Go Back
To make a great French onion soup, you need a few key items: - 4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 teaspoon sugar (to enhance caramelization) - 6 cups beef broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option) - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 2 bay leaves - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 French baguette, sliced into 1-inch pieces - 2 cups shredded Gruyère cheese - Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish Each ingredient adds a layer of flavor. The onions bring sweetness, while the broth gives depth. Gruyère cheese adds creaminess and richness. You will need some basic tools to make your soup: - A large, heavy-bottomed pot (to caramelize onions evenly) - A wooden spoon (for stirring) - A ladle (for serving) - Oven-safe bowls (for broiling the soup) - A baking sheet (for toasting the baguette) Having the right tools makes the process easier and more fun! If you have dietary needs, you can still enjoy this soup: - Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a vegetarian version. - Swap Gruyère cheese for a dairy-free cheese if you are lactose intolerant. - For gluten-free diets, use gluten-free bread instead of a baguette. These swaps keep the rich taste while catering to different diets. Enjoy customizing your bowl! Start with four large yellow onions. Slice them thinly. This helps them cook evenly. Use a sharp knife for better control. Add the sliced onions to a large pot. I prefer a heavy-bottomed pot for even heat. Mix in four tablespoons of unsalted butter and one tablespoon of olive oil. This combination creates a rich base. Now, let’s caramelize those onions. Add one teaspoon of sugar to the pot. This sugar boosts the sweetness. Cook the onions on medium-low heat. Stir them every few minutes. Be patient; this process takes about 25-30 minutes. You want them to turn a deep golden brown. This step develops the soup’s rich flavor. Once the onions are beautifully caramelized, it’s time to make the soup. Pour in six cups of beef broth or vegetable broth for a lighter option. Add one teaspoon of dried thyme and two bay leaves. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well and bring it to a gentle simmer. Let it simmer for an additional 20 minutes. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. For the full recipe, check out the Caramelized Onion Bliss Soup. Enjoy! Adding herbs makes your soup shine. I love using dried thyme. It gives a warm, earthy taste. You can also use bay leaves for depth. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper. Taste as you go! Adjust to your liking. Adding a splash of sherry or white wine can also add a nice touch. Experiment to find your favorite mix! Temperature is key for a good soup. Start with medium-low heat when cooking your onions. This helps them caramelize slowly. If the heat is too high, they may burn. Once you add the broth, bring it to a gentle simmer. Keep it low to let flavors meld without boiling. A slow simmer brings out the best taste! Caramelization is where the magic happens. Start with butter and olive oil in a heavy pot. Add the onions and sugar, then stir well. Cook them for about 25-30 minutes. Patience is important here! Stir occasionally, letting them turn a rich, golden brown. This step builds the soup’s deep flavor. Always remember, the darker your onions, the richer your soup! For a detailed recipe, check out the Full Recipe. {{image_4}} Classic French onion soup has many tasty twists. You can change ingredients to fit your taste. Here are some ideas to make your soup unique. For a vegetarian version, swap beef broth for vegetable broth. This keeps the soup rich and flavorful. Use the same amount of broth. You can also add more herbs, like rosemary or basil. This will enhance the taste without meat. Though Gruyère cheese is classic, feel free to experiment. Try Swiss, mozzarella, or even cheddar. Each cheese adds its own flavor and texture. Mixing cheeses can give a nice touch too. A blend of Gruyère and mozzarella creates a creamy, stretchy finish that is delightful. You can add unique flavors to your soup. Consider adding a splash of sherry or white wine. This adds depth and a hint of sweetness. For a spicy kick, try a pinch of cayenne pepper. You can also stir in sautéed mushrooms or roasted garlic for extra richness. For the full recipe, check out our Caramelized Onion Bliss Soup. Enjoy your cooking! To keep your soup fresh, cool it down first. Once cool, transfer it to an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to separate the soup from the toppings. This helps keep the bread from getting soggy. When you're ready to enjoy your soup again, pour it into a pot. Heat it over medium heat, stirring often. You can also use a microwave-safe bowl. Cover the bowl with a lid or microwave-safe wrap. Heat for 2-3 minutes. Stir halfway to ensure even warming. You can freeze the soup for later! Use a freezer-safe container. Leave some space at the top for expansion. This soup can last up to three months in the freezer. To serve, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Then, reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. Enjoy your delicious soup anytime! For the full recipe, refer back to the Caramelized Onion Bliss Soup. A good French onion soup has rich, deep flavors. It starts with caramelized onions. These onions should turn a golden brown color. This adds sweetness and depth. Next, quality broth is key. Beef broth gives a robust taste. You can use vegetable broth for a lighter option. Herbs like thyme enhance the flavor. Finally, the melted cheese on top is a must. Gruyère cheese works best for its meltiness. Yes, you can make French onion soup ahead of time. Prepare the soup base and let it cool. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. When ready to eat, reheat it on the stove. Toast the bread and cheese just before serving. This keeps the bread crisp and the cheese gooey. For the best soup, choose yellow onions. They have the right balance of sweetness and flavor. Avoid white onions, as they can be too sharp. Sweet onions are good, but they can be overly sweet. Look for firm onions with a dry skin. Check for any soft spots or blemishes. Fresh onions make a big difference in taste. Classic French onion soup is a mix of simple ingredients and careful steps. You learned about the main ingredients, tools, and easy swaps for your needs. I guided you through preparing and caramelizing onions, then simmering to bring it all together. We covered tips for great flavor and variations to try. Lastly, I shared how to store and reheat your soup. Making this dish can bring comfort and warmth. Enjoy crafting your version of this classic recipe!

Classic French Onion Soup

Discover the ultimate comfort food with our Caramelized Onion Bliss Soup! This rich, cheesy delight features finger-licking caramelized onions, a hint of thyme, and bubbling Gruyère cheese atop crispy baguette slices. Perfect for chilly evenings, this soup is easy to make and incredibly satisfying. Click through to explore the full recipe and treat yourself to a warming bowl of bliss that you and your loved ones will adore!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 teaspoon sugar (to enhance caramelization)

6 cups beef broth (or substitute with vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)

1 teaspoon dried thyme

2 bay leaves

Salt and pepper to taste

1 French baguette, sliced into 1-inch pieces

2 cups shredded Gruyère cheese

Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions
 

In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, combine the unsalted butter and olive oil over medium-low heat. Allow them to meld together, creating a rich base for the onions.

    Introduce the thinly sliced onions and sugar to the pot. Stir well to ensure the onions are fully coated in the buttery mixture. Cook them gently for about 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Your goal is to achieve a deep golden brown, caramelized finish — be patient, as this process develops the soup’s wonderfully rich flavor.

      After the onions have caramelized beautifully, pour in the beef broth (or vegetable broth if using), along with the dried thyme, bay leaves, a pinch of salt, and freshly cracked pepper. Stir to combine, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to meld.

        Once simmering, reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer gently for an additional 20 minutes. Stir occasionally and taste the soup, adjusting the seasoning with more salt and pepper if desired.

          Meanwhile, preheat your oven to broil. Arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet in a single layer. Broil for 2-3 minutes on each side, watching closely to avoid burning, until they are toasted and golden.

            To assemble, remove the bay leaves from the soup. Using a ladle, pour the soup into oven-safe bowls. Place a few slices of toasted baguette on top of each bowl, then generously cover with the shredded Gruyère cheese.

              Position the bowls under the broiler for about 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and beautifully golden brown. Keep a close watch to ensure it doesn’t overcook.

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 min | 1 hr | 4 servings

                  - Presentation Tips: Finish each bowl with a sprinkle of chopped parsley for a fresh pop of color. Serve with additional baguette slices on the side, perfect for dipping into the luscious, cheesy soup. Enjoy your delightful and comforting bowl of bliss!