Rich French Onion Soup with Cheese (Printable)
Caramelized onions in savory broth topped with toasted bread and melted Gruyère cheese.
# What You'll Need:
→ Vegetables
01 - 2.2 pounds yellow onions, thinly sliced
02 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
→ Fats & Oils
03 - 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
04 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
→ Liquids
05 - 1 cup dry white wine
06 - 5 cups beef or vegetable broth, preferably low sodium
07 - 1 tablespoon brandy or cognac
08 - 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
→ Seasonings
09 - 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves or ½ teaspoon dried thyme
10 - 1 bay leaf
11 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
12 - Pinch of sugar
→ Bread & Cheese
13 - 4 thick slices French baguette or country bread
14 - 7 ounces Gruyère cheese, grated
15 - 1.7 ounces Emmental or Swiss cheese, grated
# How to Make It:
01 - Melt butter with olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat.
02 - Add sliced onions and pinch of sugar. Cook stirring frequently for 30–40 minutes until deeply golden and caramelized. Reduce heat if onions begin to burn.
03 - Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
04 - Pour in white wine, scraping bottom of pot to release browned bits. Simmer until mostly evaporated, about 3–4 minutes.
05 - Add broth, thyme, bay leaf, Worcestershire sauce, and brandy if using. Bring to boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 25–30 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Remove bay leaf.
06 - Turn on oven broiler to high setting.
07 - Arrange bread slices on baking sheet and toast under broiler until golden on both sides.
08 - Ladle hot soup into oven-safe bowls. Top each with toasted bread slice and generous mound of grated cheese.
09 - Place bowls on baking tray and broil until cheese is bubbling and lightly browned, 2–4 minutes.
10 - Serve immediately, garnished with extra thyme if desired.
# Expert Hacks:
01 -
- Transforms humble onions into something extraordinary with just time and heat
- The broiled cheese crust creates the most satisfying first bite
02 -
- Caramelizing onions properly takes patience and cannot be rushed without sacrificing flavor
- Using oven safe bowls is non negotiable since the final step happens under the broiler
03 -
- Keep a small cup of water nearby to add if onions start sticking or browning too quickly
- The pinch of sugar is not just optional, it is the secret to proper caramelization