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Dorothy Thomas

Easy French Onion Soup Recipe

A classic, comforting French Onion Soup with caramelized onions, rich beef broth, and melted Gruyère cheese on toasted bread. Simple to make yet full of deep, savory flavors!
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Appetizer, Soup
Cuisine: French
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 tbsp Unsalted butter
  • 1 tbsp Olive oil
  • 2 lbs Yellow onions (thinly sliced)
  • 1 tsp Sugar
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 1 tbsp All-purpose flour
  • 6 cups Beef broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian option)
  • 1 cup Dry white wine (optional)
  • 1 tsp Fresh thyme leaves (or ½ tsp dried thyme)
  • to taste Black pepper
  • 4 slices Baguette (toasted)
  • 1.5 cups Gruyère cheese (shredded)
  • Fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)

Equipment

  • Large heavy-bottomed pot (Dutch oven recommended)
  • wooden spoon
  • Baking sheet (for toasting bread)
  • Oven-safe soup bowls (for broiling)

Method
 

  1. In a large pot, melt butter and olive oil over medium heat.
  2. Add sliced onions, sugar, and salt. Cook for 30-35 minutes, stirring occasionally, until deeply golden and caramelized.
  3. Sprinkle flour over onions and stir for 1 minute.
  4. Pour in wine (if using) and scrape the browned bits. Add broth and thyme.
  5. Simmer uncovered for 20 minutes. Season with black pepper.
  6. While soup simmers, toast baguette slices until crisp.
  7. Preheat the broiler. Ladle soup into oven-safe bowls.
  8. Top each with a toasted baguette slice and a generous amount of Gruyère.
  9. Broil for 2-3 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
  10. Garnish with parsley (optional) and serve hot.

Notes

  • For Vegetarian Version: Use vegetable broth and omit the wine or use a vegan alternative.
  • Storage: Keep refrigerated for up to 3 days (reheat before serving).
  • Cheese Substitutes: Swiss or provolone work if Gruyère is unavailable.