Homemade French Onion Soup

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Rich, savory, and dripping with melted cheese — Homemade French Onion Soup is the definition of cozy comfort. Made with deeply caramelized onions, hearty beef broth, a splash of wine, and finished under the broiler with a thick layer of bubbling Gruyère, this classic bistro dish is easier to make than you might think.

Perfect for chilly evenings or a rustic dinner starter, this soup transforms simple ingredients into something utterly luxurious. Every spoonful is packed with umami and warmth, crowned with a toasted baguette slice that soaks up the broth and adds a satisfying crunch beneath the cheese.

Why You’ll Love This Homemade French Onion Soup

This recipe hits all the right notes: it’s budget-friendly, uses pantry staples, and delivers an elegant, restaurant-worthy experience. The slow caramelization process brings out the natural sweetness of the onions, while the wine and broth add depth and balance. Topped with gooey, golden cheese, it’s indulgent and nourishing all at once.

Whether you’re serving it as a starter for a dinner party or as a comforting weeknight meal, this soup is sure to impress.

What Kind of Onions Work Best for French Onion Soup?

Yellow onions are the go-to for traditional French onion soup because they have the perfect balance of sweetness and bite. However, you can also mix in a few red or sweet onions for added complexity. The real secret? Take your time with the caramelization — it’s what turns humble onions into rich, golden magic.

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Ingredients for the Homemade French Onion Soup

Each ingredient plays a key role in creating layers of deep, savory flavor. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need and why:

• Yellow onions – The star of the show, slowly caramelized to bring out their rich sweetness.
• Butter – Helps soften and brown the onions, adding richness.
• Olive oil – Used alongside butter to prevent burning during caramelization.
• Garlic – Adds an earthy, aromatic depth to the broth.
• Beef broth – Forms the hearty base and delivers classic umami punch.
• Dry white wine or sherry – Deglazes the pot and brings bright acidity to balance the sweetness.
• Fresh thyme – Infuses the soup with subtle herbaceous flavor.
• Bay leaf – Adds a gentle, savory background note.
• Salt and pepper – Essential for seasoning every layer.
• French baguette slices – Toasted and used as a platform for the melted cheese.
• Gruyère cheese – Nutty, melty, and perfectly browned under the broiler.

How To Make the Homemade French Onion Soup

Step 1: Caramelize the Onions

Slice onions thinly and cook them low and slow in butter and olive oil. Stir frequently for 40–45 minutes until they’re golden brown and sweet.

Step 2: Add Garlic and Deglaze

Add minced garlic and sauté briefly. Then pour in the white wine or sherry to deglaze the pot, scraping up the flavorful bits stuck to the bottom.

Step 3: Simmer the Broth

Add beef broth, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Simmer uncovered for 25–30 minutes to let the flavors meld. Remove herbs before serving.

Step 4: Toast the Baguette Slices

While the soup simmers, toast baguette slices until crisp. Optionally rub with a cut clove of garlic for extra flavor.

Step 5: Broil and Serve

Ladle soup into oven-safe bowls. Top with toasted bread and a generous mound of shredded Gruyère. Broil until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Serve hot!

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Serving and Storing This Classic Soup

This Homemade French Onion Soup recipe serves 4–6 people, making it a great choice for a cozy dinner or elegant starter. Each bowl delivers warmth, comfort, and that irresistible cheese pull that makes this dish iconic.

To store leftovers, allow the soup to cool completely and refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stove until hot. Store the toasted bread and cheese separately to avoid sogginess and broil fresh before serving.

You can also freeze the soup base (without the bread and cheese) for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before assembling and broiling.

What to Serve With Homemade French Onion Soup?

H3: Mixed Greens Salad

A crisp salad with vinaigrette lightens up the richness of the soup beautifully.

H3: Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Savory, caramelized sprouts are a perfect veggie pairing.

H3: Garlic Butter Mushrooms

Earthy, buttery mushrooms complement the deep flavors of the broth.

H3: Cheese and Charcuterie Board

A small board with cured meats, pickles, and cheese makes a rustic starter.

H3: Apple Walnut Salad

A fresh contrast of sweet and nutty alongside the hearty soup.

H3: Herbed Couscous or Quinoa

Great for a more filling meal if serving the soup as a main dish.

H3: Classic French Wine

Pair your bowl with a glass of dry white wine or light red like Pinot Noir.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use chicken or vegetable broth instead of beef?
Yes, though beef broth gives the richest flavor, you can use chicken or vegetable broth if you prefer a lighter or vegetarian version.

2. What type of wine is best for French onion soup?
A dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a dry sherry works beautifully. You can also use a dry red wine for a deeper color and richness.

3. Do I need to use Gruyère cheese?
Gruyère is traditional, but Swiss, Emmental, or even a good sharp provolone can substitute in a pinch.

4. Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, the flavors deepen as it sits. Make the soup base a day ahead and store it refrigerated until ready to broil and serve.

5. What bread holds up best for broiling?
A hearty French baguette works best. Slice it thick so it doesn’t get too soggy, and toast it before topping with cheese.

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📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest soup board so you can come back to it when the craving hits!

Tried this soup? I’d love to hear how it turned out. Did you go classic with Gruyère or mix in something new?

Share your twist or ask questions below — let’s swap tips and make comfort food better together.

Find more cozy soups and dinner favorites on Tanya Recipes on Pinterest — your go-to board for delicious home cooking!

Conclusion

Homemade French Onion Soup is one of those timeless recipes that never goes out of style. With golden caramelized onions, rich broth, and gooey cheese-topped bread, it’s deeply satisfying and surprisingly easy to make. Whether it’s for a dinner party or a solo indulgence, this is a recipe that turns simple ingredients into something truly special.

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