Easy French Onion Soup Recipe

Introduction

French onion soup is a timeless comfort food that warms the soul with rich flavors and gooey melted cheese. This easy recipe simplifies the classic dish without sacrificing its delicious, caramelized onion goodness. Perfect for cozy dinners any night of the week.

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1/2 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 pounds (about 3) yellow onions, thinly sliced
• 1/2 teaspoon granulated white sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon pepper
• 2 tablespoons all purpose flour
• 6 cups beef broth
• 1 whole bay leaf
• 8 slices baguette
• 4 ounces (1 cup) grated Gruyere cheese
• 1 ounce (1/4 cup) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh thyme for garnish, optional

Instructions

1. Step 1: Melt the butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the olive oil, sliced onions, and sugar. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are soft, lightly browned, and caramelized, about 30 minutes.
2. Step 2: Add salt, pepper, and flour to the onions and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Stir in the beef broth and add the bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 30 minutes.
3. Step 3: Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
4. Step 4: Place the baguette slices on a baking sheet and toast under the broiler for 2 to 3 minutes until lightly browned.
5. Step 5: Spoon the soup into 4 oven-safe bowls. Place 2 toasted baguette slices on top of each bowl, then sprinkle with grated Gruyere and Parmesan cheese.
6. Step 6: Arrange the bowls on a rimmed baking sheet and place under the broiler for 2 to 3 minutes, until the cheese is melted and lightly browned. Garnish with fresh thyme if desired and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

• For a vegetarian option, substitute beef broth with a rich vegetable broth.
• Use a mix of Gruyere and Swiss cheese if Gruyere is unavailable.
• Caramelize the onions low and slow to develop deeper flavor without burning.
• Try adding a splash of dry white wine before adding the broth to enhance complexity.

Storage

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop until warmed through. For best texture, add toasted bread and cheese fresh when serving rather than storing assembled.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make French onion soup ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the soup base a day or two in advance and store it refrigerated. Add the bread and cheese before broiling just before serving for best results.

What is the best cheese to use for French onion soup?

Gruyere is the classic choice for its creamy melt and nutty flavor, but Swiss or even a mix with mozzarella can also work well.

Easy French Onion Soup Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 116 reviews

This easy French Onion Soup recipe offers a simple yet comforting take on the classic French dish. Featuring caramelized yellow onions simmered in rich beef broth and topped with toasty baguette slices melted with Gruyere and Parmesan cheeses, it’s perfect for a cozy meal any time of year.

• Author: Sophie
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Soup
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: French

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Sauce

• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1/2 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 pounds (about 3) yellow onions, thinly sliced
• 1/2 teaspoon granulated white sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon pepper
• 2 tablespoons all purpose flour
• 6 cups beef broth
• 1 whole bay leaf

Topping

• 8 slices baguette
• 4 ounces (1 cup) grated Gruyere cheese
• 1 ounce (1/4 cup) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh thyme for garnish, optional

Instructions

1. Caramelize Onions: Melt the butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the olive oil, sliced onions, and sugar. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions become soft, lightly browned, and caramelized, which should take about 30 minutes.
2. Add Seasonings and Flour: Stir in the salt, pepper, and all-purpose flour. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to combine and cook off the raw flour taste.
3. Simmer Soup: Pour in the beef broth and add the bay leaf. Increase the heat to bring the soup to a boil, then reduce it to medium-low and let it simmer gently for 30 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
4. Toast Baguette: Arrange baguette slices on a baking sheet and toast them under the broiler for 2 to 3 minutes, until they are lightly browned and crisp.
5. Assemble and Broil: Divide the soup evenly into 4 oven-safe bowls. Top each bowl with 2 toasted baguette slices. Sprinkle the grated Gruyere and Parmesan cheeses evenly over the bread. Place the bowls on a rimmed baking sheet and return them to the oven under the broiler for 2 to 3 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly with light browning. Garnish with fresh thyme if desired and serve immediately.

Notes

• For a vegetarian version, substitute beef broth with vegetable broth and use vegetarian-friendly cheese.
• Keep an eye on the soup under the broiler to prevent the cheese from burning.
• Make sure to use oven-safe bowls for broiling the soup.
• Caramelizing onions slowly is key for developing the rich flavor of this soup.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.

Keywords: French onion soup, caramelized onion soup, classic French soup, easy French soup, Gruyere soup, comforting soup