Easy French Onion Soup

Rich, savory, and irresistibly cheesy, this classic French Onion Soup features caramelized onions, flavorful broth, and melted Gruyère cheese. Perfectly comforting and easy enough for any home cook to master.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Classic Comfort: Warm, hearty, and deeply flavorful.

• Simple Ingredients: Easy-to-find ingredients make this recipe hassle-free.

• Deliciously Cheesy: Topped with bubbly melted Gruyère cheese.

• Restaurant Quality at Home: Impress guests with minimal effort.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 4 large onions, thinly sliced

• 4 tablespoons butter

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 teaspoon sugar

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• 6 cups beef broth

• 1 cup grated Gruyère cheese

• 4 slices of baguette

directions

1. Caramelize Onions:
   Melt butter with olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add sliced onions and sugar, cooking slowly until deeply golden brown, about 25–30 minutes.

2. Add Garlic and Flour:
   Stir in minced garlic and flour, cooking for about 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste.

3. Simmer Broth:
   Gradually add beef broth, stirring to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook until thoroughly heated, about 10 minutes.

4. Assemble Soup Bowls:
   Ladle soup into oven-safe bowls. Place a baguette slice on each bowl, topped generously with grated Gruyère cheese.

5. Broil to Finish:
   Place bowls under a preheated broiler for 2–3 minutes, or until cheese is bubbly and golden. Serve immediately.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 4 servings

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes

• Cooking Time: 45 minutes

• Total Time: Approximately 55 minutes

Variations

• Cheese Choices: Substitute Gruyère with Swiss, mozzarella, or a mix of cheeses.

• Vegetarian Version: Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian-friendly soup.

• Enhanced Flavor: Add a splash of dry white wine or sherry during broth simmering for extra depth.

• Herbal Twist: Sprinkle fresh thyme or bay leaf for an aromatic touch.

storage/reheating

• Storage: Refrigerate leftover soup (without bread and cheese) in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat gently on the stove, then assemble and broil fresh baguette slices and cheese on top.

• Freezing: Freeze soup separately (without bread and cheese) for up to 3 months; thaw and reheat before serving.

FAQs

Can I use another type of onion?

Yellow onions work best, but white or sweet onions are also suitable.

How do I avoid onions burning?

Cook onions on medium-low heat, stirring frequently to avoid scorching.

Can I use store-bought broth?

Yes, high-quality store-bought beef broth is perfect for convenience.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely. Prepare the broth ahead and caramelize onions, assembling just before serving.

Is French Onion Soup gluten-free?

Use gluten-free flour and gluten-free bread for a gluten-free version.

What cheese substitutes well for Gruyère?

Swiss, mozzarella, provolone, or fontina work excellently.

Can I caramelize onions faster?

Adding sugar helps speed caramelization slightly; cooking at low heat still yields the best results.

Should I toast the baguette beforehand?

Optionally, toast lightly to ensure crispness even after broiling.

What dishes pair well with French Onion Soup?

A fresh salad, crusty bread, or a simple sandwich complements it perfectly.

Can I freeze leftover soup with cheese on top?

Freezing soup without cheese and bread is recommended for best texture.

Conclusion

This Easy French Onion Soup recipe is a simple, satisfying dish that feels both elegant and comforting. With its golden caramelized onions, savory broth, and melted cheese, it’s guaranteed to impress your taste buds every time.