This Easy French Onion Soup is a warm and comforting classic, featuring deeply caramelized onions in a savory beef broth, topped with crispy, cheese-covered baguette slices. It’s the ultimate cozy meal, perfect for chilly nights or as an appetizer for a special dinner. The rich, caramelized onions and melted Gruyère cheese create the perfect balance of flavors in every spoonful.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This French Onion Soup is incredibly easy to make, yet it delivers that rich, satisfying flavor you expect from this classic dish. The slow-cooked onions bring out a natural sweetness that perfectly balances the savory depth of the beef broth. Topped with a crispy, cheese-covered baguette slice, this soup is sure to be a hit with your family or guests. Plus, it’s ready in just 45 minutes, making it a quick and comforting meal.
Ingredients
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4 large onions, thinly sliced
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2 tablespoons butter
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4 cups beef broth
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1 teaspoon thyme
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1 tablespoon flour
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4 slices baguette
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1 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded
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Salt and pepper to taste
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions become golden brown and caramelized, about 25 minutes.
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Sprinkle the flour over the onions and stir to combine. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to create a slight roux.
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Pour in the beef broth and thyme. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes.
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Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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While the soup simmers, toast the baguette slices in the oven until golden and crispy. Then, top each slice with shredded Gruyère cheese.
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Serve the soup in bowls, placing a slice of the cheese-covered baguette on top of each serving.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 4
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Cooking Time: 35 minutes
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Total Time: 45 minutes
Variations
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Vegetarian version: Replace the beef broth with vegetable broth for a vegetarian-friendly option.
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Cheese variations: While Gruyère is traditional, you can also use Swiss cheese, fontina, or a mix of cheeses for different flavors.
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Herb options: Add a bay leaf or a sprig of rosemary for extra herbal notes in the broth.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
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Reheating: To reheat, simply warm the soup in a pot over medium heat. Toast the baguette slices separately and add the cheese just before serving.
FAQs
1. Can I use yellow onions instead of other types of onions?
Yes, yellow onions are ideal for French onion soup because they caramelize beautifully, giving the soup its signature sweet and savory flavor.
2. Can I make French onion soup ahead of time?
Yes, the soup can be made in advance. Just allow it to cool and store it in the fridge. Reheat the soup and top with fresh cheese-covered baguette slices before serving.
3. What can I substitute for Gruyère cheese?
If you can’t find Gruyère, you can substitute it with Swiss cheese, fontina, or even mozzarella for a similar melty texture.
4. Do I have to caramelize the onions for 25 minutes?
Yes, caramelizing the onions slowly over 25 minutes helps bring out their sweetness and develop the rich, deep flavor that’s essential for a great French onion soup.
5. Can I freeze French onion soup?
Yes, you can freeze the soup without the bread and cheese. Let the soup cool, then store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat before serving and top with fresh bread and cheese.
6. Can I use chicken broth instead of beef broth?
While beef broth is traditional and gives the soup its signature depth of flavor, you can use chicken broth if you prefer a lighter taste.
7. How can I make this soup more filling?
To make the soup heartier, you can add more vegetables like carrots or celery, or serve it with a side of salad or roasted vegetables.
8. How do I prevent the bread from getting soggy?
For a crispier texture, toast the baguette slices separately and add the cheese right before serving to ensure they stay crunchy on top of the soup.
9. Can I make French onion soup without flour?
Yes, you can omit the flour, but it may slightly alter the consistency of the soup. If you’d like a thicker soup, you can blend a small portion of it after it simmers.
10. Can I add garlic to this recipe?
Absolutely! Garlic pairs wonderfully with caramelized onions. Add minced garlic when the onions start to caramelize for extra flavor.
Conclusion
This Easy French Onion Soup is the perfect comfort food for any time of year. The sweet, caramelized onions, savory beef broth, and melty cheese-covered baguette create the ultimate cozy meal. It’s quick to prepare and packed with flavor, making it a great addition to your dinner rotation or a satisfying appetizer for any gathering. Enjoy this timeless classic in just 45 minutes!
Print
Easy French Onion Soup Recipe
Enjoy the comforting warmth of Easy French Onion Soup, featuring caramelized onions, savory beef broth, and a crispy, cheesy baguette topping. Ready in just 45 minutes, this classic dish offers rich flavors with every spoonful. Whether served as a cozy meal or a starter for a special dinner, it’s a recipe you’ll love to make again and again.
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
4 large onions, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons butter
4 cups beef broth
1 teaspoon thyme
1 tablespoon flour
4 slices baguette
1 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
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In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions become golden brown and caramelized, about 25 minutes.
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Sprinkle the flour over the onions and stir to combine. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to create a slight roux.
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Pour in the beef broth and thyme. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes.
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Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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While the soup simmers, toast the baguette slices in the oven until golden and crispy. Then, top each slice with shredded Gruyère cheese.
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Serve the soup in bowls, placing a slice of the cheese-covered baguette on top of each serving.
Notes
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Vegetarian version: Replace the beef broth with vegetable broth for a vegetarian-friendly option.
-
Cheese variations: Substitute Gruyère with Swiss, fontina, or mozzarella for different flavors.
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Herb options: Add a bay leaf or sprig of rosemary to the broth for extra herbal notes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: French
