French Onion Soup


How to Make French Onion Soup

Ingredients

  • 4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced

  • 3 tablespoons butter

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

  • 2 garlic cloves, minced

  • 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, helps caramelize)

  • 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional)

  • 4 cups beef broth (or mix beef + chicken broth)

  • 1 bay leaf

  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)

  • Salt and black pepper to taste

  • 1 baguette, sliced

  • 1–2 cups grated Gruyère or Swiss cheese

Instructions

1. Caramelize the onions

  • Heat butter and olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

  • Add sliced onions and cook slowly for 20–30 minutes, stirring often.

  • When they start turning golden, add sugar to help them caramelize (optional).

  • Continue cooking until onions are deep golden brown and very soft.

2. Add garlic and wine

  • Add minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute.

  • Pour in white wine (if using) and stir, scraping the bottom of the pot to release the browned bits.

  • Let it simmer until the wine reduces by half.

3. Add broth and seasonings

  • Pour in the beef broth.

  • Add thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.

  • Bring to a simmer and cook for 20–25 minutes.

  • Remove the bay leaf before serving.

4. Prepare the bread topping

  • Toast baguette slices in the oven until crisp.

  • Sprinkle grated Gruyère on top and broil until melted and golden, or add cheese later directly on the soup.

5. Serve

  • Ladle the hot soup into heatproof bowls.

  • Place the cheesy baguette slice on top of each bowl (or broil the entire bowl with cheese on top if you prefer).

  • Serve hot and enjoy!