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Easy french onion soup with melted cheese and fresh thyme leaves in soup bowls.
Deborah Rainford

The BEST Easy French Onion Soup

5 from 10 votes
French onion soup is a timeless classic that brings comfort with every spoonful. This easy version ensures you can enjoy its rich flavors with minimal effort. Perfect for cozy dinners or as a starter for a special meal.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Soup
Cuisine: American, French
Calories: 540
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 6 cups thinly sliced onions
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 6 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 1 bay leaf
  • ½ cup white wine
  • 4 cups high-quality beef broth
  • 4 slices baguette toasted
  • 1 ½ cups grated Gruyere or similar cheese
  • salt and pepper to taste

Method
 

Caramelize the Onions:
  1. In a large skillet with high sides, heat the butter and oil over medium heat.
  2. Add the sliced onions, thyme leaves (removed from sprigs), and bay leaf.
  3. Cook the onions on low heat until they are deeply caramelized, stirring every 10 minutes to prevent sticking. Add a teaspoon of salt. This process can take up to 45 minutes but is essential for developing the soup's rich flavor.
Deglaze and Simmer:
  1. Once the onions are a deep caramel color, deglaze the pan with the white wine. Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil, allowing the alcohol to evaporate.
  2. Add the beef broth and bring the soup back to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer while you preheat your broiler. Taste and adjust the seasoning to your preference.
Prepare for Broiling:
  1. Ladle the soup into four oven-safe bowls. Top each bowl with a toasted baguette slice.
  2. Divide the grated cheese evenly among the bowls, ensuring each has a generous amount on top.
Broil the Soup:
  1. Place the bowls under the broiler until the cheese is melted, golden, and bubbly, typically 3-5 minutes. Keep a close eye on them to avoid burning.
Garnish and Serve:
  1. Garnish with additional fresh thyme leaves if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

  • Onion Choice: Yellow onions are traditional, but you can use a mix of yellow, white, and red onions for added complexity.
  • Wine Substitute: If you prefer not to use wine, you can substitute it with an equal amount of beef broth with a splash of vinegar.
  • Cheese Options: Gruyere is classic, but other options include Emmental, Swiss, or a mix of cheeses for a unique flavor.
  • Broiler Tip: Always watch the soup closely under the broiler to prevent the cheese from burning.