Name: The Most Famous French Onion Soup – Rich, Savory & Classic Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 1 h 5 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced; 3 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; ½ teaspoon sugar; 2 cloves garlic, minced; ½ cup dry white wine (Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay); 6 cups beef broth (or mix of beef and chicken broth); 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce; 2 teaspoons fresh thyme (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme); 1 bay leaf; 1 French baguette, sliced into rounds; 1 ½ cups shredded Gruyère cheese (or Swiss cheese); ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Introduction

If you’re craving a warm, rich, and deeply flavorful dish, this classic French Onion Soup is sure to satisfy. With slow-cooked caramelized onions, savory beef broth, and a golden cheesy topping, it brings cozy French comfort right to your table. Perfect for chilly evenings or special dinners, it’s a timeless favorite.

A white bowl filled with dark brown French onion soup with a thick slice of toasted bread floating on top, covered by melted golden yellow cheese with some darker browned spots and a few small green herb leaves sprinkled lightly on it; the bowl sits on a white plate with a shiny silver spoon resting beside it on a white marbled textured surface photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced

3 tablespoons unsalted butter

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

½ teaspoon sugar

2 cloves garlic, minced

½ cup dry white wine (such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay)

6 cups beef broth (or a mix of beef and chicken broth)

1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

2 teaspoons fresh thyme (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)

1 bay leaf

1 French baguette, sliced into rounds

1 ½ cups shredded Gruyère cheese (or Swiss cheese)

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

Step 1: In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions, salt, black pepper, and sugar. Cook for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until onions are deeply golden and caramelized.

Step 2: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute. Deglaze the pot with white wine, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom.

Step 3: Add the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and bay leaf. Simmer uncovered for 20-25 minutes to let the flavors develop.

Step 4: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the baguette slices on a baking sheet and toast for 8-10 minutes until crisp.

Step 5: Remove the bay leaf from the soup and ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls. Top each bowl with a toasted baguette slice and sprinkle with Gruyère and Parmesan cheese.

Step 6: Broil the bowls on high for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Carefully remove from the oven and serve immediately with extra toasted bread if desired.

Tips & Variations

Use sweet yellow onions for the best caramelization and natural sweetness.

Take your time caramelizing the onions low and slow to develop rich flavor.

Gruyère is traditional for the topping, but Swiss or provolone are great substitutes.

For a vegetarian version, substitute the beef broth with a rich vegetable broth and omit Worcestershire sauce or use a vegetarian-friendly version.

FAQs

Can I make French Onion Soup ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the soup a day in advance and refrigerate it. When ready to serve, warm it on the stove and add the toasted bread and cheese before broiling.

What cheese works best for the topping?

Gruyère cheese is traditional and melts beautifully, offering a nutty flavor. Swiss or provolone cheeses also work well if you prefer alternatives.