This French Onion Soup is the ultimate comfort in a bowl — rich, savory, deeply caramelized onions simmered in a flavorful broth, all crowned with crusty bread and gooey, golden-brown melted cheese. It’s simple to make, surprisingly affordable, and delivers restaurant-quality results right from your own kitchen. Ideal for cozy weeknights or when you’re craving something warm and satisfying without spending hours at the stove.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Incredible Flavor with Simple Ingredients: With just a few humble ingredients — onions, broth, bread, and cheese — you get a soup that’s surprisingly complex and rich in taste.
Perfect for Busy Days: While it tastes like it took all day, most of the time is hands-off. Let those onions caramelize and do the work for you.
Cozy and Comforting: There’s nothing like the aroma of onions gently cooking down to golden perfection. Paired with crusty bread and cheese, it’s the definition of comfort food.
Budget-Friendly: This is a wallet-wise recipe that feels indulgent. You don’t need fancy cuts of meat or hard-to-find ingredients to create something that feels gourmet.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what goes into making this irresistible French Onion Soup — and why each one matters:

Yellow Onions: The star of the show. Use lots of them. They cook down into soft, golden, sweet ribbons packed with flavor.
Butter and Olive Oil: A combo of both gives depth — butter for richness, olive oil to prevent burning.
Beef Broth: A rich, beefy broth adds depth and body. You can use a mix of beef and chicken broth for a lighter taste.
Garlic: Just a touch enhances the savoriness of the onions.
Fresh Thyme: Adds an aromatic, earthy note that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the onions.
Bay Leaf: Infuses a subtle background flavor during the simmering process.
Dry White Wine (or Sherry): Deglazes the pan and brings acidity to balance the sweetness. If you’re avoiding alcohol, use a splash of white wine vinegar or extra broth.
Baguette Slices: For that essential crunchy-chewy topping. Slightly stale bread works best.
Gruyère Cheese: Melts like a dream and has a nutty flavor that’s perfect for this soup. Swiss cheese is a good backup.

Variations

Looking to mix it up a bit? Here are a few fun twists:

Vegetarian Option: Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth and a splash of soy sauce for added umami.
French Onion Chicken Soup: Add shredded cooked chicken to the broth for a heartier meal.
No Alcohol: Skip the wine entirely and add a small splash of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice for brightness.
Cheese Swap: Don’t have Gruyère? Try Swiss, provolone, or even sharp white cheddar.

How to Make French Onion Soup

Step 1: Caramelize the Onions

Start by heating butter and olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Stir occasionally and let them slowly caramelize for about 35–45 minutes until they’re deeply golden brown and jammy.

Step 2: Add Garlic and Deglaze

Once the onions are beautifully browned, stir in the garlic and cook for a minute. Then pour in the wine (or substitute), scraping up any delicious browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pot.

Step 3: Simmer the Soup

Add in the beef broth, thyme, and bay leaf. Bring to a gentle simmer and let it cook uncovered for 20–30 minutes so all those flavors meld beautifully. Remove the thyme and bay leaf before serving.

Step 4: Toast the Bread

While the soup simmers, toast baguette slices until golden and firm. This helps them hold up under the cheese and soup without getting too soggy.

Step 5: Assemble and Broil

Ladle the hot soup into oven-safe bowls. Top each with a toasted baguette slice and a generous handful of grated Gruyère. Place under the broiler until the cheese is melted and bubbly with golden brown spots.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Let it cool slightly before serving — the cheese will be molten! Grab a spoon and dive through the cheesy top into that savory onion broth below.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Low and Slow Wins: Don’t rush the onions. They need time to turn sweet and golden. Keep the heat medium-low and stir often.
Use a Good Broth: The broth is half the soup, so choose a flavorful, high-quality one — or make your own if you can.
Toast the Bread Well: This keeps it from disintegrating under the cheese and broth.
Grate the Cheese Fresh: Pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly. Use a block of Gruyère for the best texture and flavor.

How to Serve

This soup is stunning all on its own, but here are a few serving suggestions to round out your meal:

Garnish:

A sprinkle of fresh thyme or chives adds a pop of color and freshness right before serving.

Side Dish:

Pair with a crisp green salad dressed with a sharp vinaigrette — it cuts through the richness of the soup beautifully.

Bread on the Side:

Want more bread? Serve extra slices of baguette or a warm, crusty roll for dipping.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let the soup cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Freezing

French onion soup (without the bread and cheese topping) freezes well. Store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat the soup on the stove over medium heat. Toast fresh bread and broil with cheese as you would normally to serve.

FAQs

Can I make French onion soup without oven-safe bowls?
Absolutely. Just toast the bread separately, melt the cheese on it under the broiler, then float it on top of each bowl of hot soup.

What kind of onions should I use?
Yellow onions are best for their balance of sweetness and complexity. Avoid red onions or sweet onions, as they can overpower the flavor.

Is it okay to use pre-made broth?
Yes, but opt for low-sodium and high-quality brands. Taste as you go and adjust seasoning accordingly.

How long should I caramelize the onions?
Take your time — 35 to 45 minutes is ideal. They should be deeply golden, soft, and jammy, not burnt or crispy.

Final Thoughts

This French Onion Soup is everything a comforting, satisfying meal should be — warm, rich, cheesy, and full of deep, slow-cooked flavor. Whether you’re winding down from a long day or looking for something special without too much effort, this recipe is sure to hit the spot. Grab those onions and let’s get cooking — you’re going to love this one!

French Onion Soup Recipe