Description
Learn how to make classic French Onion Soup like a restaurant Chef! Made with caramelized onions, a rich savory broth and toasted cheesy bread, this flavorful soup is ridiculously easy to make, inexpensive and better than any store bought version out there! Vegetarian Adaptable, Gluten-Free Adaptable. It can be made without wine or sherry.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 tablespoons butter (unsalted or salted)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or vegetable oil
- 3 pounds onions, peeled, halved and thinly sliced (about ⅛-inch thick)
- ¾ teaspoon Kosher or sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 3/4 cup dry white wine (or broth)
- 1 tablespoon dry sherry (or cider vinegar)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 8 cups beef broth or beef stock
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 fresh thyme sprigs or ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 small baguette, sliced ½-inch thick
- 6 ounces Gruyère cheese, grated
- Optional garnish: fresh thyme leaves or chopped chives
Instructions
- In a large pot over medium heat, add oil and butter. When melted, add onions, salt and pepper.
- Cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, until onions are caramelized and deep golden brown, 45–55 minutes. Deglaze with water if needed.
- Add wine and sherry, raise heat, and boil until reduced, about 5–6 minutes. Add flour and stir for 1 minute.
- Add broth, bay leaf, thyme, and Worcestershire sauce. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer 20 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Toast baguette slices 8–10 minutes until crisp.
- Remove bay leaf and thyme. Adjust seasoning.
- Divide hot soup into ovenproof bowls. Top with bread and cheese. Broil until melted and browned.
- If bowls are not oven-safe, broil cheese on bread separately and add to soup.
Notes
- Onion sizes vary; adjust seasoning as needed.
- Add Worcestershire or bouillon for deeper flavor.
- Add a pinch of sugar if soup tastes bitter.
- Soup must be hot before broiling.
- Alcohol cooks off completely.
- Use broth and cider vinegar for alcohol-free version.
- Use vegetable broth for vegetarian soup.
- Chicken broth may replace beef broth.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving