper flavor
  • Add a splash of sherry instead of wine for a classic French taste
  • Try different cheeses if Gruyère is not available
  • Make the soup ahead and add bread and cheese just before serving
French Onion Soup Recipe

French Onion Soup Recipe

Emily Hartwell
This French Onion Soup Recipe is rich, warm, and full of deep flavor. It is made with slowly cooked onions, savory broth, and toasted bread topped with melted cheese. The onions turn sweet and golden as they cook, giving the soup its classic taste. This recipe is easy to follow and perfect for cozy lunches or dinners.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 35 minutes
Course Main Course, Soup
Cuisine French
Servings 6 People
Calories 520 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 large yellow onions thinly sliced
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/2 cup dry white or red wine
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 teaspoon fresh or dried thyme
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 6 slices French bread or baguette
  • 1 1/2 cups grated Gruyère cheese

Instructions
 

  • Heat butter and olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
  • Add the sliced onions and cook slowly, stirring often, until soft and golden brown. This takes about 45–60 minutes.
    French Onion Soup Recipe
  • Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
    French Onion Soup Recipe
  • Pour in the wine and scrape the bottom of the pot to release flavor. Let it cook for 3–5 minutes.
    French Onion Soup Recipe
  • Add beef broth, chicken broth, Worcestershire sauce, bay leaf, and thyme.
    French Onion Soup Recipe
  • Bring the soup to a gentle simmer and cook for 30 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
  • Toast the bread slices until crispy.
    French Onion Soup Recipe
  • Ladle soup into oven-safe bowls, place bread on top, and cover with cheese.
    French Onion Soup Recipe
  • Broil until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve hot.
    French Onion Soup Recipe

FAQs

Yellow onions work best because they caramelize well and give a balanced flavor.

Yes, you can skip the wine and use extra broth with a little vinegar for flavor.

Onions should cook slowly for at least 40–60 minutes to become sweet and golden.

Yes, store the soup without bread in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Yes, freeze only the soup base. Add bread and cheese fresh when serving.

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