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The French Onion Soup

Irresistible French Onion Soup Recipe with 5 Secret Tips

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A classic French Onion Soup recipe with caramelized onions, beef stock, white wine, and topped with toasted bread and melted Gruyere cheese.

  • Total Time: 110 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 Tbsp butter
  • 1 Tbsp olive oil
  • 5 cups yellow onions (thinly sliced, do not use sweet onions)
  • 1 tsp Kosher salt (added to the onions in the pot)
  • ¼ tsp sugar (added to the onions in the pot)
  • 3 Tbsp flour
  • 2 quarts beef stock (or water with beef Better Than Bouillon)
  • 4 oz dry white wine
  • ½ tsp Kosher salt (to taste)
  • ⅛ tsp pepper (to taste)
  • 1 Tbsp Cognac (or brandy- optional)
  • French bread (Italian or rustic bread, cut into bite-sized cubes, toasted or croutons)
  • 1 ½ cups Swiss Gruyere (grated – substitute with Swiss cheese or Jarlsberg if needed)

Instructions

  1. In a large Dutch oven, melt butter with oil, then add sliced onions. Cook covered for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  2. Remove lid, increase heat to medium, add salt and sugar. Stir frequently for 40-45 minutes until onions are deep golden brown.
  3. Add flour and cook for 3-4 more minutes, stirring constantly.
  4. Remove from heat and add stock, wine, salt, and pepper. Return to heat and simmer for 30-40 minutes.
  5. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  6. Add Cognac (if using) and adjust seasoning. Ladle soup into ovenproof bowls.
  7. Top with toasted bread cubes and grated cheese.
  8. Bake for 15 minutes, then broil until cheese is golden brown. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Do not use sweet onions for this recipe.
  • Watch the cheese carefully under the broiler to prevent burning.
  • The soup can be made ahead but add bread and cheese just before baking.
  • Author: Livia Reed
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 90 minutes
  • Category: Soup
  • Method: Stovetop, Oven
  • Cuisine: French
  • Diet: Low Lactose

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 8g
  • Sodium: 900mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 15g
  • Cholesterol: 45mg