Classic French Onion Soup (Printable)

Rich, comforting French classic with caramelized onions in savory broth, topped with toasted bread and melted Gruyère.

# What You Need:

→ Onions

01 - 3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
02 - 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
03 - 1 tablespoon olive oil

→ Soup Base

04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 1 teaspoon sugar
06 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
07 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
08 - 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
09 - 1/2 cup dry white wine
10 - 5 cups beef or vegetable stock
11 - 2 sprigs fresh thyme
12 - 1 bay leaf

→ Topping

13 - 4 slices French baguette, about 1 inch thick
14 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
15 - 1 cup Gruyère cheese, grated

# How to Make It:

01 - In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add sliced onions, stirring to coat. Cook, stirring frequently, until onions are soft and deeply caramelized, approximately 35 to 40 minutes. Add sugar and salt halfway through to facilitate caramelization.
02 - Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - Sprinkle in flour and cook, stirring constantly, for 2 minutes to thicken slightly.
04 - Deglaze the pot with dry white wine, scraping the bottom to release any browned bits.
05 - Pour in stock, add thyme and bay leaf. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes. Remove thyme and bay leaf. Season with pepper and additional salt as needed.
06 - Preheat oven broiler. Arrange baguette slices on a baking sheet, brush both sides with olive oil, and toast under the broiler until golden, approximately 1 to 2 minutes per side.
07 - Ladle hot soup into oven-safe bowls. Top each with a toasted baguette slice, then cover generously with grated Gruyère cheese.
08 - Place bowls on a baking sheet and broil for 2 to 3 minutes, or until cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown. Serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The way the Gruyere forms a salty crust against the bread is pure joy.
  • It turns humble pantry staples into a meal that feels like a celebration.
02 -
  • Rushing the onions will result in a bitter soup instead of a sweet and complex one.
  • Always use oven safe bowls to prevent any dangerous cracking under the high heat of the broiler.
03 -
  • Slice your onions from root to tip to help them maintain their shape during the long cook.
  • Rub a raw garlic clove on the toasted bread before adding it to the soup for an extra flavor boost.
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