This French onion soup starts with onions cooked slowly until deeply caramelised, then simmered in broth with thyme and a bay leaf. Toasted baguette slices topped with melted Gruyère or Swiss cheese go on each bowl. Serve it hot.

Table of Contents

Ingredients for French Onion Soup

To prepare this flavourful soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:

4 large yellow onions (thinly sliced)
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 garlic cloves (minced)
1 teaspoon sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 cup dry white wine (optional)
6 cups beef or vegetable broth
1 tablespoon fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
1 bay leaf
1 baguette (sliced)
1 1/2 cups grated Gruyère or Swiss cheese

Step-by-Step Recipe for French Onion Soup

Caramelize the Onions:
- In a large pot, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the sliced onions, garlic, sugar, salt, and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 25-30 minutes until the onions are deeply caramelized and golden brown.
Deglaze the Pot:
- Add the white wine (if using) to the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the wine reduces slightly.
Simmer the Soup:
- Pour in the broth and add thyme and the bay leaf. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes.
- Remove the bay leaf before serving.
Prepare the Bread:
- While the soup simmers, toast the baguette slices in the oven until golden and crisp.
- Sprinkle grated cheese on each slice and broil for 2-3 minutes until the cheese melts and bubbles.
Serve and Garnish:
- Ladle the soup into bowls, top with cheesy bread slices, and serve hot. Garnish with additional thyme if desired.

Nutritional Information of French Onion Soup

French onion soup is flavourful and comforting while offering a moderate nutritional profile. Here’s an approximate breakdown per serving (1 cup):

Calories: 250-300
Carbohydrates: 20-25g
Protein: 10-12g
Fat: 12-15g
Fiber: 2-3g
Sodium: 500-600mg
Calcium: 15-20% of the Daily Value (DV)
Iron: 8-10% of the DV

Tips for Enhancing Your French Onion Soup

Use sweet onions for a naturally rich flavour.
Add a splash of balsamic vinegar for extra depth.
For a vegetarian option, use vegetable broth and skip the cheese.

Try it today and savour the richness of this French classic!

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to caramelise the onions?

Cook the sliced onions with the butter, olive oil, garlic, sugar, salt and pepper for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they turn deeply golden brown.

Can I leave out the wine?

Yes, the white wine is optional. If you use it, add it after the onions and scrape up the browned bits from the bottom of the pot, cooking for 2-3 minutes.

How do I make it vegetarian?

Use vegetable broth and skip the cheese. Sweet onions give a naturally rich flavour.

Browse more in our Soup Recipes collection.

French Onion Soup and Its Nutritional Information