The Best French Onion Soup

Warm, comforting, and irresistibly rich, "The Best French Onion Soup" is a classic dish elevated by deeply caramelized onions, a splash of dry white wine, and a savory beef broth infused with fresh thyme and bay leaf. This soul-soothing recipe takes the time to develop its signature depth of flavor, from the slow, golden caramelization of onions to the perfectly broiled Gruyère cheese crust atop a crispy baguette slice. Ideal for cozy nights or an elegant starter, this French onion soup is the ultimate combination of creamy, cheesy, and savory. With just an hour of cook time and simple ingredients, it’s a timeless favorite that delivers extraordinary taste with every spoonful.

Nutriscore Rating: 64/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:60 mins

Total Time:75 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 6 large yellow onions
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 cup dry white wine
• 8 cups beef broth
• 1 piece bay leaf
• 3 sprigs fresh thyme
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 loaf baguette
• 2 cups, grated Gruyère cheese
• 0 to taste salt
• 0 to taste black pepper

Directions

Step 1

Peel and thinly slice the onions.

Step 2

In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, melt the butter over medium heat and add the olive oil.

Step 3

Add the sliced onions to the pot and stir to coat them with the butter and oil.

Step 4

Sprinkle the onions with the sugar, which will help them caramelize.

Step 5

Cook the onions over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, for about 30-40 minutes until they are golden brown and deeply caramelized.

Step 6

Sprinkle the flour over the caramelized onions and stir well to combine. Cook for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.

Step 7

Deglaze the pot with the white wine, scraping the bottom of the pot to loosen any browned bits. Let the wine simmer until reduced by half, about 5 minutes.

Step 8

Pour in the beef broth and add the bay leaf and thyme sprigs. Bring the soup to a gentle simmer and cook for 20-25 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Step 9

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice the baguette into 1-inch thick pieces, and place them on a baking sheet. Toast in the oven until lightly golden, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 10

Turn the oven to broil. Ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls and place a toasted baguette slice on top of each bowl. Sprinkle generously with grated Gruyère cheese.

Step 11

Place the bowls on a baking sheet and broil in the oven until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown, about 3-5 minutes.

Step 12

Carefully remove the bowls from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	3759.7 grams (3759.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3399

Total Fat 174.50g	224%
Saturated Fat 86.50g	433%
Polyunsaturated Fat 7.40g
Cholesterol 414mg	138%
Sodium 13393mg	582%
Total Carbohydrate 279.20g	102%
Dietary Fiber 24.20g	86%
Total Sugars 60.90g
Protein 147.70g	295%

Vitamin D 63IU	317%
Calcium 3192mg	246%
Iron 20mg	113%
Potassium 3184mg	68%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 47.9%

Protein: 18.0%

Carbs: 34.1%