French Onion Soup

Lila Mama
Posted on September 29, 2025
September 28, 2025
by

There’s something magical about the aroma of onions caramelizing in butter. It takes us back to cozy evenings at home, or perhaps joyful moments shared with friends. French Onion Soup is not just a dish; it’s a warm hug in a bowl. As you take that first sip, the rich flavors of sweet onions, savory broth, and melted cheese dance on your palate, reminding us of the comforts of good food and togetherness. Let me guide you through making this delightful treat, and soon, you’ll find yourself sharing it with your loved ones!

Why You’ll Love Making This French Onion Soup

Making French Onion Soup is a heartfelt journey that fills your kitchen with love. You’ll appreciate the simple ingredients that come together to create deep, rich flavors. Plus, it’s easy! Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned cook, you’ll feel accomplished as you transform basic onions and broth into a gourmet experience. And let’s not forget that gooey melted cheese on top – who can resist it?!

Step-by-Step: How to Make French Onion Soup

Here’s your guide to making the best French Onion Soup. Grab your ingredients and let’s get cooking!

Ingredients You’ll Need:

  • 4 medium yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 6 cups beef broth
  • ½ cup dry white wine
  • 1 fresh baguette, sliced
  • 2 cups grated Gruyère cheese

Directions: Cooking with Confidence

  1. Slice the Onions: Start by slicing the onions thinly. This helps them caramelize evenly, bringing out their natural sweetness.
  2. Melt Butter: In a large pot, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Then, add the sliced onions. Stir them frequently; patience is key here – let them cook gently until they turn golden brown, about 20-25 minutes. This step is where the magic happens!
  3. Deglaze the Pot: Once your onions are beautifully caramelized, pour in the dry white wine. This will deglaze the pot, scraping up all those tasty browned bits on the bottom. It adds a depth of flavor that you don’t want to miss!
  4. Add Beef Broth: Now, pour in the rich beef broth. Bring it to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 15-20 minutes. The flavors will deepen beautifully.
  5. Toast Baguette: While the soup simmers, toast your baguette slices until they are golden brown. This adds a delightful crunch to your soup.
  6. Assemble and Broil: Ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls. Top each bowl with a slice of toasted baguette and a generous amount of Gruyère cheese. Now, pop them under the broiler until the cheese is bubbly and golden, about 3-5 minutes. Keep an eye on it – we want it deliciously charred, not burnt!

How to Serve French Onion Soup and Make It Shine

Serve your French Onion Soup immediately for the best experience. Pair it with a side salad or enjoy it as a starter before a meal. The warm, savory broth and gooey cheese make it a cozy centerpiece. You can sprinkle a bit of fresh thyme or parsley on top for an extra touch of color and flavor!

How to Store French Onion Soup for Later

If you have leftovers (which is rare!), simply let the soup cool, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you’re keeping the cheesy baguette topping, it’s best to store them separately, to maintain their crispness. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat the soup gently on the stove and top with freshly toasted baguette and cheese.

Clara’s Tips for Success

  • Patience is Key: Don’t rush the caramelization of the onions. The longer you let them cook, the sweeter and richer the flavor.
  • Choose Quality Ingredients: Use good quality beef broth and cheese. It really makes a difference in flavor.
  • Get Creative: Feel free to add herbs like thyme or bay leaves while the soup simmers for extra depth!

Simple Variations to Try

  • Swap Stocks: Try chicken stock instead of beef broth for a lighter flavor.
  • Herb Infusion: Add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for a fragrant twist.
  • Add Garlic: Sauté minced garlic with the onions for a deeper flavor.

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French Onion Soup

A warm and comforting dish featuring caramelized onions, savory beef broth, and melting Gruyère cheese, perfect for sharing with loved ones.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course, Soup
Cuisine: French
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 4 medium yellow onions, thinly sliced They should be sliced evenly for optimal caramelization.
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter Use unsalted to better control the seasoning.
  • 6 cups beef broth Choose good quality broth for the best flavor.
  • ½ cup dry white wine Adds depth to the soup.
  • 1 fresh baguette sliced Toasted to add crunch.
  • 2 cups grated Gruyère cheese Essential for the topping.

Method
 

Preparation and Cooking
  1. Slice the onions thinly.
  2. In a large pot, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat and add the sliced onions. Stir frequently.
  3. Cook the onions gently until they turn golden brown, about 20-25 minutes.
  4. Once caramelized, pour in the dry white wine to deglaze the pot, scraping up the browned bits.
  5. Add the beef broth, bring to a gentle simmer, and let cook for about 15-20 minutes.
  6. While the soup simmers, toast the baguette slices until golden brown.
  7. Ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls, top with toasted baguette and Gruyère cheese, and broil until bubbly and golden, about 3-5 minutes.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 20gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 12gSodium: 800mgFiber: 2gSugar: 6g

Notes

For excellent results, serve immediately paired with a side salad. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!

FAQs About French Onion Soup

1. Can I make French Onion Soup vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply replace the beef broth with vegetable broth, and you’ll have a delicious vegetarian version.

2. How do I know when the onions are done caramelizing?

Your onions should be a beautiful, deep golden brown color, soft to the touch, and smell wonderfully sweet.

3. Can I prepare this soup ahead of time?

Yes! You can make the soup a day in advance. Just reheat it on the stove, then add your toasted baguette and cheese just before serving.

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Author

  • Mama Lila, a joyful plus-size woman and co-author at Feel the Recipes, laughing as she kneads dough in her sunlit, rustic kitchen.

    I’m Lila, and I cook with the seasons, using plant-based ingredients to nourish body and soul. My recipes bring balance and comfort, helping you create meals that feel grounding, healing, and full of life.

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