Simple French Onion Soup Recipe

You know those days when you want comfort but also crave something a little elegant? That’s exactly when I reach for Simple French Onion Soup. With deeply caramelized onions nestled in savory broth and glorious golden cheese bubbling on top, this recipe manages to feel both timeless and extraordinary. The best part? You don’t need fancy ingredients or hours of prep—just some kitchen staples, patience, and an appetite for cozy French flavor. Let’s make your new favorite soup together!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Grab a handful of essential ingredients—each one brings something special to the table, from the sweetness of slowly cooked onions to the irresistible richness of Gruyère cheese. Trust me, these basics work pure magic when cooked just right!

• Yellow onions (4 large, thinly sliced): The backbone of our Simple French Onion Soup, these caramelize into sweet, golden ribbons that flavor every spoonful.
• Unsalted butter (3 tablespoons): Gives the onions their luscious richness and helps them cook evenly.
• Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Prevents the butter from burning and adds a lovely depth to the base.
• Sugar (1 teaspoon): Speeds up caramelization and enhances the onions’ natural sweetness.
• Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Draws out the moisture from the onions so they caramelize perfectly.
• Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds gentle warmth and a little kick.
• Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Adds irresistible aroma and a hint of spicy complexity.
• Dry white wine (1/2 cup, optional): Deglazes the pan and brings a touch of acidity; don’t worry if you skip it.
• Beef broth (6 cups): Forms the hearty backbone—swap for vegetable broth if you want a vegetarian Simple French Onion Soup.
• Worcestershire sauce (2 teaspoons): Lends punchy, umami depth for that classic flavor.
• Thyme (1 teaspoon fresh or 1/2 teaspoon dried): Adds herby notes that sing of the French countryside.
• Bay leaf (1): Infuses earthy background flavor—don’t forget to remove it before serving!
• Baguette (1, sliced): Classic crunchy base for the irresistible cheesy topping.
• Gruyère or Swiss cheese (1 1/2 cups, shredded): Melts into a golden, bubbling crown that makes this soup swoon-worthy.

How to Make Simple French Onion Soup

Step 1: Caramelize the Onions

Start by melting butter with olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Toss in those sliced onions, sprinkle with sugar, salt, and pepper—then settle in for one of the most magical kitchen experiences. Stir often and let the onions cook for 25 to 30 minutes, until they turn golden, soft, and smell absolutely heavenly. Patience is key here: this slow process gives Simple French Onion Soup its signature flavor.

Step 2: Add Garlic

Once the onions are gorgeously caramelized, stir in the minced garlic and cook for about a minute. The garlic will bloom in the hot pan, adding an aromatic lift that deepens the entire soup.

Step 3: Deglaze with White Wine

If you’re using white wine, pour it in now. Use a spoon to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom—these are pure flavor gold! Let the wine sizzle and reduce for a couple minutes, mellowing out its acidity and bringing everything together.

Step 4: Simmer the Soup

Stir in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and bay leaf. Bring the soup up to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and leave it to simmer, uncovered, for 20 minutes. The flavors meld and deepen into that signature Simple French Onion Soup richness.

Step 5: Toast the Baguette

While your soup is simmering, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange baguette slices on a baking sheet and toast for 5 to 7 minutes, until they’re golden and crispy. This step makes sure your bread stands up to melty cheese and savory broth!

Step 6: Assemble and Broil

Ladle the hot soup into oven-safe bowls. Place a slice or two of toasted baguette on top of each bowl, then sprinkle generously with shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese. Slide the bowls under the broiler for 2 to 3 minutes, until the cheese is beautifully melted and bubbling—pure, cheesy bliss.

Step 7: Serve and Savor

Serve immediately, taking in the wafting aroma and that golden cheese cap. Grab a spoon and dig through the layers of toasty bread, silky onions, and robust broth—every bite of Simple French Onion Soup is pure comfort.

How to Serve Simple French Onion Soup

Garnishes

Sprinkle a few extra thyme leaves on top or crack a bit of freshly ground black pepper over each bowl. If you love a little green, finely chopped chives add a fresh pop of color and flavor. Sometimes I even finish with a tiny drizzle of olive oil for extra gloss and aroma.

Side Dishes

Keeps things simple with a crisp green salad and a glass of chilled white wine to complement the soup’s richness. Or, go classic French with a side of sliced apples, grapes, or even a platter of mixed olives. This balances out the savory warmth of Simple French Onion Soup perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re entertaining, try preparing the soup in smaller ramekins or mugs for a cozy, individualized touch. You can even prepare cheesy toasts separately, then float them on top when serving—especially handy if you don’t have oven-safe bowls. Bring a flourish to the table by setting out extra toppings like cheese, fresh herbs, or hot sauce for guests to customize their own bowl.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftover Simple French Onion Soup cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container. It keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 days. Just hold off on adding the bread and cheese until you’re ready to reheat and serve for best texture.

Freezing

The broth and onions freeze wonderfully—just cool completely and pack into freezer-safe containers for up to three months. To revive, thaw in the fridge overnight, then reheat and finish with fresh bread and cheese as you would normally. Don’t freeze with the bread or cheese topping, as it can become mushy.

Reheating

Warm the soup gently on the stove, stirring occasionally until piping hot. Toast your baguette, ladle soup into bowls, add the bread and cheese, then broil until bubbly. This way, Simple French Onion Soup tastes just as luscious the second (or even third) time around!

FAQs

Can I make Simple French Onion Soup without wine?

Absolutely! The wine just adds a bit of depth and helps deglaze the pan, but it’s totally optional. Skip it or substitute a splash of extra broth with a tiny bit of vinegar or lemon juice for a hint of acidity.

What can I use instead of Gruyère cheese?

Gruyère is classic, but Swiss, Emmental, or even provolone make great alternatives. If you want a more pronounced flavor, try a little sharp white cheddar mixed in. The key is picking a cheese that melts well and has enough punch to stand up to the soup’s richness.

Is there a vegetarian option for Simple French Onion Soup?

Yes! Simply swap the beef broth for a high-quality vegetable broth. The soup will still be savory and luscious. Be sure to use a vegetarian Worcestershire sauce if dietary preferences require it.

Can I caramelize the onions ahead of time?

Definitely. You can caramelize the onions up to three days in advance and store them in the fridge. When you’re ready, just finish the soup as instructed—this timing hack is perfect for busy weeknights or prepping ahead for guests.

What if I don’t have oven-safe bowls?

No worries at all! Toast your bread slices, top them with cheese, and broil them on a baking sheet until bubbly. Float them on the hot soup in any bowls you have—same delicious results, no fancy cookware required.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’ll give this Simple French Onion Soup recipe a try—you really don’t need to wait for a special occasion. Every simmering pot feels like a little celebration, and the comfort it brings is simply unforgettable. Whether you’re warming up a chilly night at home or sharing with loved ones, this soup is guaranteed to bring smiles and requests for seconds!

Print