Dessert

Easy French Onion Soup Recipe

Name: Easy French Onion Soup Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 3 tablespoons butter; 1/2 tablespoon olive oil; 2 pounds (about 3) yellow onions, thinly sliced; 1/2 teaspoon granulated white sugar; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/8 teaspoon pepper; 2 tablespoons all purpose flour; 6 cups beef broth; 1 whole bay leaf; 8 slices baguette; 4 ounces (1 cup) grated Gruyere cheese; 1 ounce (1/4 cup) freshly grated Parmesan cheese; fresh thyme for garnish, optional

ByNaomi Fletcher February 11, 2026February 11, 2026

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Introduction

French onion soup is a comforting classic that’s perfect for cozy evenings. This easy version captures the deep, rich flavors of caramelized onions topped with melty cheese and crispy baguette slices. It’s simple to prepare and sure to warm you up.

A white cup filled with a golden brown onion soup, with visible small onion pieces floating in the broth. On top, there are two toasted bread slices with a crispy texture, covered with melted pale yellow cheese stretching slightly over the edges. A few small green herb leaves are scattered on the cheese. The cup is placed on a piece of beige woven cloth, set on a white marbled surface, with another white bowl blurred in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

3 tablespoons butter
1/2 tablespoon olive oil
2 pounds (about 3) yellow onions, thinly sliced
1/2 teaspoon granulated white sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
6 cups beef broth
1 whole bay leaf
8 slices baguette
4 ounces (1 cup) grated Gruyere cheese
1 ounce (1/4 cup) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh thyme for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Melt the butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the olive oil, sliced onions, and sugar. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are soft, lightly browned, and caramelized, about 30 minutes.
Step 2: Add the salt, pepper, and flour to the pot. Stir continuously and cook for 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste.
Step 3: Stir in the beef broth and add the bay leaf. Increase the heat to bring the soup to a boil, then reduce to medium-low and simmer for 30 minutes.
Step 4: Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with extra salt and pepper if needed.
Step 5: Place baguette slices on a baking sheet and toast under the broiler for 2 to 3 minutes, until they are lightly browned.
Step 6: Spoon the hot soup into four oven-safe bowls. Place 2 toasted baguette slices on top of each bowl of soup, then sprinkle with grated Gruyere and Parmesan cheeses.
Step 7: Set the bowls on a rimmed baking sheet and place under the broiler for 2 to 3 minutes until the cheese is melted and lightly browned. Garnish with fresh thyme if desired, then serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

Use dry white wine in place of some broth for added depth of flavor.
Caramelize onions slowly over medium-low heat to develop a sweeter, richer flavor.
For a vegetarian version, substitute vegetable broth for beef broth.
Try different cheeses like Swiss or mozzarella for a twist on the classic.

Storage

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat to prevent the cheese from toughening. For best results, toast baguette slices fresh before serving.

How to Serve

A white cup filled with clear brown onion soup, showing small pieces of cooked onion inside. Two pieces of toasted bread with melted light yellow cheese sit on top, slightly soaked by the soup. Small green herb leaves are scattered on the cheese, adding a fresh touch. The cup is placed on a white marbled surface with a textured light cloth underneath. In the background, there is another white cup blurred out. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make French onion soup ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the soup up to two days ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Add cheese and bread just before serving to keep them fresh and crisp.