Description
Few dishes rival the depth and comfort of a well-made French Onion Soup. Rich caramelized onions swim in a savory beef broth, topped with toasted bread and bubbling Gruyère cheese. This easy dinner idea is perfect for cold nights, impressive enough for guests, and flexible for quick lunch or hearty comfort food cravings. Whether you’re in search of a quick soup recipe, cozy winter food ideas, or an elegant dinner starter, this one ticks all the boxes.
Ingredients
6 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
8 cups beef broth
1/2 cup dry white wine
1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or 1/2 tsp dried)
1 bay leaf
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
8 slices baguette or sourdough
2 cups Gruyère cheese, freshly grated
Instructions
1. Melt butter and olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-low heat. Add sliced onions and cook, stirring often, until deeply caramelized, about 40–45 minutes.
2. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Deglaze with white wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let simmer until the wine reduces slightly.
4. Add beef broth, thyme, bay leaf, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 30 minutes.
5. While the soup simmers, toast the baguette slices until golden and firm.
6. Preheat broiler. Ladle hot soup into oven-safe bowls, top each with toasted bread, and cover generously with Gruyère cheese.
7. Place bowls on a baking sheet and broil for 5–7 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbling.
8. Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley if desired. Serve hot and enjoy.
Notes
Always use a heavy-bottomed pot to avoid burning the onions while caramelizing.
Toast the bread until very crisp—this helps it hold up under the cheese.
Gruyère is ideal, but Swiss or Emmental cheese also work beautifully.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 75 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop + Broil
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 40mg