Classic, cozy, and deeply flavorful — French Onion Soup is a timeless comfort food with caramelized onions, rich beef broth, and gooey melted cheese on toasted bread. Here’s a traditional recipe that delivers that perfect savory-sweet balance!
🧅 Classic French Onion Soup
🍽️ Servings: 4–6
⏱️ Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
🧂 Ingredients:
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4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
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3 tbsp unsalted butter
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1 tbsp olive oil
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tsp sugar (helps caramelize the onions)
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1/2 tsp salt
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1/4 tsp black pepper
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1/2 cup dry white wine or dry sherry (optional but adds depth)
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6 cups beef broth (use good quality or homemade)
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2 tsp fresh thyme leaves or 1 tsp dried thyme
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1 bay leaf
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1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (optional)
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Salt and pepper to taste
For the topping:
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1 baguette or French bread, sliced about 1/2 inch thick
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2 cups grated Gruyère cheese (or Swiss cheese)
👩🍳 Instructions:
1. Caramelize the Onions:
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In a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, melt butter with olive oil over medium heat.
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Add sliced onions, sprinkle with sugar, salt, and cook slowly, stirring frequently, for about 40 minutes until deeply golden brown and caramelized. Don’t rush this step — it’s key for flavor!
2. Add Garlic and Deglaze:
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Add minced garlic and cook 1 more minute.
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Pour in white wine/sherry and scrape the bottom of the pan to loosen browned bits. Let it reduce for 2–3 minutes.
3. Add Broth and Herbs:
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Add beef broth, thyme, bay leaf, Worcestershire sauce (if using).
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Bring to a simmer, reduce heat, and cook gently for 30 minutes.
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Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove bay leaf.
4. Prepare the Bread:
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While soup simmers, toast baguette slices until golden, about 5 minutes at 350°F (175°C).
5. Assemble and Broil:
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Preheat your oven’s broiler.
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Ladle soup into oven-safe bowls.
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Place toasted bread slices on top of soup, then pile on grated Gruyère generously.
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Place bowls on a baking sheet and broil until cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly browned (2–4 minutes). Watch closely!
🍽️ Serving:
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Serve immediately — the cheese will be hot and gooey!
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Garnish with fresh thyme if desired.
✅ Tips:
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For vegetarian version, swap beef broth with mushroom or vegetable broth.
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Use a good-quality Gruyère or Swiss cheese for best melt and flavor.
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Caramelizing onions low and slow is worth the time — it makes all the difference!