Sometimes, all you need is a bowl of something warm and comforting, and for that, it’s hard to beat a classic French Onion Soup. This humble soup, with its sweet caramelized onions, rich beef broth, and cheesy, crusty bread topping, is a staple in French bistros for a reason – it’s simply delicious. And the best part? It’s not as complicated to make at home as you might think!

Yields: 6 servings Prep time: 20 minutes Cook time: 1 hour

Ingredients:

  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, plus more to taste
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine (like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio)
  • 8 cups beef broth
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 6 slices French baguette, about 1 inch thick
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded Gruyère cheese

Instructions:

  1. Caramelize the Onions: In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-low heat, melt the butter and olive oil. Add the sliced onions and sugar. Cook slowly, stirring occasionally, for 45-60 minutes, or until the onions are deeply golden brown and caramelized. This slow cooking is key to developing the soup’s sweet flavor, so don’t rush this step! Season with salt and pepper.
  2. Deglaze the Pot: Increase the heat to medium and pour in the white wine. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Let the wine simmer for a few minutes, reducing slightly.
  3. Add Broth and Simmer: Pour in the beef broth and add the bay leaf. Bring the soup to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for another 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
  4. Prepare the Bread and Cheese: Preheat your broiler. Place the baguette slices on a baking sheet and lightly toast them under the broiler for a minute or two on each side.
  5. Assemble and Broil: Ladle the hot soup into oven-safe bowls. Place a toasted baguette slice on top of each bowl and generously pile shredded Gruyère cheese over the bread.
  6. Melt the Cheese: Place the bowls under the broiler until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown. Watch carefully to prevent burning!
  7. Serve Immediately: Carefully remove the hot bowls from the broiler and serve immediately. Enjoy the rich, comforting flavors of this classic French soup!