Easy French Onion Soup

why make this recipe

Easy French Onion Soup is a classic dish that warms the heart and soul. It combines the sweet flavor of caramelized onions with rich beef broth and melted cheese, creating a comforting meal perfect for any occasion. Making this soup at home is simple and rewarding, allowing you to enjoy a restaurant-quality experience in your kitchen.

how to make Easy French Onion Soup

Ingredients

• 4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, for caramelization)
• 4 cups beef broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian version)
• 1/2 cup dry white wine
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 slices crusty bread
• 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese

Directions

1. In a heavy-bottomed pot, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat.
2. Add the sliced onions and a pinch of salt.
3. Cook the onions, stirring frequently, for about 20-30 minutes until they become golden brown and caramelized. If desired, sprinkle the sugar to enhance caramelization.
4. Add the white wine, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the pot, and simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
5. Pour in the broth, bring to a simmer, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Let it simmer for another 10-15 minutes to meld the flavors.
7. Preheat your broiler.
8. Ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls, top each with a slice of bread and a generous amount of Gruyère cheese.
9. Broil the bowls until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown, about 2-3 minutes. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
10. Serve hot with a sprinkle of fresh herbs if desired.

how to serve Easy French Onion Soup

Serve Easy French Onion Soup in warm bowls for the best experience. You can add fresh herbs like thyme or parsley on top for extra flavor. Enjoy it as a starter or pair it with a simple salad or sandwich for a complete meal.

how to store Easy French Onion Soup

To store Easy French Onion Soup, let it cool completely before placing it in an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the soup in freeze-safe containers for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator and reheat on the stove.

tips to make Easy French Onion Soup

• Use good-quality onions for the best flavor. Yellow onions work well, but you can experiment with sweet onions for a milder taste.
• Stir the onions often to prevent them from burning while caramelizing.
• If you prefer a thicker soup, you can add a tablespoon of flour before adding the broth.
• Feel free to use different cheeses like Swiss or mozzarella if Gruyère is not available.

variation

You can create a vegetarian version by using vegetable broth instead of beef broth. Adding herbs like thyme or bay leaf can enhance the flavor as well. Consider topping the soup with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese along with or instead of Gruyère for a different twist.

FAQs

Can I make this soup in advance?
Yes, you can make Easy French Onion Soup in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator and reheat when ready to serve.

Can I use chicken broth instead of beef broth?
Yes, chicken broth can work as an alternative. It will give a different flavor, but it’s still very tasty.

What should I do if my soup is too salty?
If the soup is too salty, you can add a bit of water or more unsalted broth to dilute the saltiness. Adding some diced potatoes can also help absorb excess salt.

Easy French Onion Soup

A comforting classic made with caramelized onions, rich beef broth, and melted cheese, perfect for any occasion.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Soup, Starter

Cuisine: French

Calories: 350

Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  

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Main Ingredients

• 4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced Use good-quality onions for the best flavor.
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, for caramelization) Optional, for enhancing caramelization.
• 4 cups beef broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian version)
• 1/2 cup dry white wine
• to taste Salt and pepper
• 4 slices crusty bread
• 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese Feel free to use different cheeses if desired.

Method

 

Preparation

1. In a heavy-bottomed pot, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat.
2. Add the sliced onions and a pinch of salt.
3. Cook the onions, stirring frequently, for about 20-30 minutes until they become golden brown and caramelized. If desired, sprinkle the sugar to enhance caramelization.
4. Add the white wine, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the pot, and simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
5. Pour in the broth, bring to a simmer, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Let it simmer for another 10-15 minutes to meld the flavors.

Broiling

1. Preheat your broiler.
2. Ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls, top each with a slice of bread and a generous amount of Gruyère cheese.
3. Broil the bowls until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown, about 2-3 minutes. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.

Serving

1. Serve hot with a sprinkle of fresh herbs if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 32gProtein: 12gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gSodium: 800mgFiber: 3gSugar: 10g

Notes

Allow the soup to cool completely before storing in an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator and reheat on the stove. For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth.

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