5-Star Classic French Onion Soup

There’s something undeniably comforting about a bowl of classic French Onion Soup. Rich, golden caramelized onions simmered slowly in a deep, savory beef broth create a flavor that feels both luxurious and homey at the same time. Topped with a toasted slice of baguette and a blanket of melted Gruyère cheese, this iconic French dish transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy experience. Whether you’re craving a cozy dinner on a cold night or looking to impress guests with a timeless bistro favorite, French Onion Soup always delivers warmth, elegance, and incredible depth of flavor with every spoonful.

What Makes This Soup Special ?

French Onion Soup is all about deep caramelized onions, rich beef broth, and that iconic cheesy toast bubbling on top. It’s rustic, elegant, and surprisingly easy.

French Onion Soup
Traditional french onion soup on wooden table

Ingredients (4 servings)

For the Soup

  • 4–5 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 3 tbsp butter
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp sugar (helps caramelize)
  • 1 tbsp flour (optional, for thickness)
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional but traditional)
  • 6 cups beef broth
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1–2 sprigs of thyme (or 1/2 tsp dried)
  • Salt & pepper to taste

For the Cheesy Toast

  • 1 baguette, sliced
  • 2 cups grated Gruyère cheese (or Swiss/Emmental)
  • A touch of Parmesan (optional for extra flavor)

Instructions

To make this French onion soup you need to follow these steps :

1. Caramelize the Onions (Most Important Step)

  1. In a large pot, melt butter + olive oil over medium heat.
  2. Add sliced onions, sugar, and a pinch of salt.
  3. Cook slowly for 30–40 minutes, stirring often, until the onions turn deep golden brown.
    • Don’t rush this step—this is where the flavor comes from.

2. Build the Base

  1. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
  2. Stir in the flour (optional) and cook for another minute to remove the raw flavor.
  3. Pour in the white wine, scraping the bottom to deglaze.

3. Add Broth & Herbs

  1. Add beef broth, bay leaf, and thyme.
  2. Simmer uncovered for 20–25 minutes.
  3. Taste and season with salt & pepper.

4. Prepare the Cheese Toast

  1. Toast the baguette slices lightly.
  2. Top each with Gruyère and a bit of Parmesan.
  3. Broil until melted and bubbly.

5. Assemble

  1. Remove bay leaf & thyme.
  2. Ladle hot soup into oven-safe bowls.
  3. Place cheesy toast on top and broil 1–2 minutes more until golden.

Serve With

  • Extra Gruyère
  • Fresh thyme
  • A glass of white wine or sparkling water

Tips for the Best French Onion Soup

  • Long caramelization = sweetness & depth.
  • Use beef broth for that classic bold flavor.
  • Gruyère is the best melting cheese for authentic texture.
  • Broil at the end for that restaurant-style finish.

French Onion Soup is all about deep caramelized onions, rich beef broth, and that iconic cheesy toast bubbling on top. It’s rustic, elegant, and surprisingly easy.

Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time35 minutes
Total Time1 hour 10 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: French
Servings: 4
Calories: 300kcal

Ingredients

  • For the Soup
  • 4 –5 large yellow onions thinly sliced
  • 3 tbsp butter
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tsp sugar helps caramelize
  • 1 tbsp flour optional, for thickness
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine optional but traditional
  • 6 cups beef broth
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 –2 sprigs of thyme or 1/2 tsp dried
  • Salt & pepper to taste
  • For the Cheesy Toast
  • 1 baguette sliced
  • 2 cups grated Gruyère cheese or Swiss/Emmental
  • A touch of Parmesan optional for extra flavor

Instructions

  • Caramelize the Onions (Most Important Step)
  • In a large pot, melt butter + olive oil over medium heat.
  • Add sliced onions, sugar, and a pinch of salt.
  • Cook slowly for 30–40 minutes, stirring often, until the onions turn deep golden brown.
  • Don’t rush this step—this is where the flavor comes from.
  • Build the Base
  • Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
  • Stir in the flour (optional) and cook for another minute to remove the raw flavor.
  • Pour in the white wine, scraping the bottom to deglaze.
  • Add Broth & Herbs
  • Add beef broth, bay leaf, and thyme.
  • Simmer uncovered for 20–25 minutes.
  • Taste and season with salt & pepper.
  • Prepare the Cheese Toast
  • Toast the baguette slices lightly.
  • Top each with Gruyère and a bit of Parmesan.
  • Broil until melted and bubbly.
  • Assemble
  • Remove bay leaf & thyme.
  • Ladle hot soup into oven-safe bowls.
  • Place cheesy toast on top and broil 1–2 minutes more until golden.

Notes

Long caramelization = sweetness & depth.
Use beef broth for that classic bold flavor.
Gruyère is the best melting cheese for authentic texture.

And also here is a wheatless and gluten-free recipes if you want more glutten free recipes and you Looking for more delicious Recipes. Check out our Buckwheat Galettes with Eggs, Cheese, and Ham recipe for a savory twist .” https://wheatlessrecipes.com/buckwheat-galettes-with-eggs-cheese-and-ham-wheatless-gluten-free/ Millet is an ancient grain rich in protein and fiber source. Coconut flour is a popular gluten-free alternative for baking source. for more recipes :  home – Delishplates.net

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