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The BEST Easy French Onion Soup Recipe

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4.2 from 51 reviews

This easy French onion soup recipe delivers a comforting and rich classic with minimal effort. Caramelized onions, aromatic thyme, and a splash of white wine combine with hearty beef broth and toasted baguette slices, topped with melted Gruyere cheese. Perfect for cozy dinners or as an elegant starter.

  • Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Soup Base

  • 6 cups thinly sliced onions
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 6 sprigs fresh thyme (leaves removed)
  • 1 bay leaf
  • ½ cup white wine
  • 4 cups high-quality beef broth
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Toppings

  • 4 slices baguette, toasted
  • 1 ½ cups grated Gruyere or similar cheese

Instructions

  1. Caramelize the Onions: In a large skillet with high sides, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions, fresh thyme leaves, and bay leaf. Cook on low heat, stirring every 10 minutes to prevent sticking, until onions are deeply caramelized and golden brown, about 45 minutes. Season lightly with salt during cooking to enhance flavor.
  2. Deglaze and Simmer: Once onions reach a deep caramel color, pour in the white wine to deglaze the pan. Increase heat to bring to a boil, allowing the alcohol to evaporate. Add the beef broth, bring the soup to a boil again, then reduce heat and let simmer gently. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
  3. Prepare for Broiling: Preheat your oven’s broiler. Ladle the hot soup evenly into four oven-safe bowls. Top each bowl with a toasted baguette slice and sprinkle generously with grated Gruyere cheese.
  4. Broil the Soup: Place the bowls under the broiler. Broil until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown, about 3 to 5 minutes. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
  5. Garnish and Serve: Remove from broiler and garnish with extra fresh thyme leaves if desired. Serve immediately to enjoy the soup’s warmth and flavors at their best.

Notes

  • For best flavor, use a high-quality beef broth or homemade beef stock.
  • Be patient during the caramelization process; slow cooking onions develop a richer taste.
  • Gruyere cheese is traditional, but you can substitute with Swiss or a good melting cheese of your choice.
  • Use oven-safe bowls to withstand broiler heat and prevent accidents.
  • Keep an eye on the soup while broiling to avoid burning the cheese.
  • Author: ELLA
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Category: Soup
  • Method: Stovetop and Broiling
  • Cuisine: French

Find it online: https://ellarecipe.com/the-best-easy-french-onion-soup-recipe/