French Onion Soup Recipe (2024)

Welcome to the world of cozy comfort with our classic French Onion Soup recipe! This heartwarming dish combines the sweet richness of caramelized onions with the deep flavors of a savory broth, all topped off with a golden, melty layer of Gruyere and Parmesan cheeses.

Perfect for warming up on a chilly day, this soup is a delightful blend of simplicity and gourmet, guaranteed to satisfy your soul and taste buds.

How To Make French Onion Soup

1. Onion Prep: Start by peeling and thinly slicing 6 large onions. You’ll need about 10 cups of sliced onions.
2. Start Caramelizing: In a large pot, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the onions, tossing them to coat evenly in the oil. Cook until they soften, which should take about 15 to 20 minutes.
3. Brown the Onions: Turn up the heat to medium-high and mix in 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter. Keep stirring often as the onions begin to brown. This process can take anywhere from 20 to 40 minutes.
4. Add Sugar and Garlic: Once the onions are browned, sprinkle them with 1 teaspoon of sugar and 1 teaspoon of salt to enhance caramelization. After about 10 to 15 more minutes, stir in 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for an additional minute.
5. Deglaze with Wine: Pour in 1/2 cup of dry vermouth or white wine to deglaze the pot, scraping up all the flavorful browned bits.
6. Add Stock and Herbs: Stir in 8 cups of stock, 2 bay leaves, and 1 tablespoon of fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme). Bring the soup to a simmer, then lower the heat and let it cook covered for about 30 minutes.
7. Season and Add Brandy: Season the soup with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Remove and discard the bay leaves. Optionally, stir in 2 tablespoons of brandy.
8. Toast the Bread: Preheat your oven to 450°F with a rack in the upper third. Brush both sides of 8 French bread slices with olive oil and toast in the oven for 5 to 7 minutes until lightly browned.
9. Cheesy Topping: Flip the bread slices over and top with grated Gruyere and Parmesan cheese. Return to the oven close to serving time until the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned.
10. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls, topping each with a slice of cheesy toast. Alternatively, use oven-proof bowls, add the toast and cheese on top, and broil for 10 minutes at 350°F until the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.

How to Store French Onion Soup

To store your French Onion Soup, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. It can be refrigerated for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze the soup (without the cheesy toast) in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stove. Prepare the cheesy toast fresh for the best experience.