Name: Hearty Bokchoy Chicken Soup Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 tablespoons butter; 5 large yellow onions, thinly sliced; 1 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour); 3 cloves garlic, finely minced; 1/2 cup dry white wine (or beef broth), for deglazing; 7-8 cups beef broth (or bone broth; can mix with chicken broth if desired); 1 teaspoon fresh thyme; Freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 1 bay leaf; 1 demi French baguette, cut into 1-inch thick slices; 1 tablespoon butter; Garlic powder, for sprinkling; 8 ounces Gruyère cheese, thickly shredded

Classic French Onion Soup is the very definition of French comfort food: a fragrant, deeply savory soup full of golden caramelized onions, crowned with gooey Gruyere cheese and crisp, garlicky baguette slices. There’s a hearty, slow-cooked magic in every spoonful, with sweetness from gently simmered onions, richness from a beefy broth, and a bubbling layer of cheese that begs to be cracked with a spoon. It’s the perfect kind of dish to share with friends or whip up as a cozy dinner, bringing a little Parisian bistro magic right into your own kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Hearty Bokchoy Chicken Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Classic French Onion Soup lies in its simple ingredient list, which relies on quality basics for maximum flavor. Every component—from the onions to the cheese—plays a starring role, coming together to create a dish that’s much more than the sum of its parts.

Olive oil: Gives a lovely base for caramelizing the onions without overpowering flavor, allowing the sweetness of the onions to shine.
Butter: Adds richness and depth to the onions as they caramelize—don’t skip it!
Yellow onions: The heart of the soup; slice them thinly for the best texture and allow plenty of time for them to turn deeply golden.
Salt: Helps draw out moisture from the onions, enhancing their natural sweetness as they cook.
All purpose flour (or gluten free flour): Thickens the soup just enough, giving it body without making it heavy.
Garlic: Finely minced, it infuses the broth with mellow, aromatic warmth.
Dry white wine (or beef broth): A splash for deglazing the pan, which lifts those caramelized bits from the bottom and infuses the soup with subtle acidity.
Beef broth: Choose a good-quality broth for a rich, deep base. Bone broth will provide even more flavor and body.
Fresh thyme: Brings an herby, slightly floral note that pairs perfectly with the onions.
Freshly ground black pepper: A few grinds add essential aroma and just a bit of bite to balance the sweetness.
Worcestershire sauce: Gives an umami kick that enhances the savory broth.
Bay leaf: Simmered in the soup, it contributes subtle background notes and a hint of earthiness.
Demi French baguette: Sliced thick; perfect for toasting and floating atop the bubbling soup.
Butter (for baguette): Brushed on the bread slices for ultra-rich, golden toasts.
Garlic powder: A sprinkle adds irresistible flavor to the toasted bread base.
Gruyere cheese: The star topping—melted, bubbly, and nutty—essential for that glorious finish.

How to Make Classic French Onion Soup

Step 1: Caramelize the Onions

Begin by melting olive oil and butter together in a large Dutch oven or heavy pot over medium heat. Add your thinly sliced onions and a generous pinch of salt, then let time and patience do their work. Stir occasionally and let the onions turn a deep, golden brown—this process can take up to 40 minutes, but it’s how you build all that amazing flavor. If the onions are cooking too quickly or seem too dark, simply lower the heat; this isn’t a moment to rush.

Step 2: Add Flour and Garlic

When the onions are luxuriously caramelized, sprinkle them with flour and add your minced garlic. Stir until everything is coated, cooking for another two minutes to cook off any raw flour taste and infuse the onions with that garlicky goodness.

Step 3: Deglaze and Build the Broth

Pour in the dry white wine (or a bit of extra beef broth if you prefer), scraping the bottom of the pot to release all the flavorful brown bits. These are culinary gold! As you stir, marvel at how the onions absorb the wine’s aroma. Next, gradually add your beef broth, fresh thyme, black pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and the bay leaf. Stir, bring to a gentle simmer, and let all those flavors mingle uncovered for about 30 minutes.

Step 4: Taste and Adjust Seasoning

After the soup has simmered, remove the bay leaf. Taste and add more salt or black pepper if needed. This is your moment to balance those flavors exactly to your liking—trust your taste buds!

Step 5: Prepare the Garlic Baguettes

About 10 minutes before your soup is ready, preheat the oven to 400°F. Place the baguette slices on a parchment-lined baking sheet, brush them with butter, and sprinkle with garlic powder. Toast them for about 5 minutes per side until they’re golden and crisp—they’ll hold up beautifully in the soup.

Step 6: Assemble and Finish

For the cheesy finale, you have two wonderful options. Option one: Top your toasted baguettes with shredded Gruyere and bake them until melty, then float them on bowls of soup. Option two (the truly classic route): Ladle soup into oven-safe crocks, place toasted bread slices on top, add a generous mound of Gruyere, and broil the whole thing until the cheese bubbles and browns. Either way, don’t take your eyes off that broiler! Serve hot and enjoy the symphony of flavors.

How to Serve Classic French Onion Soup

Garnishes

The classic finishing touch for Classic French Onion Soup is a generous heap of shredded Gruyere over a thick, golden baguette slice. If you’re feeling adventurous, a sprinkle of fresh thyme or even a touch of cracked black pepper on top adds a pop of color and freshness. For extra decadence, shave a bit of Parmesan over the molten cheese right before serving.

Side Dishes

To complement the rich and hearty soup, think light and fresh: a simply dressed green salad or a bright plate of sliced tomatoes works beautifully. If you’re serving this as a main course, consider pairing it with a crisp, tangy apple salad or some roasted vegetables—they play perfectly with the savory, cheesy soup.

Creative Ways to Present

Bring a little fun to your table by serving Classic French Onion Soup in mini crocks or even sturdy teacups for an appetizer. For a gathering, try a soup shooters version: small portions in espresso cups topped with a sliver of cheesy bread are always a crowd pleaser. Or create a “make your own” soup bar with various toppings—cheeses, artisan breads, and fresh herbs—so everyone can customize their bowl.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Classic French Onion Soup keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to four days. Let it cool completely, then transfer the soup (without the bread or cheese topping) to an airtight container. Store the toasts and cheese separately so everything stays at its best.

Freezing

This soup is a fantastic make-ahead option—just freeze the onion broth on its own (again, without bread or cheese). Once cooled, pour it into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little space at the top for expansion. It will keep well for up to three months, perfect for a cozy night in.

Reheating

To reheat, thaw frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight if needed, then warm it gently on the stovetop over medium heat until hot. Prepare the cheesy baguette topping fresh and either float on the soup or broil as you would when serving right away—your Classic French Onion Soup will taste just as inviting as when first made.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of onion?

Absolutely! While yellow onions give Classic French Onion Soup its signature flavor, you can use sweet onions for an even gentler sweetness or mix in some red onions for subtle complexity.

Is there a vegetarian version of Classic French Onion Soup?

Definitely—just swap the beef broth with a high-quality vegetable broth. For best flavor, try roasting some veggies before simmering the broth to add extra depth.

What’s the best cheese substitute for Gruyere?

Gruyere is classic for its nutty, melty qualities, but Swiss cheese or even a mild provolone works beautifully if you need a substitute. Just make sure whatever you use melts well and has a good tang.

Can I make Classic French Onion Soup gluten free?

Yes! Use your favorite gluten free flour to thicken the soup and swap in a good gluten free baguette for the topping. The results are every bit as comforting and delicious.

Why does caramelizing onions take so long?

Caramelizing onions slowly is what unlocks their natural sweetness, giving Classic French Onion Soup its signature rich flavor. Rushing can leave you with uneven color and less flavor payoff—trust me, it’s worth every minute!

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to bring a little French bistro warmth into your own kitchen, there’s honestly nothing quite like a bowl of Classic French Onion Soup. It’s the kind of recipe that quickly wins hearts and turns any meal into something memorable. Give it a try, let yourself savor every cheesy, brothy bite, and don’t be surprised if it becomes a regular part of your comfort food rotation!