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Classic French Onion Soup

Classic French Onion Soup is a rich, hearty dish that features caramelized onions, beef broth, and a topping of melted cheese on toasted bread. Perfect as an appetizer or main course, it embodies the warmth and comfort of French cuisine.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Soup
Cuisine French
Servings 4 People
Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Large pot or Dutch oven
  • 1 Wooden spoon
  • 1 Ladle
  • 1 Baking sheet
  • 4 Oven-safe bowls or crocks
  • 1 Cutting board

Ingredients
  

  • 4 large onions About 2 lbs.
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 8 cups beef broth Preferably low-sodium.
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine Optional.
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme Or 1 teaspoon dried thyme.
  • 1 bay leaf bay leaf
  • to taste freshly ground black pepper black pepper
  • 8 slices French bread 1-inch thick.
  • 2 cups grated Gruyère cheese Or a mix of Gruyère and Swiss.

Instructions
 

  • Begin by slicing the onions thinly using a knife. Aim for even slices to ensure even cooking.
  • In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions, salt, and sugar. Cook, stirring frequently, for about 25-30 minutes, until the onions are caramelized and golden brown.
  • Add the thyme, bay leaf, and freshly ground black pepper to the caramelized onions. Stir well.
  • Pour in the beef broth and white wine (if using). Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Let it cook for an additional 15 minutes.
  • While the soup simmers, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the slices of French bread on a baking sheet. Toast them in the oven for about 10 minutes, until golden and crispy.
  • Remove the bay leaf from the soup. Ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls or crocks. Place a slice of toasted French bread on top of each bowl, then generously sprinkle with grated Gruyère cheese.
  • Place the bowls on the baking sheet and transfer them to the oven. Bake for about 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is bubbling and golden.
  • Carefully remove the bowls from the oven and serve hot.

Notes

For added flavor, consider using homemade beef broth if you have it available.
You can substitute the Gruyère cheese with other melting cheeses like Emmental or Mozzarella if desired.
Ensure the bowls you use are oven-safe to avoid breakage during baking.
This soup can be made ahead of time; simply reheat and toast the bread separately before serving.