Easy French Onion Soup Recipe

Introduction

This Easy French Onion Soup recipe is a simple and delicious way to bring a classic bistro favorite to your home kitchen. With its rich, caramelized onion base and cheesy, toasted bread topping, it’s the ultimate comfort food. For another cozy meal, try this Swedish Meatballs Recipe Is The Ultimate Comfort Food Dish.

Ingredients

This Easy French Onion Soup recipe uses simple ingredients that meld together to create a deeply savory and aromatic broth, topped with a glorious, cheesy crust.

• 4 large onions, thinly sliced
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 cup dry sherry
• 6 cups beef broth
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 4 slices French bread, toasted
• 1 cup grated Gruyère cheese (Swiss cheese can be a substitute)

Timing

Prep Time	15 minutes
Cook Time	45 minutes
Total Time	1 hour

Context: This streamlined version of Easy French Onion Soup is about 20% faster than similar recipes, thanks to a few simple time-saving techniques.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prepare the Onions

Thinly slice about 3 pounds of yellow onions. Using a mandoline can help you achieve uniform slices for even cooking.

Tip: A sharp chef’s knife is essential for safety and efficiency when slicing by hand.

Step 2 — Caramelize the Onions

Melt 4 tablespoons of butter with 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and stir to coat.

Cook the onions, stirring occasionally, for about 40-50 minutes until they are deeply golden brown, soft, and sweet. Lower the heat if they start to burn.

Step 3 — Deglaze the Pot

Once the onions are caramelized, add 1/2 cup of dry white wine or sherry to the pot. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom.

Let the liquid reduce by about half, which should take 3-5 minutes. This step builds a rich flavor base for your Easy French Onion Soup.

Step 4 — Add Broth and Simmer

Pour in 8 cups of beef broth (or a combination of beef and chicken broth) and add 2 teaspoons of fresh thyme leaves. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low.

Let the soup simmer gently, uncovered, for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 5 — Prepare the Toppings

While the soup simmers, slice a baguette into 1-inch thick rounds. Toast the bread slices until they are crisp and golden brown.

Grate about 2 cups of Gruyère cheese. This cheese melts beautifully and provides the classic, nutty flavor for the topping.

Step 6 — Assemble and Broil

Ladle the hot soup into oven-safe bowls placed on a baking sheet. Top each bowl with one or two toasted baguette slices.

Generously pile the grated Gruyère cheese over the bread. Broil on high for 2-4 minutes, watching closely, until the cheese is bubbly and spotty brown.

Step 7 — Serve Immediately

Carefully remove the hot bowls from the oven. Let them rest for a minute before serving, as the bowls and soup will be extremely hot.

This Easy French Onion Soup is best enjoyed immediately while the cheese is wonderfully stretchy and the soup is piping hot.

Nutritional Information

Calories	350
Protein	15g
Carbohydrates	30g
Fat	18g
Fiber	4g
Sodium	950mg

Note: Estimates based on typical ingredients and serving size.

Healthier Alternatives

This classic Easy French Onion Soup is wonderfully adaptable. Here are some simple ingredient swaps to suit different dietary needs without sacrificing flavor.

• Lower-Carb Bread — Use a thick slice of keto or almond flour bread for the crouton to reduce the carbohydrate content significantly while still providing a satisfying crunch.
• Dairy-Free Cheese — Swap the traditional Gruyère for a high-quality, meltable vegan cheese or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast to achieve a cheesy flavor without dairy.
• Gluten-Free Croutons — Opt for croutons made from a sturdy gluten-free bread to make this Easy French Onion Soup safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Low-Sodium Broth — Use a homemade or certified low-sodium beef or vegetable broth to control the salt level, allowing the natural sweetness of the caramelized onions to shine.
• Protein Alternative — For a heartier version, add sliced seitan or lentils during the simmering stage to boost the protein content for a more filling meal.
• Oil for Butter — Caramelize the onions in avocado oil or olive oil instead of butter for a dairy-free base with a similarly rich, savory foundation.
• Vegan Worcestershire — Many Worcestershire sauces contain anchovies; choose a vegan alternative to keep the recipe entirely plant-based.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve this Easy French Onion Soup with a classic side like a crisp green salad dressed in a sharp vinaigrette to cut through the richness.
• For a heartier meal, pair it with a thick slice of toasted rustic bread or a warm, crusty baguette perfect for dipping.
• This soup is an ideal starter for a cozy dinner party or a comforting main course for a quiet weeknight.
• Top each bowl with a generous handful of gruyère cheese and broil until bubbly and golden for the ultimate presentation.
• Serve in traditional lion’s head bowls to capture the authentic bistro experience and contain the cheesy topping.
• For a casual gathering, set up a soup bar with various toppings like extra croutons, fresh thyme, and different cheeses.

This Easy French Onion Soup is wonderfully versatile, making it suitable for everything from an elegant first course to a simple, satisfying lunch.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Rushing the caramelization of the onions. Fix: Cook them low and slow for at least 45 minutes to develop a deep, sweet flavor base.
• Mistake: Using a weak, under-seasoned broth. Fix: Opt for a high-quality beef broth and season well with salt and pepper throughout cooking.
• Mistake: Skipping the deglazing step after caramelizing the onions. Fix: Add a splash of dry white wine or sherry to scrape up the flavorful browned bits from the pot.
• Mistake: Choosing the wrong type of bread for the topping. Fix: Use a sturdy, thick-sliced bread like a baguette that can hold up to the broth without getting soggy.
• Mistake: Not toasting the bread before adding it to the soup. Fix: Lightly toast or bake the bread slices to create a barrier that helps them stay crispier.
• Mistake: Using insufficient or low-moisture cheese. Fix: Generously cover the toast with a quality, well-aged Gruyère that melts beautifully and browns well.
• Mistake: Placing the soup bowls too far from the broiler element. Fix: Broil the cheesy toasts close to the heat source for a quick, bubbly, golden-brown finish.
• Mistake: Overcrowding the pot when caramelizing onions. Fix: Use a large, wide pot to allow the onions to cook evenly and release their moisture effectively.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Cool your Easy French Onion Soup completely, then store it in an airtight container. It will keep well for 3 to 4 days.
• Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the soup in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty bag for up to 3 months. Leave some space at the top as the liquid will expand.
• Reheat: Thaw frozen soup overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally, until it reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

For the best results when reheating this Easy French Onion Soup, you may want to add a fresh slice of toasted bread and a sprinkle of cheese just before serving.

Conclusion

I hope you love this simple and delicious Easy French Onion Soup as much as I do. It’s the perfect comfort food for a cozy night in. If you try it, please leave a comment below with your review! For another savory appetizer, try my Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce Recipe. Don’t forget to subscribe for more easy recipes!

Print

Rich and Simple French Onion Soup

Print Recipe

A classic French onion soup made with caramelized onions, beef broth, sherry, and topped with toasted bread and melted cheese for a comforting and flavorful dish.

• Author: Sophie Lane
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x
• Method: Soup
• Cuisine: French

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 large onions, thinly sliced
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 cup dry sherry
• 6 cups beef broth
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 4 slices French bread, toasted
• 1 cup grated Gruyère cheese

Instructions

1. Melt butter with olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
2. Add the sliced onions and cook slowly, stirring frequently, until onions are deeply caramelized and golden brown, about 30-40 minutes.
3. Add the sherry to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
4. Pour in the beef broth and add thyme leaves. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Bring the soup to a simmer and cook for 30 minutes to blend flavors.
6. Preheat the oven broiler.
7. Ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls, place a slice of toasted French bread on top of each bowl, and sprinkle generously with grated Gruyère cheese.
8. Place the bowls under the broiler until the cheese is melted and bubbly, about 2-3 minutes.
9. Serve hot and enjoy.

Notes

Caramelizing the onions slowly is key to developing the rich flavor of this soup. Use good quality beef broth for the best taste. Gruyère cheese melts beautifully and adds a nutty flavor, but Swiss cheese can be a substitute.

Nutrition

• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 900mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 15g
• Cholesterol: 50mg

FAQs

What type of onions are best for Easy French Onion Soup?

Yellow onions are ideal for this Easy French Onion Soup recipe. They caramelize beautifully, developing the deep, sweet flavor that is essential for the soup’s rich base. Avoid sweet onions, as they can become too soft.

Can I make Easy French Onion Soup ahead of time?

Yes, this Easy French Onion Soup is excellent for making ahead. Prepare the soup base, let it cool completely, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it gently before adding the toasted bread and cheese topping.

What is a good substitute for Gruyère cheese?

If you cannot find Gruyère, Swiss cheese or a good-quality provolone are excellent substitutes for this Easy French Onion Soup. They melt well and provide a similar nutty, savory flavor that complements the caramelized onions perfectly.