Name: French Onion Soup with Gruyere Cheese Croutons Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h 15 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into 3 pieces; 6 large yellow onions, about 4 pounds, halved and cut into ¼-inch thick slices; Table salt, to taste; 2 cups (500 ml) water, plus extra for deglazing; ½ cup (120 ml) dry sherry; 4 cups (940 ml) chicken broth; 2 cups (480 ml) beef broth; 6 sprigs fresh thyme, tied with kitchen twine; 1 bay leaf; Ground black pepper, to taste; 1 small baguette, cut into ½-inch slices; 8 ounces (226.8 g) shredded Gruyere cheese, about 2½ cups

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 63 reviews

If you’re craving a deeply comforting and timeless classic, the French Onion Soup with Gruyere Cheese Croutons Recipe is here to warm your soul and excite your taste buds. This rich, caramelized onion soup topped with perfectly toasted Gruyere cheese croutons blends savory, sweet, and cheesy notes in every spoonful. It’s a wonderful dish that elevates humble ingredients into a restaurant-worthy delight you can enjoy at home, perfect for cozy nights or impressing friends with your cooking finesse.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A green pot filled with many white onion slices arranged in a loose pile, showing their curved shapes and translucent layers. On top of the onions, there are three small blocks of pale yellow butter evenly spaced. The pot sits on a white marbled surface, and the photo is taken from above, capturing the pot's rounded edges and handles. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients may seem simple, but each one plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and texture. From the sweetness of the slowly caramelized onions to the sharp richness of the Gruyere cheese, every item is essential for making this recipe truly sing.

Unsalted butter (3 tablespoons): Provides the perfect base for slowly caramelizing the onions without burning.
Yellow onions (6 large): The star of the show, their natural sweetness intensifies with slow cooking.
Table salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the onions and broth.
Water (2 cups, plus extra): Used to deglaze the pan and help soften and caramelize the onions naturally.
Dry sherry (½ cup): Adds a subtle depth and complexity to the broth’s flavor.
Chicken broth (4 cups): Forms a flavorful layer of savory goodness in the soup base.
Beef broth (2 cups): Boosts the richness and hearty notes that make this soup legendary.
Fresh thyme (6 sprigs): Infuses aromatic herbal hints that perfectly balance the sweetness of the onions.
Bay leaf (1): Gives a subtle woodsy spice to deepen the soup’s profile.
Ground black pepper: Adds a gentle heat that rounds out the flavors.
Small baguette (1, sliced ½ inch thick): Provides the crunchy, golden crouton base for the melty cheese topping.
Gruyere cheese (8 ounces shredded): This nutty, creamy cheese melts beautifully and forms that iconic golden crust atop the soup.

How to Make French Onion Soup with Gruyere Cheese Croutons Recipe

Step 1: Slowly Caramelize the Onions

Start by melting butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add your thinly sliced yellow onions along with a pinch of salt. This is where patience is your best friend: cook the onions for about 45 minutes, stirring frequently so they soften, caramelize, and turn that gorgeous brown color. This slow cooking process is the secret that transforms ordinary onions into the soup’s decadent base.

Step 2: Deglaze with Water and Sherry

Once the onions are deeply caramelized, add a splash of water to deglaze the pan, scraping up all the flavorful browned bits stuck to the bottom. Then pour in the dry sherry, letting it simmer until mostly evaporated. This step introduces a subtle acidity and complexity that beautifully balances the sweetness of the onions.

Step 3: Add Broths, Herbs, and Simmer

Combine the chicken and beef broths with the onions, then tie the fresh thyme sprigs and the bay leaf together with kitchen twine and add them to the pot. Season with pepper and let the mixture simmer gently for about 30 minutes. This slow simmer melds all the flavors into a harmonious, soul-warming broth.

Step 4: Prepare the Gruyere Cheese Croutons

While the soup simmers, preheat your oven’s broiler. Lay the baguette slices on a baking sheet, pile each slice generously with shredded Gruyere cheese, and broil for a few minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. These croutons will add a satisfying crunch and a cheesy crown that makes this soup unforgettable.

Step 5: Assemble and Serve

Ladle the hot soup into oven-safe bowls, then float the Gruyere cheese croutons on top. If you want an even gooier topping, you can pop the bowls briefly under the broiler before serving, just to melt the cheese further. Serve steaming hot and get ready for pure comfort in a bowl.

How to Serve French Onion Soup with Gruyere Cheese Croutons Recipe

The image shows a side-by-side view of a white enameled pot on a white marbled surface. On the left side, the pot contains thinly sliced translucent onions cooking in liquid, with a wooden spoon resting in the pot, stirring the onions. The onions are pale yellow and soft, with a slightly shiny texture. On the right side, the same pot contains deeply browned, caramelized onions with a rich dark brown color and thick, sticky texture. The wooden spoon is also in this pot, partially covered with the browned onions. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

While the soup shines on its own, a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a light dusting of freshly ground black pepper on top can add just the right fresh burst of color and flavor. A tiny drizzle of good-quality olive oil isn’t a bad idea either if you want to fancy it up.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed in a tart vinaigrette to cut through the richness. For a heartier meal, serve alongside crusty bread or a cheese and charcuterie board to keep the French theme going strong.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the soup individually in mini cast iron cocottes or rustic ramekins for a charming presentation. Lettuce-lined wooden boards with stacked croutons on the side let guests customize their cheese-to-soup ratio for a fun experience. presentation adds an extra layer of warmth and delight to this classic comfort food.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

French Onion Soup with Gruyere Cheese Croutons Recipe makes excellent leftovers. Just keep the soup broth separate from the croutons if possible to avoid sogginess, and store in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

The soup base freezes beautifully on its own—just omit the croutons until reheating. Freeze the cooled broth in portions for up to 3 months, then thaw overnight in the fridge when you’re ready for a quick, comforting meal.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. Add the croutons and fresh shredded Gruyere before popping the soup under the broiler or in the oven until bubbly and golden again. This ensures each bowl tastes almost as fresh as the first serving.

FAQs

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply swap the chicken and beef broth for a rich vegetable broth, and you’ll still get a deeply flavorful soup perfect for vegetarians without losing any of its soul.

What kind of onions are best for French Onion Soup?

Yellow onions are ideal because their natural sugars caramelize nicely, creating that rich, sweet flavor essential to this soup. Avoid red or white onions as they don’t develop the same depth when cooked slowly.

Can I use a different cheese instead of Gruyere?

Gruyere is preferred for its excellent melting qualities and nutty flavor, but you can experiment with Swiss cheese or even a mild mozzarella in a pinch. Just avoid cheeses that don’t melt well or overpower the onion flavor.

How long does it take to caramelize the onions properly?

Patience is key! It usually takes about 40 to 50 minutes on medium heat. Stir often to prevent burning and ensure the onions cook evenly and develop that beautiful golden brown color.

Is it necessary to deglaze the pan with sherry?

Deglazing with dry sherry adds a wonderful layer of complexity and brightness to the soup, but if you prefer, a splash of white wine or even water can be used instead. The sherry just brings a little extra magic to the flavor profile.

Final Thoughts

Trying this French Onion Soup with Gruyere Cheese Croutons Recipe is like wrapping yourself in a warm, delicious hug. It’s a perfect way to turn simple ingredients into something truly special that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas and your heart with joy. Trust me, once you make this, it will become a cherished favorite you’ll want to share again and again.

French Onion Soup with Gruyere Cheese Croutons Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need