Description
Craving something warm, comforting, and loaded with flavor? This *Homemade French Onion Soup* is a cozy classic that transforms humble ingredients like onions, broth, and cheese into a luxurious bowl of heaven. Ideal for chilly evenings or as a bistro-worthy starter, it’s one of the best *easy dinner ideas* that feels gourmet. With its rich caramelized onions, golden cheesy topping, and toasted bread, this dish hits every comfort note while staying simple to make. A perfect addition to your *quick dinner*, *food ideas*, or *easy recipe* collection!
Ingredients
5 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup dry white wine
6 cups beef broth
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
2 sprigs fresh thyme
1 bay leaf
1 French baguette, sliced into 1-inch rounds
2 cups shredded Gruyère cheese
Fresh thyme, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1. In a large Dutch oven, melt the butter with olive oil over medium heat. Add sliced onions, salt, pepper, and sugar. Stir well to coat and cook for 45–60 minutes, stirring frequently, until onions are deeply golden and caramelized.
2. Deglaze the pot with white wine, scraping up any browned bits. Simmer for 2–3 minutes.
3. Add beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and bay leaf. Stir and bring to a simmer. Partially cover and simmer for 30 minutes.
4. While soup simmers, toast baguette slices in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 8–10 minutes until golden.
5. Remove thyme sprigs and bay leaf from soup. Preheat broiler.
6. Ladle soup into broiler-safe bowls, top with toasted bread and shredded cheese.
7. Place bowls on a baking sheet and broil for 2–4 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
8. Let rest briefly before serving. Garnish with fresh thyme if desired.
Notes
Always toast your bread before broiling—this keeps it crisp and prevents sogginess.
Caramelize the onions low and slow for the best depth of flavor—don’t rush this step.
Use oven-safe bowls under the broiler to safely achieve that perfect cheesy crust.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 90 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop & Broiler
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 17g
- Cholesterol: 50mg