Looking for the best French Onion Soup recipe? After years of trying different versions in restaurants, I can confidently say this homemade recipe surpasses them all in taste and simplicity.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 55 mins
Why This French Onion Soup Recipe Stands Out
French Onion Soup, or Soupe à l’Oignon Gratinée, is a classic French dish known for its deeply caramelized onions and rich beef broth. Topped with toasted French bread and melted cheese, this soup is the ultimate comfort food you can easily make at home.
Best Onions for French Onion Soup
Traditional French Onion Soup uses yellow onions, but feel free to experiment with red or white onions for a different flavor profile. The key is slow-cooking the onions until they are perfectly caramelized.
Storing and Reheating French Onion Soup
Store leftover French Onion Soup (without the croutons) in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat on the stovetop until boiling. For added freshness, top with new croutons and melted cheese.
Freezing French Onion Soup
This soup freezes beautifully. Just omit the croutons, freeze the soup in airtight containers, and it’ll last up to three months. Defrost overnight in the fridge or quickly thaw in cool water if you’re in a hurry.
Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cups thinly sliced onions
- 5 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons dry sherry
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 slices French bread
- 4 slices provolone cheese
- 2 slices Swiss cheese, diced
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Directions
1. Caramelize Onions: Melt butter with olive oil in a large stockpot over medium heat. Add onions and stir frequently until they become tender and translucent, about 15 minutes. Avoid browning the onions.
2. Simmer Soup: Add beef broth, dry sherry, and thyme to the pot. Season with salt and pepper. Allow the soup to simmer for 30 minutes.
3. Prepare Croutons: Preheat your oven’s broiler. Place the slices of French bread on a baking sheet.
4. Assemble Soup: Ladle the hot soup into oven-safe bowls. Top each bowl with a slice of French bread, then layer with provolone, diced Swiss, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
5. Broil: Place the bowls under the broiler until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly browned (about 2-3 minutes).
6. Serve: Enjoy your rich, cheesy French Onion Soup piping hot!
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 586
- Total Fat: 44g
- Saturated Fat: 24g
- Cholesterol: 98mg
- Sodium: 1592mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 28g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 21g
- Vitamin C: 9mg
- Calcium: 452mg
- Iron: 2mg
- Potassium: 434mg