🇫🇷 French

French Onion Soup

Name: French Onion Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Ingredients: 4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced; 2 tbsp unsalted butter; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp sugar; 4 cups beef broth; 1 cup dry white wine (optional); 1 bay leaf; 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves; Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste; 8 slices baguette, toasted; 1 ½ cups grated Gruyère cheese; 1 tbsp all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)

Prep time15 min

Cook time60 min

Total time75 min

Calories330 kcal

Onion Soup .jpg by Emnamizouni · CC BY-SA 4.0

French Onion Soup is a timeless classic that showcases the natural sweetness of caramelized onions paired with savory beef broth and topped with bubbly, browned cheese. Its rich, comforting flavors make it perfect for chilly evenings or special gatherings.

This dish has origins dating back to medieval France, where it was believed that onion soups were a humble yet nourishing meal for peasants and kings alike. Over centuries, French Onion Soup gained popularity for its hearty taste and elegant presentation, becoming a staple in bistros across France and around the world. Its unique combination of deep caramelized onions and melted cheese makes it a truly irresistible starter or main course.

Ingredients

4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
2 tbsp unsalted butter
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp sugar
4 cups beef broth
1 cup dry white wine (optional)
1 bay leaf
1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
8 slices baguette, toasted
1 ½ cups grated Gruyère cheese
1 tbsp all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)

Instructions

1
In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, melt the butter with olive oil over medium heat.
2
Add the sliced onions and sugar, stirring occasionally. Cook for about 30-40 minutes until onions are deeply caramelized, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
3
Sprinkle flour over the onions in the last 5 minutes if you want a slightly thicker broth, stirring well.
4
Pour in the white wine (if using) and cook until it reduces by half, about 3-4 minutes.
5
Add the beef broth, bay leaf, and thyme. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for 20-30 minutes to develop flavors. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6
Preheat the oven broiler. Place toasted baguette slices on a baking sheet and sprinkle generously with grated Gruyère cheese.
7
Broil for 2-4 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
8
Remove the soup from heat, discard the bay leaf, and ladle into oven-safe bowls.
9
Top each bowl with 1-2 toasted cheese-topped baguette slices.
10
Place the bowls on a baking sheet and broil for an additional 2-3 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
11
Serve immediately, garnished with additional thyme if desired.