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French Onion Soup Recipe

A cozy, gourmet classic with caramelized onions enriched by savory broth and topped with crusty bread and melted cheese.

105 min total
Serves 6
Medium
Gluten-Free
Prep Time
15 min
Cook Time
1h 30m
Total Time
1h 45m
French Onion Soup
Photographed for KrazyRecipes · Soups & Stews
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Imagine the satisfying aroma of onions slowly caramelizing in butter, filling your kitchen with warmth and enticing you closer to the pot. That's the promise of French Onion Soup—a dish that transforms humble ingredients into a bowl of comfort. It's the kind of recipe that invites you to linger over each spoonful, melting the stress of the day away. The roots of French Onion Soup are firmly planted in French cuisine, beloved for its simplicity and ability to stretch ingredients. Bistros across France have made it a staple, often serving it as a comforting start to a meal. I first fell in love with this soup on a chilly evening in a little Parisian café, where it was the perfect antidote to the cold. What makes this recipe special is the slow, patient caramelization of the onions—a step that shouldn't be rushed. It's a small trick that rewards you with depth of flavor, creating a sweet and savory base that's simply unmatched. For a final touch, we broil the cheese-topped bread until it's golden and bubbly, the perfect crown for our rich, onion-laden broth. Serve this soup as a warming dinner on a crisp autumn night or as an impressive yet comforting starter for a dinner party. Either way, it's a dish that brings people together, encouraging them to share in its simple pleasures.

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The Method

Step-by-Step

7 steps · tap a timer to start
  1. 01
    Step 1 / 7

    In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, melt the butter with the olive oil over medium heat.

    Add the sliced onions and sprinkle with salt and sugar.

  2. 02
    Step 2 / 7

    Cook the onions, stirring occasionally, until they are deep golden brown, about 45 minutes.

    Patience is key here; this step develops the soup's flavor.

  3. 03
    Step 3 / 7

    Once caramelized, add the white wine to deglaze the pot, scraping up any brown bits.

    Let it simmer for about 5 minutes until the wine reduces.

  4. 04
    Step 4 / 7

    Pour in the beef and chicken broths, and add the bay leaf.

    Bring to a simmer and cook for 20 minutes to meld the flavors.

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  6. 05
    Step 5 / 7

    Preheat your broiler.

    Remove the bay leaf from the soup and season with black pepper to taste.

  7. 06
    Step 6 / 7

    Ladle the hot soup into oven-safe bowls.

    Top each bowl with a toasted baguette slice, then generously sprinkle with Gruyère cheese.

  8. 07
    Step 7 / 7

    Place the bowls under the broiler until the cheese is bubbly and golden, about 3-5 minutes.

    Serve immediately, taking care as the bowls will be hot.

Chef Tips

  • Use sweet onions like Vidalia or Maui for an even more intense sweetness.
  • For a deeper flavor, try adding a splash of brandy or cognac along with the wine.
  • For a vegetarian version, substitute vegetable broth for the beef and chicken broths.
  • Make sure your bread is well toasted to prevent it from becoming too soggy in the soup.
  • Gruyère is traditional, but a good Swiss cheese or even a mixture of cheeses can work well if needed.
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Nutrition (per serving)

calories
~380 kcal
protein
16g
carbs
36g
fat
18g
fiber
4g
sodium
980mg

Estimates only. Actual values depend on brands and portions.

Frequently Asked

Can I make this ahead?+

Yes, the soup base can be made a day ahead and reheated. Add the bread and cheese just before serving.

What can I substitute?+

You can use Swiss cheese in place of Gruyère, and vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.

How do I store leftovers?+

Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Bread and cheese should be added fresh when reheating.

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