Here’s a simple and delicious Easy French Onion Soup recipe that captures all the rich, caramelized flavors with minimal fuss. Perfect for cozy nights!
🧅 Easy French Onion Soup
Ingredients:
- 4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 3 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups beef broth (or vegetable broth for a lighter option)
- 1 cup dry white wine (optional)
- 1 tsp fresh thyme (or ½ tsp dried thyme)
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Baguette slices, toasted
- 1½ cups grated Gruyère cheese (or Swiss cheese)
Instructions:
1. Caramelize Onions
- In a large pot, melt butter with olive oil over medium heat.
- Add sliced onions and cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and caramelized (about 30-40 minutes). Be patient — this step builds flavor!
- Add minced garlic and cook 1 more minute.
2. Deglaze & Simmer
- Pour in white wine (if using) to deglaze the pot, scraping up browned bits.
- Add beef broth, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a simmer and cook for 20-30 minutes.
3. Prepare Bread & Cheese
- While soup simmers, toast baguette slices until golden.
- Preheat the broiler.
4. Serve
- Remove bay leaf from soup.
- Ladle soup into oven-safe bowls or crocks.
- Place toasted baguette slices on top, then sprinkle generously with grated cheese.
- Broil until cheese is melted and bubbly (2-4 minutes).
Tips:
- For extra richness, add a splash of brandy or sherry with the wine.
- Use a good-quality broth for the best flavor.
- Leftovers reheat well and taste even better the next day!