French Onion Soup is a classic, comforting dish made with deeply caramelized onions, beef broth, and topped with crusty bread and melted cheese. Here’s a traditional recipe to make it at home:
🧅 French Onion Soup Recipe
🕒 Total Time: ~1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 4
🧾 Ingredients:
For the Soup:
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4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
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3 tablespoons unsalted butter
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 teaspoon sugar (helps with caramelization)
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1 teaspoon salt
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)
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1/2 cup dry white wine (or brandy/sherry)
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6 cups beef broth (can mix with chicken or vegetable broth if preferred)
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1–2 sprigs fresh thyme
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1 bay leaf
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Salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Topping:
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1 baguette or crusty bread, sliced and toasted
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1 ½ – 2 cups Gruyère cheese, grated (Swiss or Emmental can be used)
🔪 Instructions:
1. Caramelize the Onions (this is key):
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In a large heavy pot (like a Dutch oven), melt butter and olive oil over medium heat.
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Add sliced onions, salt, and sugar.
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Cook slowly, stirring frequently, for 30–40 minutes, until deep golden brown and very soft. Don’t rush this step—proper caramelization is the heart of the soup.
2. Deglaze & Simmer:
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Add garlic; cook 1 minute.
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Sprinkle flour if using (for a thicker soup); stir and cook 2–3 minutes.
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Pour in white wine; deglaze the pot, scraping up browned bits.
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Add broth, thyme, and bay leaf.
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Bring to a boil, then lower to a simmer and cook for 30 minutes.
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Remove thyme stems and bay leaf. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
3. Prepare the Bread:
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While the soup simmers, toast baguette slices in the oven until crisp.
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Optionally, rub each slice with a cut clove of garlic for extra flavor.
4. Assemble & Broil:
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Ladle hot soup into oven-safe bowls or crocks.
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Place toasted bread on top, then generously sprinkle with grated Gruyère.
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Place under a broiler for 2–3 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and browned.
🍷 Serving Suggestion:
Serve with a glass of dry white wine (like Sauvignon Blanc) or a light red (like Pinot Noir). A side salad with Dijon vinaigrette pairs well.