Name: French Onion Soup Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h 10 min
Total time: 1 h 25 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 4 tablespoons unsalted butter; 5 large yellow onions, thinly sliced; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon granulated sugar; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 cup dry red wine; 32 ounces low-sodium beef broth; 24 ounces low-sodium chicken broth; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 2 sprigs fresh thyme; 1 bay leaf; 1/2 tablespoon balsamic vinegar; Pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 5 slices French bread, 1-inch thick; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 1/2 cups shredded Gruyere Swiss cheese, room temperature; 1/4 cup shredded Mozzarella cheese, room temperature; 2 tablespoons finely grated Parmesan cheese, room temperature

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When it comes to cozy comfort food, nothing beats a classic French Onion Soup Recipe. It’s rich, deeply flavorful, and perfect for chilly evenings when you want something soothing but a little special. The slow caramelization of onions creates a sweet, savory base that’s truly magical, and that gooey, bubbly cheese topping? Pure bliss.

I love making this soup when I have time to really let the flavors develop—it’s one of those recipes that transforms everyday ingredients into something extraordinary. You’ll find this French Onion Soup Recipe works beautifully as a hearty lunch, a starter for a dinner party, or anytime you’re craving a bowl of warm comfort. Trust me, it’s worth giving this classic a try!

Ingredients You’ll Need

All the ingredients here balance each other beautifully to create that perfect harmony of sweet, savory, and umami. Plus, with a few pantry staples and fresh herbs, you’re just a couple of steps away from a bowl of pure happiness. Let me walk you through the essentials and some tips on picking the best products.

Unsalted butter: Key for sautéing your onions without adding extra salt too early—helps control seasoning later.
Yellow onions: The sweeter the onion, the better! Thin slicing helps them cook evenly and caramelize deeply.
Salt: Used to draw moisture from onions and boost flavors throughout the cooking process.
Granulated sugar: A little trick to speed up caramelization and highlight the onions’ natural sweetness.
Garlic: Adds a subtle aromatic depth—not too overpowering but just enough to round out the flavors.
Dry red wine: Gives the soup a nice acidity and complexity, but if you prefer, you can skip it or substitute with extra broth.
Low-sodium beef broth: Provides rich, meaty depth without making the soup too salty.
Low-sodium chicken broth: Adds a lighter layer of flavor and balances the beef broth’s intensity.
Worcestershire sauce: An umami bomb that enhances the savory notes beautifully.
Fresh thyme sprigs: Their slight earthiness pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the onions.
Bay leaf: Adds subtle herbal warmth without overpowering.
Balsamic vinegar: Just a touch at the end to brighten everything up and add complexity.
Salt and pepper: To taste, so you can season perfectly right before serving.
French bread slices: Thick slices that toast up nicely to hold all that cheese and soak up broth without getting soggy too fast.
Olive oil: For toasting the bread with a bit of crispness and flavor.
Gruyere Swiss cheese: The star cheese for that melty, nutty, gooey topping.
Mozzarella cheese: Mixed in for extra stretch and creaminess.
Parmesan cheese: A little sprinkle on top before broiling adds sharpness and golden color.

Variations

I’ve played around with this French Onion Soup Recipe quite a bit, and honestly, it’s fun to tweak things based on what you have or your mood. Don’t be afraid to make it your own—you’ll enjoy it more when it’s personalized!

Vegetarian variation: Swap out the beef broth for a rich mushroom broth and skip the Worcestershire sauce or use a vegetarian version. I’ve tried this and it still delivers tons of coziness.
Extra caramelization: For a deeper flavor, cook the onions low and slow for up to an hour. It’s a time investment but totally worth it.
Spicy twist: Add a pinch of cayenne or a dash of hot sauce for a subtle kick—I love this during fall when I want a warming soup with some heat.
Cheese swap: If Gruyere isn’t available, Emmental or even a sharp white cheddar can make a great melty topping.
Wine alternatives: If you don’t have red wine on hand, a splash of sherry or dry vermouth adds great flavor too.

How to Make French Onion Soup Recipe

Step 1: Caramelize the Onions Slowly

This is the heart of your French Onion Soup Recipe. Melt the butter over medium heat in a large pot, then add your thinly sliced onions along with the salt and sugar. Stir them well so they’re evenly coated. Now, patience is key here: cook the onions slowly, stirring every 5–7 minutes for about 40–50 minutes. You want them golden brown, deeply caramelized, sweet but not burned. This takes time, but it’s the ultimate flavor builder—trust me, your kitchen will smell amazing!

Step 2: Add Garlic and Deglaze with Wine

Once the onions are beautifully caramelized, toss in the minced garlic and cook for just a minute until fragrant. Pour in the dry red wine and scrape the pot’s bottom with a wooden spoon to lift all those tasty browned bits. Let the wine simmer down for about 5 minutes to mellow and blend with the onions—it really adds that extra layer of depth we love in French Onion Soup Recipe.

Step 3: Simmer with Broths and Herbs

Now, add your beef and chicken broths, Worcestershire sauce, thyme sprigs, and bay leaf. Bring everything to a gentle simmer and let it cook uncovered for around 30 minutes. This melds the flavors and lets the soup thicken a bit. Before moving on, remove the thyme and bay leaf, then stir in the balsamic vinegar. Give it a taste and season with salt and pepper, remembering that the cheese and bread topping will add saltiness too.

Step 4: Prepare the Bread and Cheese Topping

While the soup is simmering, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Brush the French bread slices lightly with olive oil and toast them in the oven until golden and crisp—about 8–10 minutes. In a bowl, mix the shredded Gruyere, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses. When the bread is toasted, ladle the hot soup into oven-safe bowls, place a bread slice on top of each, then heap on the cheese mixture.

Step 5: Broil Until Bubbly and Golden

Place the bowls on a baking sheet and broil them in the oven just until the cheese melts, bubbles up, and turns a beautiful golden brown—usually 3 to 5 minutes. Keep a close eye to avoid burning. When done, carefully remove from oven (they’ll be hot!), and you’re ready to dig in.

How to Serve French Onion Soup Recipe

Two white ceramic mugs with handles are filled with a dark brown liquid topped by two slices of toasted bread covered in melted cheese, showing a bubbly and slightly browned texture. The mugs sit on a wooden surface with some small crumbs and liquid drops scattered around. The image is taken from above, capturing the tops of the mugs closely. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple here: a little fresh thyme leaf sprinkled on top looks lovely and adds a fresh herbal note. Sometimes I add a tiny drizzle of good-quality olive oil or a light sprinkle of cracked black pepper for a touch of bite. These garnishes are subtle but really lift the final presentation.

Side Dishes

Since this French Onion Soup Recipe is quite filling, I like pairing it with a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness. A simple roasted vegetable tray or a light charcuterie board also works if you want to make the meal extra special.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings, I’ve served this soup in individual mini Dutch ovens or ramekins, which always feels elegant and charming. You can also use hollowed-out mini baguettes or bread bowls for a rustic touch that guests love. Play around with the cheese topping shapes—like little cheese crowns or tractor patterns using a grater. It’s fun and makes the experience memorable!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once the soup cools down, I transfer it to an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. I usually store the bread and cheese separately so the bread doesn’t get soggy. This way, you get the freshest texture and flavor when you reheat.

Freezing

I’ve frozen the soup sans bread and cheese with great success. Just freeze it in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge. The flavors hold up nicely, though the texture of the onions softens a bit—which is not a bad thing in this soup!

Reheating

To reheat, warm the soup gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. When hot, add toasted bread and freshly shredded cheese on top, then broil for a few minutes again. This way, you get that freshly melted cheese finish, just like the first time.

FAQs

Can I make French Onion Soup Recipe without wine?

Absolutely! If you’d rather skip the wine, just replace it with more beef or chicken broth. The soup will still be flavorful, thanks to the caramelized onions and seasonings. The wine adds some acidity and depth but isn’t absolutely necessary.
What’s the secret to perfectly caramelized onions?

Low and slow cooking is the secret. Stir your onions every few minutes over medium-low heat, and add a pinch of sugar to encourage browning. Avoid rushing by turning up the heat, as that can burn them instead of caramelizing.
Can I prep French Onion Soup Recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can caramelize the onions a day ahead and refrigerate them. Then when ready, just finish the soup with broth, wine, and seasonings. You can also make the full soup and reheat later—just add the toasted bread and cheese fresh when serving.
What cheese is best for French Onion Soup Recipe?

Gruyere is the traditional choice because it melts beautifully and has a nutty flavor. Mixing in mozzarella adds stretchiness, while a sprinkle of Parmesan adds sharpness. Feel free to experiment with Emmental or Swiss if you can’t find Gruyere.

Final Thoughts

This French Onion Soup Recipe has been a comforting go-to in my kitchen for years—it’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug after a long day. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I enjoy sharing it. Just picture yourself savoring that rich broth, sweet onions, and bubbling cheesy topping—it’s worth every minute spent. Give it a try, and I bet it’ll become one of your favorites too!