Here’s a classic French Onion Soup recipe—rich, savory, and topped with melty cheese. Perfect for a cozy meal.
Classic French Onion Soup
Serves: 4
Ingredients
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4 large onions, thinly sliced
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3 tbsp butter
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1 tbsp olive oil
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tsp sugar (optional, helps caramelize onions)
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1 tsp salt
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¼ tsp black pepper
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1 tbsp all-purpose flour
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6 cups beef broth (or a mix of beef and chicken broth)
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½ cup dry white wine or sherry (optional, for depth)
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1 bay leaf
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1 tsp fresh thyme (or ½ tsp dried thyme)
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Baguette slices, toasted
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1–2 cups grated Gruyère cheese (or Swiss cheese)
Instructions
1️⃣ Caramelize the onions
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In a large pot, melt butter with olive oil over medium heat.
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Add sliced onions, sugar, salt, and pepper.
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Cook slowly, stirring often, until onions are deep golden brown and caramelized (about 30–40 minutes).
2️⃣ Add garlic and flour
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Stir in garlic and cook 1 minute.
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Sprinkle flour over onions and cook 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly. This thickens the soup slightly.
3️⃣ Add liquid and seasonings
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Slowly stir in broth and wine (if using).
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Add bay leaf and thyme.
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Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer 20–30 minutes.
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Remove bay leaf and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
4️⃣ Prepare the bread
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Slice baguette and toast slices until lightly golden.
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Optional: Rub with a little garlic for extra flavor.
5️⃣ Assemble and broil
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Preheat oven broiler.
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Ladle soup into oven-safe bowls.
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Place a toasted baguette slice on top of each bowl and sprinkle generously with grated cheese.
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Broil until cheese is melted and bubbly, 2–4 minutes. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
6️⃣ Serve
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Serve hot and enjoy the rich, sweet-onion flavor with cheesy, toasted bread.
Tips
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Take your time caramelizing onions—this is what gives French onion soup its deep flavor.
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Use good quality broth; it makes a big difference.
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Cheese options: Gruyère is classic, but Swiss or even a mix with mozzarella works.
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Make ahead: Soup can be made a day in advance; just broil the cheese topping right before serving.