This Easy French Onion Soup is my take on a cozy, classic dish that brings warmth and comfort with every spoonful. With caramelized onions simmered in a rich broth and topped with crusty bread and melted cheese, it’s simple to prepare yet feels indulgent. I love making it when I want something hearty, flavorful, and just a little rustic.

Why I’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it delivers bold, deep flavors without needing hours of cooking. Caramelizing the onions is the heart of the dish, and I enjoy the process — slow and fragrant. The toasted baguette slice and bubbling cheese on top make it feel extra special. It’s a perfect meal for chilly nights, dinner parties, or just when I want something comforting.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

  • Yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • Olive oil and/or unsalted butter
  • Garlic, minced
  • Dry white wine (optional, but recommended)
  • Beef or vegetable broth
  • Fresh thyme (or dried)
  • Bay leaf
  • Salt and pepper
  • Baguette or crusty bread, sliced
  • Gruyère cheese (or Swiss or mozzarella), grated

Directions

  1. Caramelize the onions
    I heat olive oil and butter in a large pot over medium heat. I add the sliced onions and cook them slowly, stirring often, until they turn a deep golden brown — about 30–40 minutes. This step builds all the flavor, so I don’t rush it.
  2. Add garlic and deglaze
    I stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute. If I’m using wine, I pour it in now to deglaze the pan, scraping up the browned bits for extra depth. I let it simmer until reduced.
  3. Add broth and herbs
    I pour in the broth, add thyme and a bay leaf, then season with salt and pepper. I let it simmer gently for about 20–30 minutes to let the flavors come together. Then I remove the bay leaf.
  4. Toast the bread
    While the soup simmers, I toast baguette slices until golden and crisp. This keeps them from getting soggy too fast once added to the soup.
  5. Assemble and broil
    I ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls, top each with a toasted bread slice, and pile on the shredded cheese. Then I place the bowls under the broiler for a few minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  6. Serve hot
    I carefully remove the hot bowls from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. The result is cheesy, savory, and so satisfying.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4
Prep time: ~15 minutes
Cook time: ~60 minutes (mostly hands-off)
Total time: ~1 hour 15 minutes

Variations

  • I use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version
  • I add a splash of balsamic vinegar or Worcestershire sauce for depth
  • I use different cheeses like provolone, Swiss, or even vegan cheese
  • I top with garlic-rubbed croutons instead of a bread slice for a crunchier version
  • I finish the soup with a sprinkle of fresh thyme or parsley before serving

storage/reheating

Refrigerator: I store leftover soup (without the bread and cheese topping) in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezer: I freeze the soup base for up to 3 months, then reheat and assemble with fresh bread and cheese when ready to serve.

Reheating: I warm the soup on the stove or in the microwave, then toast fresh bread and broil with cheese just before serving.

FAQs

Can I skip the wine?

Yes, I can use extra broth or a splash of balsamic vinegar instead. Wine adds depth, but the soup still tastes great without it.

What onions work best?

I use yellow onions because they caramelize beautifully. Sweet onions or white onions also work, but the flavor might be milder.

Do I need oven-safe bowls?

Yes, if I want to broil the cheese directly on the soup. If not, I toast the bread separately, melt the cheese on top, and place it on the soup just before serving.

How do I get the onions to caramelize properly?

I cook them low and slow, stirring regularly and scraping the bottom of the pot. I don’t rush this step — it’s what gives the soup its signature flavor.

Can I make this in advance?

Absolutely. I often make the soup a day ahead. It tastes even better the next day after the flavors meld. I just add fresh bread and cheese before serving.

Conclusion

This Easy French Onion Soup is a soul-warming classic that I love bringing to my table. With just a few ingredients and a little time, I get a rich, flavorful bowl layered with texture — soft onions, savory broth, and that signature cheesy toast on top. Whether I’m making it for guests or just for myself, it always feels like a cozy, elegant treat.

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Easy French Onion Soup

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This Easy French Onion Soup is a rich, comforting classic made with caramelized onions, savory broth, and a crusty, cheesy topping. Simple yet elegant, it’s perfect for chilly nights, dinner parties, or a cozy meal at home.

  • Author: Mayaa
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 60 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Soup
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: French
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

  • 4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional)
  • 6 cups beef or vegetable broth
  • 1 tsp fresh thyme (or 1/2 tsp dried thyme)
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 baguette, sliced
  • 1 1/2 cups grated Gruyère cheese (or Swiss/mozzarella)

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil and butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions and cook, stirring often, for 30–40 minutes until deep golden brown.
  2. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add white wine (if using) and simmer until mostly evaporated, scraping up browned bits.
  3. Add broth, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 20–30 minutes. Remove bay leaf before serving.
  4. While the soup simmers, toast baguette slices until crisp and golden.
  5. Ladle soup into oven-safe bowls, top with a toast slice and shredded cheese. Broil for 2–3 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
  6. Carefully remove bowls from oven. Let cool slightly and serve hot.

Notes

  • Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
  • Add balsamic vinegar or Worcestershire for extra depth.
  • Swap Gruyère for provolone, Swiss, or vegan cheese alternatives.
  • Top with croutons instead of a bread slice for more crunch.
  • Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme before serving.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl
  • Calories: 390
  • Sugar: 7g
  • Sodium: 820mg
  • Fat: 21g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 15g
  • Cholesterol: 35mg

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