Classic French Onion Soup – a rich, flavorful soup topped with toasted bread and melted cheese. Below is the full detailed recipe:
Classic French Onion Soup Recipe
French Onion Soup is a timeless French dish made with caramelized onions, beef broth, toasted bread, and gooey melted cheese. It’s cozy, comforting, and perfect for chilly days.
📝 Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
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4–5 large yellow onions (thinly sliced)
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4 tbsp unsalted butter
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2 tbsp olive oil
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2 cloves garlic (minced)
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1 tsp sugar (helps with caramelization)
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1 tsp salt
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½ tsp black pepper
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2 tbsp all-purpose flour
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8 cups beef broth (or half beef, half chicken for lighter taste)
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½ cup dry white wine (optional, can substitute with extra broth)
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1 bay leaf
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2–3 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1 tsp dried thyme)
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1 baguette (sliced and toasted)
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2 cups Gruyère cheese (grated, or substitute with Swiss/Mozzarella mix)
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Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
🥣 Directions
Step 1: Caramelize the Onions
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In a large heavy-bottomed pot, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat.
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Add sliced onions and stir well. Cook for 10 minutes until softened.
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Add sugar and salt, then continue cooking on medium-low heat for 30–40 minutes, stirring often, until the onions turn deep golden brown and caramelized.
Step 2: Build the Soup Base
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Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
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Sprinkle flour over the onions, stir, and cook for 2 minutes to remove raw flour taste.
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Slowly pour in wine (if using), scraping up any browned bits.
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Add beef broth, bay leaf, thyme, pepper, and bring to a boil.
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Reduce heat and let simmer for 25–30 minutes. Remove bay leaf and thyme sprigs.
Step 3: Prepare the Bread
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Slice the baguette into ½-inch slices.
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Toast in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until crisp. Optionally, rub with a cut clove of garlic for extra flavor.
Step 4: Assemble & Serve
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Preheat broiler.
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Ladle soup into oven-safe bowls. Place 1–2 toasted baguette slices on top.
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Generously sprinkle with grated Gruyère cheese.
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Place bowls under the broiler until the cheese is melted and bubbly (about 3–5 minutes).
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Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.
🍽 Serving Suggestion
Best served with extra crusty bread on the side and a simple green salad.