French Onion Soup

This classic French Onion Soup is the ultimate comfort-in-a-bowl meal. Sweet, deeply caramelized onions simmer in a rich, savory broth and are topped with toasted bread and nutty, melted Gruyère cheese for an irresistible combination of flavors that’s perfect for cozy dinners or special occasions.

Easy French Onion Soup Recipe

Soup is often thought of as cold-weather comfort food, but I have to confess I’m a year-round soup lover. It’s not unusual for me to have a pot of Vegetable Beef Soup simmering on the stove in the middle of summer, especially when I’m trying to use up fresh vegetables from the garden or clean out the crisper drawer.

A steamy bowl of Loaded Potato Soup is always a welcome sight, no matter the season, and my family will happily devour Taco Soup any night of the week. The same goes for this classic French Onion Soup. Rich, savory, and topped with crusty bread and gooey melted Gruyère cheese, it’s the kind of meal that feels cozy and comforting whether it’s a chilly winter evening or a rainy summer day.

Key ingredients you’ll need to make homemade French Onion Soup: (Scroll down for full printable recipe card ans quantities.)

• Onions – Six jumbo yellow onions (about 3 lbs or 10-12 cups total) thinly sliced from top to bottom.
• Oil and Butter – Olive oil and butter to caramelize and cook the onions.
• Liquid – Beef stock for moisture.
• Wine – Red wine or white wine adds depth of flavor.
• Brandy – Brandy adds flavor. You can also use sherry,
• Seasonings – Salt, black pepper, fresh garlic cloves and a dash of granulated sugar to bring out the natural sweetness of the onions.
• Herbs and Aromatics – Bay leaves and fresh thyme.
• Cheese Toast – 8 slices french bread, cut 1-inch thick on bias plus olive oil to coat the bread for toasting.
• Cheese – Gruyere cheese or Swiss cheese plus Parmesan cheese for a melty cheesy flavor.

How to Make French Onion Soup Recipe

• Saute Onions – Cook onions in olive oil stirring often, until they have softened.
• Add Butter – Increase the heat to medium-high. Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and the butter cook per the recipe stirring often, until the onions start to brown. Add sugar and salt continuing to cook until the onions are well browned, about 10 to 15 more minutes. Add garlic cooking for 1 minute or until fragrant.
• Wine – Add wine to the pot to deglaze. Scrape any browned bits from bottom and sides of the pot
• Liquid – Add beef stock, bay leaves, thyme and pepper. Bring to a simmer, then cover the pot and cook on medium-low per the cooking time in the recipe.
• Add Brandy or Sherry – Uncover, taste and adjust salt and black pepper to your taste. Remove bay leaves. Add brandy or sherry.
• Prep the Bread Slices – Just before serving, preheat oven to 450°F. Brush both sides of the French bread lightly olive oil then toast in oven.
• Top with Cheese – Flip toast and sprinkle with Gruyere cheese and a sprinkling of grated Parmesan. Return to oven baking for a few minutes longer, just until the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned.
• Serve – Ladle soup into a bowl or soup crock. Top each with one piece of cheese bread. Garnish with fresh thyme or chives.

Kitchen Equipment to Make French Onion Soup Recipe

• Dutch oven or similar large pot.
• Sharp knife and cutting board.
• Measuring cups and measuring spoons.
• Baking sheet pan for making the cheesy toast.
• Cheese grater and large spoon.

Recipe Variations, Tips and Substitutions

• Be Patient – Making French Onion Soup requires patience, and doing so will really show the love.
• Beef Broth – You can use store-bought beef stock, beef broth or homemade beef stock for the liquid.
• Use Fresh Onions – Don’t skimp on the amount of onions. After all, that’s what this soup is all about.
• Sweet Onions – Yellow onions will give a more intense onion flavor to this soup. Vidalia onions, which I love, will add sweetness. Either will work in the same amount, choose according to your own personal preference.
• Caramelize the Onions For Flavor – Caramelizing onions is a process and the flavor forms the foundation for the entire dish. Give the onions ample time to brown to increase the depth of flavor.
• Wine – You can use red wine or white wine in this recipe. Preferably a dry wine. If you prefer not to, replace it with beef stock.
• French Onion Soup with Brandy – Brandy is a standard ingredient in classic French onion soup. It gives a slightly sweet finish to the end product, but I find that a splash of sherry or cognac works beautifully, too.
• Cheese – I highly recommend going with Gruyere for the over-sized cheesy bread topper for this dish. That being said, Swiss cheese is a suitable substitution.
• Alternate Topping – You can serve french onion soup with a grilled cheese sandwich and top with croutons or serve with crackers for crunch.

Storage and Leftovers

• Leftovers – Store French Onion Soup in an airtight container chilled in the refrigerator for up top 3 days.
• Bread – Store the french bread separate from the soup. Reheat the bread in the oven under the broiler or in an air fryer.
• Reheating – Reheat the soup in a saucepan over medium heat or in the microwave. Broil the toast and add just before serving.

More Soup Recipes to Make

Whether you prefer soup as a starter or an entrée, add these options to your soup menu.

• Southern style Hamburger Soup.
• Creamy Tomato Cheese Tortellini Soup comes together in no time for a busy day meal.
• Skip the buns and enjoy this Cheeseburger Soup, instead.
• Easy Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup is comfort food in a bowl.
• Crockpot Broccoli Cheddar Soup is certain to be a family favorite.
• Slow Cooker Ham and Bean Soup simmer all day to perfection.
• Fully Loaded Smashed Potato Soup makes for a warm and filling dinner any day of the week.
• 18 Best Crockpot Soup for Fall on Parade.

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Helpful Kitchen Items:

• Dutch Oven
• Kitchen Utensils
• Knives and Chopping Board
• Soup Bowls