Easy French Onion Soup

“A classic French soup made simple, with caramelized onions, rich beef broth, and melty cheese-topped baguette slices. Perfect for cozy dinners or a comforting starter.”

Ingredients

For the Soup:

• 4 large onions, thinly sliced (yellow or sweet onions work best)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, for faster caramelization)
• 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional)
• 6 cups beef broth (low sodium preferred)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 2 sprigs fresh thyme)
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Topping:

• 1 baguette, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
• 1 cup grated Gruyère cheese (or Swiss/Provolone as alternatives)
• Butter, for toasting baguette slices

Instructions

Step 1: Caramelize the Onions

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter with the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the sliced onions and stir to coat.
3. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt and the sugar (if using).
4. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 25–30 minutes, or until the onions are deeply golden and caramelized. Reduce heat if they begin to stick or brown too quickly.

Step 2: Deglaze the Pot

1. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute.
2. Add the white wine (if using) to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Simmer until the liquid reduces by half, about 2–3 minutes.

Step 3: Add Broth and Simmer

1. Pour in the beef broth, then add the thyme and bay leaf.
2. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 20–25 minutes.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove the thyme sprigs and bay leaf before serving.

Step 4: Prepare the Baguette Topping

1. While the soup simmers, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Lightly butter the baguette slices and place them on a baking sheet.
3. Toast in the oven for 5–7 minutes, or until golden and crisp.
4. Remove from the oven, sprinkle each slice with Gruyère cheese, and return to the oven. Broil for 2–3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 5: Assemble and Serve

1. Ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls.
2. Place 1–2 cheese-topped baguette slices on top of each bowl.
3. Broil the bowls in the oven for 2–3 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly. (Optional: If oven-safe bowls aren’t available, serve the soup with the cheese baguettes on the side.)
4. Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley, if desired, and serve hot.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich and Flavorful: Deeply caramelized onions and beef broth make for a hearty and satisfying soup.
• Easy and Adaptable: Simplified steps without sacrificing flavor.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or date nights.

Pro Tips

1. Use Quality Broth: A good beef broth makes all the difference; choose one with rich flavor.
2. Make Ahead: The soup base can be made a day ahead and reheated when ready to serve.
3. Cheese Options: Gruyère is classic, but feel free to use Swiss, mozzarella, or a mix for the topping.

This Easy French Onion Soup is a comforting, restaurant-quality dish that’s surprisingly simple to make at home. Enjoy the rich flavors and cheesy goodness in every bite! 🧅🧀✨