Deep, Comforting, Slow-Caramelized Flavor
A bowl of French onion soup feels like a warm embrace — rich, golden onions melting into a savory broth, crowned with toasty bread and a bubbling layer of cheese. This cozy classic brings all the charm of slow French cooking while still fitting beautifully into a busy day. As the onions caramelize, they release a sweetness that blends into an irresistibly velvety texture, perfect for family dinners, cold evenings, or when you crave something deeply comforting. With simple ingredients and gentle patience, this iconic soup transforms your kitchen into a little corner of Paris.
PrintFrench Onion Soup (Inspired by Julia Child)
Rich, comforting French onion soup with deep caramelized flavor and melted cheese.
Ingredients
3 Tbsp butter
1 Tbsp olive oil
5 cups yellow onions, thinly sliced
1 tsp kosher salt
¼ tsp sugar
3 Tbsp flour
2 quarts beef stock
4 oz unsalted broth
½ tsp kosher salt
⅛ tsp pepper
A splash of warm broth
French bread cubes, toasted
1½ cups Gruyère cheese, grated
Instructions
1. Cook onions slowly in butter and oil for 15 minutes.
2. Raise heat, add salt and sugar, caramelize 40–45 minutes.
3. Stir in flour and cook 3–4 minutes.
4. Pour in stock and broth, simmer 30–40 minutes.
5. Stir in broth, adjust seasoning.
6. Preheat oven and prepare bread cubes.
7. Ladle soup into bowls, top with bread and cheese.
8. Bake, broil briefly, and serve hot.
Notes
Use deeply caramelized onions for best flavor.
Great for make-ahead meals.
Pairs beautifully with a simple salad.
Preparation Time
Preparation: 10 minutes
Cooking: 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Servings: 6 people
Ingredients
3 Tbsp butter
1 Tbsp olive oil
5 cups yellow onions, thinly sliced
1 tsp kosher salt
¼ tsp sugar
3 Tbsp flour
2 quarts beef stock
4 oz unsalted broth (to replace wine)
½ tsp kosher salt, to taste
⅛ tsp pepper, to taste
A splash of warm broth (to replace brandy)
French bread, cut into bite-sized toasted cubes
1 ½ cups Swiss Gruyère, grated
for more recipes soup ideas : Easy Homemade French Onion Soup – Cozy French Onion Soup – Vegan Broccoli Potato Soup
Required Utensils
This recipe doesn’t require any fancy equipment — just a few basic utensils for easy, stress-free cooking.
• Large pan or pot
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Mixing bowls
• Spatula or wooden spoon
• Baking dish (if needed)
Preparation Steps (Beginner-Friendly)
- Melt the butter with the olive oil in a heavy-bottomed Dutch oven. Add the sliced onions and cook slowly with the lid on for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. 😊
- Remove the lid, raise the heat to medium, sprinkle in the salt and sugar, and stir often for 40–45 minutes until the onions turn deep golden and caramel-sweet.
- Sprinkle the flour over the onions and cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring until the mixture thickens slightly and smells toasty.
- Remove from heat and pour in the stock and broth. Stir well, return to heat, and simmer gently for 30–40 minutes. The soup should look rich and slightly glossy.
- Add a splash of warm broth, taste, and adjust seasoning. While the soup simmers, toast your bread cubes for a crisp finish. 🥣
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls, top with toasted bread, and sprinkle generously with Gruyère.
- Bake for 15 minutes, then broil briefly until the cheese turns golden and bubbly. Watch closely to prevent burning. ✨
- Serve immediately while hot and melty.
Chef’s Tips
• Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently to preserve flavor.
• Use deeply caramelized onions — the color determines the richness of the soup.
• Prepare the onion base a day ahead for even deeper flavor.
• Serve with a simple green salad or crusty bread for a complete meal.
Nutrition Information
Serving: 1
Calories: 482 kcal
Protein: 24 g
Carbs: 48 g
Fat: 20 g
Fiber: 4 g
Sugar: 10 g