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French Onion Soup

A classic French Onion Soup that warms the body and soul, featuring caramelized onions, rich broth, and gooey cheese.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 tablespoons butter (unsalted or salted)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or vegetable oil
  • 3 pounds onions (peeled, halved, and thinly sliced)
  • ¾ teaspoon Kosher or sea salt (plus more to taste)
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (plus more to taste)
  • ¾ cup dry white wine
  • 1 tablespoon dry sherry
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 8 cups beef broth or beef stock
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 2 fresh thyme sprigs (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)
  • ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 small baguette (sliced ½-inch thick)
  • 6 ounces Gruyère cheese, grated (about 1 ½ cups)
  • Optional: Garnish with fresh thyme leaves or chopped chives

Instructions

  1. Caramelize the onions: In a heavy-bottomed pot, add butter and olive oil over medium heat. Once melted, add sliced onions, salt, and pepper. Cook for 30-40 minutes until deeply caramelized, stirring occasionally.
  2. Deglaze the pot: Pour in the white wine and dry sherry, scraping up brown bits. Let reduce for 5 minutes.
  3. Add flour and broth: Sprinkle flour over the onion mixture, stir, and cook for 2 minutes. Gradually whisk in the beef broth, then add bay leaf, thyme, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir well.
  4. Simmer away: Bring to a gentle simmer for about 30 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
  5. Toast the baguette: Preheat oven to 400°F (205°C). Arrange baguette slices on a baking sheet and toast for about 10 minutes until golden.
  6. Cheese it up: Ladle soup into oven-safe bowls, top with toasted baguette slices, and add grated Gruyère cheese.
  7. Broil until golden: Place under the broiler for 2-4 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.

Notes

Serve hot, garnished with fresh thyme leaves or chopped chives. Pairs well with a crisp green salad.

Nutrition

Keywords: French Onion Soup, Classic Soup, Comfort Food, Cheese Soup, Caramelized Onions