Irresistible Easy French Onion Soup Recipe
This irresistible easy French onion soup recipe features golden caramelized onions simmered in flavorful beef broth with a splash of white wine, topped with toasted bread and bubbling Gruyère cheese. Perfect for a comforting appetizer or light meal, this classic French dish is simple to make yet deeply satisfying.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: French
Ingredients
Scale
Soup Ingredients
- 4 medium Yellow Onions (can substitute with shallots or red onions)
- 4 cups Beef Broth (can substitute with vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
- 1/2 cup White Wine (replace with extra broth if desired)
- 2 tablespoons Butter (olive oil is a dairy-free alternative)
- Fresh Herbs (e.g., thyme, adjust according to taste)
- Additional Veggies (optional: chopped carrots or celery)
Topping Ingredients
- 4 slices Bread (gluten-free options are available)
- 1 cup Gruyère Cheese (can substitute mozzarella or provolone)
Instructions
- Caramelize Onions: Melt butter in a large pot over medium-low heat. Add the sliced onions and stir frequently, cooking until they turn golden brown and caramelized, approximately 30-40 minutes. This slow cooking develops the deep sweet flavor characteristic of the soup.
- Deglaze with Wine: Pour a splash of white wine into the pot with the caramelized onions. Use a spatula to scrape up the flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the pot, mixing them into the onions for added depth.
- Add Broth and Simmer: Pour in the beef broth and add fresh herbs if using. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Toast Bread: While the soup simmers, toast the bread slices in a toaster or oven until golden and crispy. This will provide a sturdy base for the cheese topping.
- Assemble Bowls and Add Cheese: Ladle the hot soup into oven-safe bowls. Place a slice of toasted bread on top of each serving, then generously sprinkle with Gruyère cheese.
- Broil to Melt Cheese: Place the bowls under the oven broiler until the cheese melts, becomes bubbly, and turns golden brown, about 3-5 minutes. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Serve Immediately: Carefully remove the hot bowls from the oven and serve the soup immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- You can substitute the beef broth with vegetable broth to make a vegetarian version.
- Olive oil can be used instead of butter for a dairy-free alternative.
- Any sturdy bread works well; gluten-free bread is a great option for gluten-sensitive diets.
- Fresh thyme or other herbs add nice aroma but can be omitted if unavailable.
- Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste during cooking.
- Be patient caramelizing onions for the best flavor; rushing this step will compromise the dish quality.
Keywords: French onion soup, caramelized onion soup, easy French soup, cozy autumn soup, comfort food, classic French recipe
