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Easy French Onion Soup

Copper pot of easy French onion soup topped with golden, melted cheese and garnished with fresh thyme.

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This Easy French Onion Soup combines deeply caramelized onions, rich beef broth, and melted Gruyère cheese over toasted baguette slices for a comforting, restaurant-quality dish that’s simple to prepare at home.

  • Author: Emily
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 55 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Soup
  • Method: Broiling
  • Cuisine: French
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

  • 6 cups thinly sliced yellow onions
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 6 sprigs fresh thyme (leaves removed)
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1/2 cup white wine
  • 4 cups high-quality beef broth
  • 4 slices baguette, toasted
  • 1 1/2 cups grated Gruyère cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. In a large skillet, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat.
  2. Add sliced onions, thyme, and bay leaf. Cook on low heat, stirring every 10 minutes, until onions are deeply caramelized (about 45 minutes).
  3. Increase heat and deglaze the pan with white wine. Let it boil briefly to evaporate the alcohol.
  4. Add beef broth, bring the soup to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Preheat the broiler. Ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls.
  6. Top each bowl with a toasted baguette slice and grated Gruyère cheese.
  7. Place the bowls under the broiler for 3–5 minutes, until the cheese is melted and golden.
  8. Garnish with extra thyme if desired and serve hot.

Notes

  • Use a mix of onion types for deeper flavor.
  • Vegetarian? Use mushroom-based vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
  • Watch closely when broiling to prevent the cheese from burning.
  • Use oven-safe bowls and place them on a baking sheet when broiling.
  • Make ahead: Store soup base separately and toast bread + broil cheese before serving.