Here’s a rich, classic French Onion Soup recipe with deep caramelized flavor and that iconic cheesy toast topping:
🧅 French Onion Soup
🧾 Ingredients
For the soup:
- 4–5 large onions (thinly sliced)
- 3 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp sugar (helps caramelization)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 6 cups beef broth
- ½ cup dry white wine (optional)
- 1 tsp thyme (dried or fresh)
- Salt & black pepper (to taste)
For topping:
- Baguette slices (toasted)
- 1–2 cups shredded cheese (Gruyère preferred, or mozzarella)
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Caramelize the onions (key step!)
- Heat butter and olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add sliced onions and sugar.
- Cook slowly for 25–35 minutes, stirring often, until onions turn deep golden brown.
👉 This step builds the signature flavor—don’t rush it.
2. Build the soup
- Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Pour in white wine (if using) and simmer 2–3 minutes.
- Add beef broth and thyme.
- Simmer for 20–30 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper.
3. Prepare the topping
- Toast baguette slices until crisp.
- Ladle soup into oven-safe bowls.
- Place toasted bread on top.
- Cover with cheese.
4. Broil
- Place bowls under a broiler for 2–4 minutes until cheese melts and turns golden bubbly.
🍽️ Serve Hot
Careful—it’ll be very hot! That melted cheese layer is the highlight.
⭐ Tips for Best Flavor
- Use yellow onions for the best balance of sweetness.
- Gruyère gives authentic flavor, but mozzarella works if that’s what you have.
- Add a splash of balsamic vinegar at the end for extra depth.
If you want, I can give you:
- A restaurant-style French version 🇫🇷
- A quick 30-minute shortcut
- Or a vegetarian version with rich flavor