Recipes

French Onion Soup

Few dishes feel as comforting and timeless as French Onion Soup. Deeply caramelized onions, a rich broth, and that bubbling cap of toasted bread and melted cheese make it a classic for a reason. Simple ingredients, patient cooking, and big payoff.

de Buyer Kitchen

French Onion Soup
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This recipe is all about taking your time and letting the onions slowly turn sweet and golden. Finished with crusty bread and plenty of melted cheese, it is cozy, savory, and unmistakably French. Perfect for a quiet night in or an impressive starter when you want something familiar but special.

French Onion Soup

French Onion Soup

Cuisine

French

Category

Soups

This recipe highlights the fundamentals of French soup making: controlled heat, thoughtful layering of flavor, and patience. With the right approach, even the simplest ingredients become something memorable.

Ingredients

  • 4 pounds yellow onions, peeled and thinly sliced (about 5-6 large onions)

  • 4 tablespoons butter

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • 3 tablespoons flour

  • 1/2 cup dry white wine

  • 6 cups of beef stock (or mushroom stock for vegetarian)

  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

  • 2 bay leaves

  • 1 teaspoon thyme, plus more for garnish

  • Pinch of sugar

  • 1 teaspoon salt

  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

  • 1 baguette, sliced

  • 2 cups Gruyere cheese, grated

  • Parsley, for garnish

Directions

  1. In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat, then add the onions. Cook until caramelized, about 30 minutes.

  2. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds, until fragrant, then stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute more.

  3. Add the wine and deglaze the pan, scraping up any brown bits.

  4. Add the stock, Worcestershire sauce, bay leaves, thyme, sugar, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes.

  5. Remove the bay leaves.

  6. While the soup is simmering, preheat the oven to 400F. Slice the baguette into 1-inch pieces. Place on a baking sheet and bake until toasted, about 5-8 minutes.

  7. Ladle the soup into an oven-safe bowl, then add the baguette and sprinkle with about 1/4 cup of cheese.

  8. Place under the broiler and broil until the cheese is melted, about 2-3 minutes.

  9. Sprinkle with more thyme and parsley, for serving.