Rich and Simple French Onion Soup Recipe

If you’re craving cozy comfort with a touch of French elegance, look no further than this Rich and Simple French Onion Soup. Slow-cooked onions, deeply savory broth, and a thick, melty cap of cheese on crusty bread—this warm classic is surprisingly easy to make at home and will have you swooning by the spoonful.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need a handful of pantry and fridge staples to capture the magic of this classic. Each ingredient in this Rich and Simple French Onion Soup has a delicious purpose, building the balanced sweetness, heartiness, and cheesy richness that make this soup unforgettable.

• Unsalted butter (½ cup): Essential for gently coaxing out the sweetness from the onions as they soften and caramelize.
• Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Helps prevent burning and lends a lovely depth to the onion base.
• Onions, sliced (4 cups): The star of the show! Regular yellow onions are perfect for that iconic sweet, mellow flavor.
• Beef broth (5 cups): Provides savory backbone and richness; opt for a high-quality broth for best results.
• Dry sherry (2 tablespoons): Adds an elegant, subtle acidity that brightens the entire soup—don’t skip it if you can!
• Dried thyme (1 teaspoon): Brings herbal balance and a waft of earthy aroma to every spoonful.
• Salt and pepper (to taste): Just a pinch at the end lifts and sharpens all the flavors.
• French bread (4 slices): This is the perfect vehicle for soaking up the soup and holding that glorious melted cheese.
• Provolone cheese (4 slices): Melts beautifully for a stretchy, savory layer on top.
• Swiss cheese (2 slices, diced): Offers a hint of nutty complexity; dicing allows even melting.
• Parmesan cheese (¼ cup, grated): The final touch—adds a salty, golden crust when broiled.

Variations

Make this Rich and Simple French Onion Soup totally your own! It’s easy to tweak the flavors or ingredients to match what you have on hand or suit your family’s preferences—don’t be afraid to experiment.

• Vegetarian Version: Use a robust vegetable broth in place of beef broth and bump up the umami with a touch of soy sauce or miso.
• Gluten-Free: Swap French bread for gluten-free baguette slices or leave out the bread entirely and just enjoy the soup with extra cheese.
• Different Cheeses: Mix things up by using Gruyère, mozzarella, or even sharp cheddar for a unique melty topping.
• No Sherry: A splash of white wine or even apple cider vinegar can stand in if you don’t have dry sherry.

How to Make Rich and Simple French Onion Soup

Step 1: Caramelize the Onions

Start by melting the unsalted butter with olive oil in a large (8-quart) stock pot over medium heat. Add those sliced onions and get ready for magic—stir them regularly so they become soft, translucent, and fragrant. The key here is patience: you want them tender without browning, coaxing out their natural sweetness for a beautiful golden foundation.

Step 2: Build the Broth

Once your onions are silky and jammy, stir in the beef broth, dry sherry, and dried thyme. Add a generous pinch of salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Let the soup simmer gently for about 30 minutes—the broth will infuse with all the sweet, savory, and herbal notes, creating an aroma that’s sure to draw everyone into the kitchen.

Step 3: Prep the Cheese Toasts

As the soup simmers, preheat your oven’s broiler. Ladle the hot soup into oven-safe bowls and top each with a slice of French bread (feel free to break it into pieces if it won’t fit perfectly). Layer on a slice of provolone, half a diced slice of Swiss, and a tablespoon of grated Parmesan for the ultimate cheesy crust.

Step 4: Broil and Serve

Arrange the bowls on a sturdy baking sheet and slide them under the broiler. Watch closely! In about 2–3 minutes, the cheese will bubble, melt, and start to brown at the edges, promising that signature “crunch-then-stretch” moment. Carefully remove from the oven—now it’s time to savor your homemade Rich and Simple French Onion Soup while it’s still piping hot.

How to Serve Rich and Simple French Onion Soup

Garnishes

Give your Rich and Simple French Onion Soup a dash of flair! A sprinkle of extra Parmesan, a few fresh thyme leaves, or a crack of black pepper just before serving can really make the flavors pop and add a touch of freshness and color.

Side Dishes

Pair your soup with a crisp green salad—think arugula or butter lettuce with a light vinaigrette—to cut through the richness. For an extra treat, serve alongside a platter of roasted vegetables or a glass of dry red wine for that true French bistro feel.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dramatic touch, use mini cocottes or oven-safe ramekins for individual servings—everyone gets their own bubbling bowl! Or, serve in a hollowed-out bread bowl for impressive presentation and even more bread for dunking.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftover Rich and Simple French Onion Soup (without the bread and cheese topping) will keep happily in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Store your bread and cheese separately to keep everything fresh and avoid sogginess.

Freezing

This soup base freezes wonderfully! Pour the cooled onion soup (again, without bread and cheese) into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating and finishing with the toasts and cheese under the broiler.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the soup on the stove until steaming, then assemble with fresh bread and cheese before broiling to bubbling, golden perfection. This ensures every bowl tastes like it was made just for you!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to add a touch of French comfort to your table, this Rich and Simple French Onion Soup is the way to do it. I hope you treat yourself and your loved ones to this soul-warming dish soon—it’s a classic, customizable favorite that feels like a hug in a bowl. Bon appétit!

Rich and Simple French Onion Soup Recipe

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• Author: Harper
• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 40 mins
• Total Time: 55 mins
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Soup
• Method: Stovetop, Oven
• Cuisine: French
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the rich and comforting flavors of this classic French Onion Soup. Caramelized onions simmered in savory broth, topped with crusty bread and gooey cheese, make this soup a satisfying meal on its own.

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Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

For the Soup:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cups sliced onions
• 5 cups beef broth
• 2 tablespoons dry sherry
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 pinch salt and pepper to taste

For the Topping:

• 4 slices French bread
• 4 slices provolone cheese
• 2 slices Swiss cheese, diced
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

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Instructions

1. Gather all ingredients.

Melt butter with olive oil in an 8-quart stock pot over medium heat. Add onions to butter and continually stir until tender and translucent, avoiding browning.

2. Add beef broth, sherry, and thyme.

Season with salt and pepper. Simmer for 30 minutes. Preheat oven’s broiler.

3. Ladle soup into oven-safe bowls.

Place bread on top, layer with cheeses. Broil until bubbly and golden, about 2-3 minutes.

4. Serve hot and enjoy!

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Notes

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Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 420 kcal
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 1200mg
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 12g
• Cholesterol: 60mg