Savory and Simple French Onion Soup Recipe

This French onion soup is warm, cozy, and flavorful with beef stock and caramelized onions. Top with sliced French bread or croutons covered in melty Gruyere, Parmesan, or provolone cheese.

Watch the video tutorial and see how easy it is to re-create this restaurant-quality onion soup recipe.

Kitchen Items Used in Recipe

INGREDIENTS 1x2x3x

4 lbs yellow onions peeled and thinly sliced (approximately 5–6 large onions)
3 tbs butter
4 Cloves garlic minced
3 tablespoon flour
1 Cup dry white wine
8 Cups vegetable or beef stock
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
2 each Bay leaves
3 Springs fresh thyme or 1 teaspoon dried thyme
to taste Sea Salt and fresh cracked pepper
1 loaf baguette
grated or sliced cheese such as Gruyere, Asiago, Swiss, Gouda or Mozzarella

INSTRUCTIONS

Caramelize the onions

In a large heavy-bottomed stockpot, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the onions and sauté until well for about 30 minutes until caramelized (but not burnt), initially stirring every 3-5 minutes, then about once a minute near the end of caramelization to prevent burning*. Add garlic and sauté for 2 minutes. Stir in the flour and cook for an additional 1 minute. Stir in the wine to deglaze the pan, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits on the bottom of the pan

Simmer the soup

Add the stock, Worcestershire, bay leaf, and thyme and stir to combine. Continue to cook until the soup reaches a simmer. Then reduce heat to medium-low, cover and simmer for at least 10 minutes. Discard the bay leaf and sprigs of thyme. Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper as needed.

Toast the bread

Preheat oven to 400°F. While the soup is simmering, slice the baguette into 1-inch thick pieces and arrange them in single layer on baking sheet. Bake for 6-8 minutes, until the bread is toasted and golden around the edges. Remove and set aside.

Broil the topping

Switch the oven to the broiler. Once the soup is ready to serve, place your oven-safe bowls on a thick baking sheet. Ladle the soup into each bowl, then top with a baguette slice and your desired amount of cheese (I used about ¼ cup shredded cheese for each). Place on an oven rack about 6 inches from the heat and broil for 2-4 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. (Keep a close eye on them so that they do not burn.) Remove from the oven and serve immediately while the soup is hot and bubbly.