Classic French Onion Soup

 

🧅 Classic French Onion Soup – Rich, Cozy & Timelessly Delicious

Few dishes capture comfort and elegance in one bowl quite like Classic French Onion Soup. With its deep, caramelized onion flavor, rich broth, and golden layer of gooey, melted cheese over crisp toasted bread, this timeless French bistro favorite is just as perfect for a cozy night in as it is for impressing dinner guests.

Despite its sophisticated flavor, French onion soup is surprisingly simple to make. With just a handful of ingredients and a bit of patience, you can enjoy a warm, savory bowl that tastes like it came straight from a Parisian café.

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🌟 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• ✅ Rich, Deep Flavor – Slow-cooked onions give it that signature sweetness and depth.

• ✅ Simple Ingredients – Mostly pantry staples you already have.

• ✅ Restaurant-Quality at Home – Comforting, impressive, and so satisfying.

• ✅ Make-Ahead Friendly – Even better the next day!

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📝 Ingredients

• 4–5 large yellow onions, thinly sliced

• 3 tbsp unsalted butter

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tsp sugar (helps with caramelization)

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tbsp all-purpose flour (for thickening, optional)

• ½ cup dry white wine or sherry (optional but adds depth)

• 6 cups beef broth (or mix of beef and chicken broth)

• 2 tsp fresh thyme (or ½ tsp dried thyme)

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

• 1 baguette, sliced

• 1½ cups grated Gruyère cheese (or Swiss/Emmental)

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👩‍🍳 How to Make Classic French Onion Soup

1. Caramelize the Onions:
   In a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat.
   Add sliced onions and sugar. Cook slowly, stirring often, for 30–40 minutes until onions are deeply golden and caramelized.

2. Add Garlic and Flour:
   Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute.
   If using flour, sprinkle it over the onions and stir for another minute to thicken the soup slightly.

3. Deglaze with Wine:
   Pour in the wine or sherry to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits. Let it simmer for a few minutes until reduced.

4. Simmer the Broth:
   Add broth and thyme. Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for 20–30 minutes.

5. Prepare the Bread Topping:
   While the soup simmers, toast the baguette slices until golden and crisp (about 5–7 minutes in a 400°F/200°C oven).

6. Assemble & Broil:
   Ladle soup into oven-safe bowls. Top with a slice or two of toasted baguette and a generous amount of grated cheese.
   Place bowls on a baking sheet and broil for 2–3 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.

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🍽️ Serving Suggestions

• Serve hot with a simple green salad and a glass of dry wine.

• Make it a full meal by pairing with roast chicken or a charcuterie board.

• Add an extra dash of black pepper or a sprig of fresh thyme on top before serving.

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🧊 Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

• Fridge: Store the soup (without bread/cheese) in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

• Freezer: Freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stovetop.

• Make Ahead: Prepare the soup base in advance and add toasted bread and cheese when ready to serve.

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🥄 Recipe Tips & Variations

• Be Patient: The key to that rich, sweet onion flavor is slow caramelization. Don’t rush it!

• Vegetarian Option: Use vegetable broth and skip the wine or use a splash of balsamic vinegar for acidity.

• Cheese Swap: Gruyère is traditional, but Swiss, Emmental, or even provolone works in a pinch.

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Final Thoughts

Classic French Onion Soup is proof that the simplest ingredients can create something truly spectacular when given time and care. With its irresistible mix of sweet onions, savory broth, and cheesy bread topping, this dish is both comforting and refined — a bowl full of warmth and tradition.

Whether you're cooking for a special occasion or just want a cozy dinner with a little French flair, this recipe is guaranteed to impress.