There’s something undeniably comforting about French onion soup. The rich, slow-cooked onions in a savory broth, topped with gooey melted cheese and crusty bread—it’s the kind of dish that turns an ordinary evening into a cozy escape.
This version brings together caramelized onions, beef or vegetable broth, and a splash of wine for depth. But the real star? Those cheesy toasts, golden and bubbling on top, ready to soak up every spoonful of that deeply flavorful soup.
⏱ Prep Time 15 minutes ｜ 🔥 Cook Time 45 minutes ｜ 🍽 Servings 4 ｜ 🌱 Difficulty Level Medium ｜ 📦 Storage Tips Store soup in fridge for 3 days; cheese toasts best fresh, but can be frozen before baking
Ingredients List
- 4 large yellow onions (thinly sliced)
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional)
- 6 cups beef or vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Baguette slices (1–2 per bowl)
- 1 cup grated Gruyère or Swiss cheese
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat.
- Add onions, sugar, and salt. Cook, stirring often, for 25–30 minutes until deeply golden and caramelized.
- Add garlic and cook for another minute.
- Pour in wine to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits (optional but flavorful).
- Add broth, Worcestershire sauce, and thyme. Simmer for 15–20 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- While soup simmers, toast baguette slices under a broiler or in a toaster until crisp.
- Top each slice with grated cheese and broil for 2–3 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Ladle hot soup into bowls and top with cheesy toasts, or float them directly in the soup.
Recipe Notes / Tips
- Slice oions evenly to ensure even caramelization
- No wine? Just skip it and add a splash more broth
- Use oven-safe bowls and broil cheese directly on top of the soup for a classic presentation
Nutrition Info (approx. per serving, with 2 cheese toasts)
- Calories: 39
- Carbs: 32g
- Fat: 22g
- Protein: 14g
- Sugar: 9g
FAQs
- Q: Can I make this vegetarian
A: Yes, use vegetable broth and skip the Worcestershire, or use a vegetarian version. - Q: What’s the best bread to use
A: A crusty French baguette works best—it holds up in the soup without turning soggy too quickly. - Q: Can I freeze the soup
A: Absolutely. Let it cool completely, then freeze in airtight containers. Reheat gently and add fresh cheese toasts when serving.
Melted, rich, and made with love. Show off your bubbling bowl with #the_food_pedia on the Instagram.
