Rich French Onion Soup with Cheese (Printable Version)
Golden caramelized onions in savory broth topped with crusty bread and melted Gruyère for a comforting French classic.
# What You'll Need:
→ Vegetables
01 - 2.2 lbs yellow onions, thinly sliced
02 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
→ Fats & Oils
03 - 3 tbsp unsalted butter
04 - 2 tbsp olive oil
→ Liquids
05 - 1 cup dry white wine
06 - 5 cups beef or vegetable broth, low sodium preferred
07 - 1 tbsp brandy or cognac
08 - 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
→ Seasonings
09 - 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves or ½ tsp dried thyme
10 - 1 bay leaf
11 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
12 - Pinch of sugar
→ Bread & Cheese
13 - 4 thick slices French baguette or country bread
14 - 7 oz Gruyère cheese, grated
15 - 1.7 oz Emmental or Swiss cheese, grated
# Directions:
01 - Melt butter with olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add sliced onions and pinch of sugar. Cook stirring frequently for 30–40 minutes until deeply golden and caramelized, reducing heat if onions begin to burn.
02 - Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - Pour in white wine, scraping bottom of pot to release browned bits. Simmer until mostly evaporated, about 3–4 minutes.
04 - Add broth, thyme, bay leaf, Worcestershire sauce, and brandy if using. Bring to boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 25–30 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Remove bay leaf.
05 - Preheat oven broiler. Arrange bread slices on baking sheet and toast under broiler until golden on both sides.
06 - Ladle hot soup into oven-safe bowls. Top each with toasted bread slice and generous mound of grated cheese. Place bowls on baking tray and broil until cheese is bubbling and lightly browned, 2–4 minutes. Serve immediately.
# Expert Hints:
01 -
- The deep, complex flavor comes from properly caramelized onions, not shortcuts
- That moment when the cheese melts into gooey perfection is worth every minute of stirring
02 -
- Rushing the caramelization is the mistake everyone makes, those onions need time to develop their natural sweetness
- Low sodium broth is crucial because the soup reduces and concentrates as it simmers
03 -
- Patience during caramelization cannot be rushed, stir often and adjust heat as needed
- A pinch of sugar helps onions brown evenly without burning