Looking for the ultimate French onion soup recipe? This rich, cheesy, and deeply comforting classic is easier to make than you might think. While debates swirl over the perfect broth or caramelization technique, this version keeps things simple—and delicious. Once you try it, you’ll want to make it on repeat.
This famous soup traces its roots back to 18th-century France, where it began as a humble dish for commoners. Made from inexpensive ingredients like onions and stale bread, it eventually gained popularity among all classes, evolving into the rich, cheesy comfort food we adore today.
Ingredient Overview
- Unsalted Butter: Provides richness and helps caramelize the onions slowly and evenly.
- Yellow or Pink Onions: The stars of the soup; when caramelized, they add sweetness and depth.
- Beef Stock: Forms the hearty base of the soup, giving it robust flavor.
- Sea Salt Flakes or Kosher Salt: Enhances and balances all the flavors.
- Ground Black Pepper: Adds a subtle kick and rounds out the seasoning.
- Dry White Wine: De-glazes the pot and brings a hint of acidity to brighten the soup.
- All-purpose Flour: Slightly thickens the broth for a luscious texture.
- French Baguette or Crusty Bread: Becomes delightfully crisp under the broiler.
- Gruyère Cheese: Melts beautifully and adds nutty, savory notes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Deeply savory, delightfully cheesy, and always comforting—this French onion soup is legendary for a reason. Rich, savory broth, deeply caramelized onions, crispy bread, and melty cheese—all in one comforting bowl. It’s a showstopper that’s surprisingly simple to make at home,
Ready to experience onion soup perfection? Let’s get cooking!
Iconic French Onion Soup
Ingredients
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 large yellow or pink onions, peeled and thinly sliced
- 2 litres / 8 cups / 2 quarts hot beef stock
- ½ tsp sea salt flakes / kosher salt, or to taste
- ½ tsp ground black pepper, plus more to taste
- 1 cup / 240 ml dry white wine
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
- Baguette or French bread
- Grated cheese (ideally Gruyère)
Instructions
- Melt butter in a heavy pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add sliced onions and ½ teaspoon salt.
- Cover and cook gently for about 5 minutes to soften.
- Remove the lid and continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until onions turn golden brown and deeply caramelized (30-45 minutes). Adjust heat as needed.
- Once onions are caramelized, stir in the white wine and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Sprinkle in the flour, stirring continuously, and let cook for 1-2 minutes to thicken.
- Slowly pour hot broth into the onion mixture. Season with ¼ teaspoon salt and black pepper. Simmer uncovered for about 10 minutes, adjusting seasonings to taste.
- Preheat your broiler. Ladle soup into ovenproof bowls placed on a baking tray.
- Top each bowl generously with bread slices, then sprinkle with plenty of grated Gruyère cheese.
- Broil for 1-2 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Video
Cooking Tip
You can prepare the soup up to step 4, freeze it for up to 2 months, thaw, and reheat it before finishing with bread and cheese for easy entertaining!
Serving Tips
- Serve with extra bread slices for dipping.
- Add a side salad for a light, balanced meal.
- Pair with a glass of dry white wine or a simple sparkling water to complement the rich flavors.
Leave a Reply