French Onion Soup Recipe

Name: French Onion Soup Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 2 h
Total time: 2 h 15 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil; 4 large onions, sliced thin; 1 tablespoon dry sherry; 4 cups low-sodium beef broth; 1 tablespoon chopped, fresh thyme; ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce; ¼ teaspoon kosher salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; 2 (½-inch) thick slices French bread, cut into cubes (about 1 cup); ½ cup shredded Swiss cheese; 4 (½-inch) thick slices French bread; 4 slices Gruyere cheese

There’s something so comforting about a bowl of French Onion Soup on a chilly evening. Just last week, Alex came in from soccer practice with cheeks rosy from the cold and asked if we could "make the yummy soup with cheese on top." It's always a hit in our family, and I love it because it's both simple and satisfying. Plus, the wonderful aroma of caramelized onions floating through the house is divine. This is one of those recipes that makes you look like a kitchen hero, even on busy nights. And if you enjoy a warm bowl of goodness like we do, you might want to check out Gluten-Free Lemon Crinkle Cookies for dessert—it’s a perfect combo!

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Why you’ll love this recipe
Ingredients
Step-by-step instructions
Recipe tips & variations
Storage & reheating
FAQs
Recipes you may like
French Onion Soup Recipe

Why you’ll love this recipe

Comforting and hearty for cold nights
Simple to make with just a few steps
Hannah-approved with its cheesy, crusty topping
Minimal cleanup since it’s a one-pot meal

Ingredients

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
4 large onions, sliced thin
1 tablespoon dry sherry
4 cups low-sodium beef broth
1 tablespoon chopped, fresh thyme
½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
¼ teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
2 (½-inch) thick slices French bread, cut into cubes (about 1 cup)
½ cup shredded Swiss cheese
4 (½-inch) thick slices French bread
4 slices Gruyere cheese

Step-by-step instructions

In a large stock pot, melt the butter and oil over medium heat. Add the onions and stir to coat them well. Cook until they start browning, about 30-40 minutes, stirring every so often.
Continue cooking for another hour, still stirring occasionally. The onions should be a beautiful caramel color by now.
Pour in the sherry and cook for just a couple of minutes to let some of it evaporate.
Introduce the broth, thyme, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together, then add the cubed bread.
Bring the mixture to a boil, reduce the heat, and let it simmer for 30 minutes, covered.
Carefully ladle the soup into ramekins or small oven-proof bowls. Sprinkle with Swiss cheese, lay a slice of French bread on top, then cover with Gruyere cheese.
Broil on high, keeping them about 3-4 inches from the heat source. Watch closely and remove once the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve right away.

Recipe tips & variations

For a sweeter taste, use Vidalia onions if available.
No Swiss cheese? Try mozzarella for a different flavor.
Swap sherry for a splash of white wine vinegar for a tangy twist.

Storage & reheating

Store cooled soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally until it’s warmed through.
To reheat with cheese topping, pop it under the broiler again for a quick melt.

FAQs

How do I properly caramelize the onions for French onion soup?

Patience is key! Cook onions slowly over medium or medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until they’re deeply brown—this can take over an hour.

Can I make French onion soup ahead of time or freeze it?

Absolutely! Make the soup base ahead and keep in the fridge for up to three days or freeze without the bread and cheese toppings.

What’s the best cheese to use for topping French onion soup?

Gruyere is traditional, but Swiss or even provolone work well.

How can I make French onion soup without using sherry?

Just leave it out or replace it with a tablespoon of white wine vinegar for acidity.

Recipes you may like

Looking for more delicious recipes? Try our Creamy Mango Banana Smoothie for a Fresh Morning Boost, perfect for busy mornings, or the refreshing Pineapple Green Smoothie for a healthy treat.