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French Onion Soup

Featured in Warm Bowls of Comfort.

This authentic French onion soup achieves incredible depth through patient caramelization of sweet onions until they reach deep golden perfection. The onions slowly transform in butter until they develop intense richness that forms the foundation of the savory broth. Each bowl gets topped with crusty bread that soaks up the flavorful liquid while supporting a generous layer of nutty Gruyère cheese that melts into irresistible strings under the broiler. The combination creates the ultimate comfort food that warms both body and soul with its perfect balance of sweet onions, rich broth, and gooey cheese.
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Updated on Tue, 14 Jan 2025 23:08:20 GMT
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A bowl of onion soup topped with butter cubes, accompanied by sliced bread, garlic, shallots, and thyme. Pin it
A bowl of onion soup topped with butter cubes, accompanied by sliced bread, garlic, shallots, and thyme. | tasteofcook.com

I fell in love with French Onion Soup in a tiny Paris bistro and spent years perfecting this recipe at home. Those slow caramelized onions that rich broth and that bubbly cheese crust take me right back there. With some patience and simple ingredients you can create this cozy bistro classic in your own kitchen.

Pure Magic

The secret lies in those onions turning sweet and golden slow and steady. Add good beef broth splash of red wine that melty Gruyère on top pure comfort in a bowl. Amazing how humble ingredients become something so special.

What You'll Need

  • Sweet Onions: Lots of them sliced thin.
  • Beef Stock: Good quality makes all the difference.
  • Red Wine: Adds wonderful depth.
  • Gruyère Cheese: Nothing melts quite like it.
  • Crusty Bread: For that perfect topping.
  • Fresh Thyme: Little sprigs of flavor.
  • Butter and Oil: For cooking those onions just right.
  • Salt and Pepper: Keep it simple.

Let's Cook Together

  1. Start With Onions: Low heat patience is everything here till they're deep golden.
  2. Build Your Broth: Add wine stock herbs let everything get friendly.
  3. Toast Your Bread: Get those slices golden crisp.
  4. Make It Cheesy: Layer bread cheese under the broiler watch close.
  5. Serve With Love: Hot bubbling perfect for a cozy night.

Make It Perfect

Take your time with those onions low medium heat is best. Love red wine? Pinot Noir or Cab works beautifully. Good crusty bread plenty of Gruyère makes that perfect top. Let your broth simmer gets better and better.

Quick Answers

Need cheese options? Gruyère's best but Swiss works too. White wine instead? Sure just know it'll be lighter. Making it veggie? Good vegetable broth does the trick just different.

Save Some For Later

Keeps nice in the fridge 3 days. Warm up slow on the stove. Freezing? Skip the bread cheese add fresh when serving. Best thawed overnight.

A bowl of French onion soup topped with a slice of melted cheese. Pin it
A bowl of French onion soup topped with a slice of melted cheese. | tasteofcook.com

Mix It Up

Add beef or mushrooms makes it heartier. Try chicken broth if you like it lighter. Different breads bring new texture. Extra cheese never hurt anybody.

Perfect Partners

Crisp green salad alongside balances everything. Glass of red wine makes it special. Always extra bread for that good broth.

Kitchen Secrets

Low slow for those onions no rushing here. Fresh ingredients matter especially that broth. Toast your bread light keeps it from getting soggy. Be generous with cheese that's what makes it special.

Worth The Time

This soup brings Paris right to your kitchen. Rich comforting perfect for sharing or keeping cozy. Follow these steps you'll have bistro magic at home.

Watch Out For

Don't rush those onions they need time to get sweet. Good broth matters skip the salty stuff. Always toast your bread keeps everything right. Keep an eye on that cheese under the broiler.

Cheese Magic

Gruyère's your best friend here nutty melts like a dream. Cover that bread completely with cheese. Quick under the broiler watch for golden bubbly perfect.

A bowl of melted cheese-topped French onion soup garnished with thyme, accompanied by slices of bread. Pin it
A bowl of melted cheese-topped French onion soup garnished with thyme, accompanied by slices of bread. | tasteofcook.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why do the onions take so long to caramelize?
Slow cooking develops deep flavor and natural sweetness. Rushing the process won't achieve the same rich taste and color.
→ What's the best onion mix to use?
Yellow onions work well, but mixing yellow, sweet, red onions and shallots creates more complex flavor.
→ Why add fish sauce?
Optional fish sauce adds umami depth to the broth. It won't taste fishy but enhances savory flavors.
→ Can I use different cheese?
Gruyère is traditional for its melting qualities and flavor. Emmental or Swiss can substitute but will taste different.
→ Can I make this ahead?
Make soup base ahead and refrigerate. Toast bread and add cheese just before serving for best texture.

French Onion Soup

Classic French onion soup featuring slow-caramelized onions in rich broth, topped with garlic-rubbed toast and melted Gruyère cheese.

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
120 Minutes
Total Time
140 Minutes

Category: Soups & Stews

Difficulty: Difficult

Cuisine: French

Yield: 4 Servings (4 bowls)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

01 Unsalted butter - 6 tablespoons.
02 Yellow or mixed onions, sliced - 3 pounds.
03 Dry sherry - 1/2 cup.
04 Beef or chicken stock - 2 quarts.
05 Fresh thyme sprigs - 2.
06 Bay leaf - 1.
07 Fish sauce - 1 teaspoon.
08 Cider vinegar - 1 teaspoon.
09 Rustic bread slices - 8.
10 Garlic clove - 1.
11 Gruyère cheese, grated - 1 pound.
12 Fresh chives, minced - 2 tablespoons.

Instructions

Step 01

Cook onions in butter over medium-low heat, stirring often, until deep golden brown, 1-2 hours.

Step 02

Add sherry and simmer 3 minutes. Add stock, thyme, and bay leaf. Simmer 20 minutes.

Step 03

Add fish sauce and vinegar if using. Season with salt and pepper. Remove herbs.

Step 04

Toast bread, butter it, and rub with garlic.

Step 05

Layer soup, bread, and cheese in oven-safe bowls. Broil until cheese browns. Garnish with chives.

Notes

  1. Mix of onion types adds complexity.
  2. Add water if onions threaten to burn.
  3. Fish sauce is optional but adds depth.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large stainless steel saucepan or skillets.
  • Rimmed baking sheet.
  • Oven-safe soup bowls.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy.
  • Wheat.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 1011
  • Total Fat: 59 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 71 g
  • Protein: 52 g