Homemade French Onion Soup

Onions are caramelized on the stove and then cooked in a savory broth. It’s all topped with some crispy bread and cheese and broiled until melted and bubbly!

It’s easy to master a classic French Onion Soup recipe!

What is French Onion Soup?

This flavorful soup originated in Paris, France in the 18th century and first appeared in New York in a restaurant in 1861. French onion soup has sweet golden caramelized onions in a rich brown broth. It’s all topped with cheeses broiled over a thick baguette slice.

This soup takes a bit of time to make but the steps are easy.
A richly seasoned hearty broth is accented by softened onions sautéed in butter and served with bread or croutons under a topping of cheese.
French onion soup freezes well for future meals so double or triple the recipe if you’d like (more on freezing below).
Serve as a side, an appetizer, or a light dinner.

Ingredients for French Onion Soup

ONIONS – This is where the flavor comes from! We think the best onions for French onion soup are either sweet white onions or yellow onions. Vidalia or Walla Walla are great choices. The onions will cook low and slow and caramelize to a beautiful golden color.

BROTH – Beef broth or beef stock and a splash of dry white wine mixed with Worcestershire sauce give the soup a deep, rich, flavor. For white wine in this recipe, choose a chardonnay, Pinot Gris, or Sauvignon Blanc. You can leave the wine out but it is recommended for the best flavor.

CHEESES – Our favorite includes a combination of Gruyere and parmesan broiled over the soup-soaked bread. Gruyere is a mildly flavored swiss cheese. Other cheeses include Emmental, mozzarella, or gouda.

How to Make French Onion Soup

Caramelize the onions in butter until soft and golden brown, this should be done low and slow.
Add the broth, seasonings and herbs per the recipe below. Simmer.
Ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls and top with dry bread and cheese.
Broil until melted and bubbly. Serve immediately.

Bowls for French Onion Soup

Ceramic bowls are the best option for French onion soup. The bowls with the handles you see in the images here were purchased at the dollar store, they’re not expensive and I have had them for years! I serve other things in them too (like individual casseroles that bake in the oven, other soups etc).

You can purchase French onion soup bowls online but almost any ceramic bowl should be oven-proof, check the bottom of the bowl as it will usually indicate if it is oven safe.

No French Onion Soup Bowls? No Problem!

Place the dry bread or crostini on a sheet pan and top with cheese. Broil until the cheese is browned and bubbly. Remove from the oven and use a spatula to transfer the bread to top a bowl of soup.

Tips for a Great Soup

Choose sweet Vidalia or Walla Walla onions or yellow onions for this recipe.
Onions will reduce down to a small amount but you’ll need a large pan or dutch oven to begin.
Cook the onions very slowly, this step should take 30-40 minutes at a low temperature. This is where the flavor comes from.
I toast baguette slices under the broiler for French onion soup but leftover chunks of dry bread will work well too.
Place the bowls on a baking sheet, this makes them easier to transfer in and out of the oven.
French onion soup freezes beautifully. Cook and cool the onions and broth and then place in freezer bags. Thaw in a pot on the stove until hot and then top with bread and cheese and broil.

More Classic Soups

15 Bean Soup – hearty & healthy
Chicken Rice Soup – a reader favorite
Classic Chicken Noodle Soup – easy to make from scratch
Vegetable Beef Soup – loaded with veggies
Cream of Onion Soup – so rich & creamy

Did you make this Homemade French Onion Soup? Be sure to leave a rating and a comment below!