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Delicious bowl of homemade French Onion Soup topped with melted cheese

French Onion Soup

A comforting and elegant homemade French Onion Soup made with caramelized onions, rich broth, and topped with melted cheese, perfect for chilly evenings.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Appetizer, Main Course, Soup
Cuisine: French
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Onions and Aromatics
  • 4 large yellow or sweet onions, thinly sliced Use fresh onions; avoid pre-sliced packages for better texture.
  • 1 teaspoon granulated sugar Helps encourage even caramelization without changing flavor.
Fats and Seasoning
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter For a richer flavor; for a lighter version, increase olive oil slightly.
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil Use good quality for aroma and mouthfeel.
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt Or to taste.
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Broth and Savory Depth
  • 4 cups beef or vegetable broth For vegetarian-friendly, use a full-bodied vegetable broth.
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce For umami; vegetarian alternatives available.
Bread and Cheese
  • 4 slices crusty bread, such as a baguette Stale bread works well because it soaks up the broth.
  • 1 ½ cups shredded cheese, like Gruyère or mozzarella Gruyère is traditional for its nutty, melty qualities.
Herbs and Garnish
  • Fresh sprigs thyme For garnish.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Place a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat and add the butter and olive oil.
  2. Let the butter melt and foam but do not let it brown.
  3. Add the sliced onions, sugar, and salt to the pot. Stir to coat.
Caramelization
  1. Cook onions slowly for about 30 to 40 minutes, stirring every few minutes.
  2. Use a splash of hot broth to deglaze if dark brown bits stick to the pot.
Building the Soup
  1. Add the broths, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and thyme. Simmer for 20 minutes.
Baking
  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Ladle soup into oven-safe bowls and top with bread.
  2. Sprinkle cheese over the bread and bake until bubbly and golden, about 10 minutes.
Serving
  1. Garnish with thyme and serve immediately.

Notes

Replace wine with broth for additional depth. Use plant-based alternatives for a dairy-free option.