French Onion Soup Recipe

This rich French Onion Soup is a classic bistro dish as well as being incredibly comforting. Melting the cheese under the broiler makes the topping go bubbly and golden, which along with the sweet caramelized onions adds a savory depth to this soup that is so satisfying on a winter night.

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French Onion Soup Recipe Ingredients

• The Base:
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 4 cups sliced onions (yellow or sweet onions are best)
• The Broth:
  • 5 cups beef broth (good quality)
  • 2 tbsp dry sherry (optional, but recommended)
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
• The Cheesy Top:
  • 4 slices French bread or baguette (toasted)
  • 4 slices Provolone cheese
  • 2 slices Swiss cheese, diced
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

How To Make French Onion Soup Recipe

1. Soften the onions: In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and stir to coat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are soft and translucent. Note: This recipe calls for not browning them deeply, but cooking them until very soft and sweet.
2. Build the soup: Pour in the beef broth, dry sherry, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it bubble gently for 30 minutes to allow the onion flavor to permeate the broth.
3. Prep the bowls: Preheat your oven’s broiler to high. Arrange 4 oven-safe soup crocks or bowls on a sturdy baking sheet.
4. Assemble: Ladle the hot soup evenly into the bowls. Place a slice of French bread (or a few baguette slices) on top of the soup in each bowl.
5. Cheese layer: Top each bread slice with a slice of Provolone cheese. Scatter the diced Swiss cheese and the grated Parmesan over the top, covering the bread completely.
6. Broil: Carefully place the baking sheet under the broiler. Broil for 2 to 3 minutes. Watch closely! The cheese should bubble and turn golden brown spots, but it can burn in seconds.
7. Serve: Remove carefully (the bowls will be scorching hot) and serve immediately.

Recipe Tips

• The Cheese Trifecta: Using three cheeses is the secret! Provolone gives you the epic cheese pull, Swiss adds a nutty flavor, and Parmesan provides a salty, savory crust on top.
• Sherry Splash: Even if you don’t drink, buy a cheap bottle of dry sherry for cooking. It adds a nutty, oxidized flavor that cuts through the beef fat and makes the soup taste like it came from a restaurant.
• Bread Toasting: Toast your bread slices in the toaster or oven before putting them on the soup. If you use raw bread, it will dissolve into mush instantly. Toasted bread holds its shape under the heavy cheese.
• Bowl Safety: Ensure your bowls are truly oven-safe! Standard cereal bowls may crack under the intense heat of the broiler. Ramekins or dedicated soup crocks are best.

What To Serve With French Onion Soup Recipe?

This French Onion Soup Recipe is a heavy, cheesy meal on its own! However, it pairs beautifully with a simple Arugula Salad with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. If you are serving it as a starter, follow it with a classic Steak Frites or Roast Chicken! For a drink, a glass of Pinot Noir or a dark Belgian Ale complements the beefy, oniony flavors perfectly.

How To Store French Onion Soup Recipe

• Refrigerate: Store the soup base (broth and onions) in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Do not store it with the bread and cheese on top.
• Reheat: Warm the soup on the stove. When hot, transfer to bowls, add fresh bread and cheese, and broil just like you did the first time.
• Freeze: The soup base freezes exceptionally well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

French Onion Soup Recipe Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 550 kcal
• Fat: 35g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Protein: 25g

Nutrition information is estimated per serving with toppings.

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