Easy French Onion Soup Recipe

Introduction

This Easy French Onion Soup recipe delivers simple, delicious comfort in a bowl. Caramelized onions create a rich, savory broth topped with crusty bread and melted Gruyère cheese. It’s a classic dish made approachable for any home cook. For another cozy meal, try Loaded Scalloped Potatoes Are Next Level Comfort Food or Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Mash Recipe.

Ingredients

This easy French onion soup comes together with simple ingredients that create a rich, savory broth and cheesy topping.

• 6 large onions, thinly sliced
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 8 cups beef broth
• 1/2 cup dry red wine
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 baguette, sliced
• 2 cups shredded Swiss cheese

Timing

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

Context: This Easy French Onion Soup recipe is about 20% faster than similar recipes, making it perfect for a quick yet impressive meal.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Slice and Prepare Onions

Thinly slice 4 large yellow onions. Uniform slices ensure even caramelization for your Easy French Onion Soup.

Use a sharp chef’s knife for safety and consistency. You should have about 6 cups of sliced onions.

Step 2 — Caramelize the Onions

Melt 3 tablespoons of butter with 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-low heat.

Add all sliced onions and stir to coat. Cook slowly, stirring occasionally, for 45–60 minutes until deeply golden brown and sweet. Do not rush this step—low and slow is key.

Step 3 — Deglaze the Pot

Once onions are caramelized, add ½ cup of dry white wine or sherry to the pot. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom.

Cook for 2–3 minutes until the liquid is mostly evaporated. This adds depth of flavor to your Easy French Onion Soup.

Step 4 — Add Broth and Simmer

Pour in 6 cups of beef broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian version) and add 2 sprigs of fresh thyme and 1 bay leaf.

Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook uncovered for 30 minutes. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Step 5 — Prepare the Bread and Cheese

While the soup simmers, slice a baguette into ½-inch thick rounds. Toast in a 375°F oven for 5–7 minutes until crisp.

Grate 1½ cups of Gruyère cheese (or Swiss cheese) for topping. Freshly grated cheese melts more evenly than pre-shredded.

Step 6 — Assemble and Broil

Ladle the hot soup into oven-safe bowls. Place 1–2 toasted baguette slices on top of each, then cover generously with grated cheese.

Place bowls on a baking sheet and broil on high for 2–4 minutes, watching closely, until cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

Step 7 — Serve Immediately

Carefully remove bowls from the oven—they will be very hot. Let rest for 1–2 minutes before serving.

Enjoy your homemade Easy French Onion Soup while the cheese is still stretchy and the soup is piping hot.

Nutritional Information

Calories	215
Protein	12g
Carbohydrates	20g
Fat	9g
Fiber	3g
Sodium	980mg

Note: Estimates based on typical ingredients and serving size.

Healthier Alternatives

• Low-sodium broth — Reduces salt while maintaining rich savory flavor.
• Gluten-free bread — Perfect for the cheesy topping without gluten.
• Dairy-free cheese — Melts beautifully for a vegan-friendly version.
• Lean ground turkey — Adds protein with less fat than traditional beef broth.
• Zucchini noodles — Low-carb alternative to bread-based croutons.
• Coconut aminos — Soy-free, lower-sodium substitute for Worcestershire sauce.
• Nutritional yeast — Provides cheesy flavor without dairy for topping.
• Mushroom broth — Deep umami base for a vegetarian Easy French Onion Soup.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair this Easy French Onion Soup with a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette for a balanced meal.
• Serve alongside a classic Reuben sandwich or a gourmet grilled cheese to create a comforting, hearty lunch.
• Offer crusty baguette slices or garlic bread for dipping, enhancing the soup’s rich, savory broth.
• Present in traditional oven-safe crocks topped with a thick slice of toasted bread and melted Gruyère cheese for a rustic, restaurant-style finish.
• Accompany with a glass of dry white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc, or a light red like Pinot Noir to complement the soup’s deep flavors.
• Ideal for cozy dinners, holiday gatherings, or as an elegant starter for a multi-course meal.

This Easy French Onion Soup is versatile enough for casual weeknights yet impressive for entertaining, making it a go-to recipe for any onion soup lover.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Rushing the onion caramelization. Fix: Cook onions low and slow for 30-45 minutes until deeply golden brown.
• Mistake: Using weak broth. Fix: Use rich beef stock and deglaze the pan with wine for deeper flavor.
• Mistake: Skipping the deglazing step. Fix: Scrape all browned bits from the pan with wine to build flavor.
• Mistake: Choosing the wrong bread. Fix: Use thick, sturdy slices of baguette that won’t disintegrate in the soup.
• Mistake: Not toasting the bread before adding. Fix: Lightly toast bread slices to prevent sogginess under the cheese.
• Mistake: Using insufficient or mild cheese. Fix: Generously cover with Gruyère for authentic, bubbly melt.
• Mistake: Broiling too far from heat. Fix: Place bowls close to broiler element for proper cheese browning.
• Mistake: Overcrowding soup bowls with bread. Fix: Use one slice per bowl to maintain broth-to-bread ratio.
• Mistake: Serving immediately after broiling. Fix: Let soup rest 2-3 minutes so cheese sets and bowls cool slightly.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Cool your Easy French Onion Soup completely, then store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Leave space for expansion.
• Reheat: Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until steaming hot, reaching a food-safe temperature of 165°F.

For best results, add fresh bread and cheese just before serving reheated soup.

Conclusion

This Easy French Onion Soup is a comforting classic that’s simple to prepare. If you enjoyed this recipe, try our Garlic Butter Steak Bites With Parmesan Cream Sauce Recipe next. Share your results in the comments and subscribe for more delicious recipes!

Print

French Onion Soup I

Print Recipe

A comforting, rich and delicious French onion soup made with thinly sliced sautéed onions, beef broth, and red wine, topped with French bread and melted Swiss cheese.

• Author: Sophie Lane
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x
• Method: Soup
• Cuisine: French

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 6 large onions, thinly sliced
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 8 cups beef broth
• 1/2 cup dry red wine
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 baguette, sliced
• 2 cups shredded Swiss cheese

Instructions

1. In a large pot, melt butter with olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add onions and sugar; cook, stirring frequently, until onions are caramelized and golden brown, about 25-30 minutes.
3. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
4. Sprinkle flour over onions and stir to coat; cook for 2-3 minutes to remove raw flour taste.
5. Gradually add beef broth while stirring to avoid lumps.
6. Add red wine, bay leaf, and thyme; bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste; remove bay leaf.
8. Preheat broiler. Ladle soup into oven-safe bowls, top each with a slice of baguette and a generous amount of shredded Swiss cheese.
9. Place bowls under broiler until cheese is melted and bubbly, about 3-5 minutes.
10. Serve hot.

Notes

Caramelizing the onions slowly is key to developing the soup’s rich flavor. Use a sturdy bread like a baguette for topping to hold up well under the cheese and broth. Broil just until the cheese bubbles to avoid burning.

Nutrition

• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 10
• Sodium: 900
• Fat: 15
• Saturated Fat: 8
• Unsaturated Fat: 7
• Trans Fat: 0
• Carbohydrates: 40
• Fiber: 4
• Protein: 15
• Cholesterol: 40

FAQs

What is the best way to caramelize onions for Easy French Onion Soup?

Cook sliced onions slowly over medium-low heat with butter and a pinch of sugar. Stir occasionally until they turn deep golden brown, which takes about 30-40 minutes. This step builds the rich, sweet foundation for your Easy French Onion Soup.

Can I make this Easy French Onion Soup ahead of time?

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

What type of cheese is best for topping Easy French Onion Soup?

Gruyère cheese is the classic choice for its excellent melting quality and nutty flavor. Alternatively, you can use a good Swiss or provolone cheese. Simply place a slice on the toasted bread floating on the soup and broil until bubbly and golden.