Name: Homemade French Onion Soup Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h 20 min
Total time: 1 h 40 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 5 large yellow onions; 4 large shallots; 3-4 tablespoons olive oil; 3 tablespoons salted butter; 1 tablespoon all purpose flour; ¼ cup dry marsala (or marsala cooking wine); 3 quarts beef stock; ½ tablespoon beef base (low sodium preferred); 2 sprigs fresh thyme; 2 fresh bay leaves; Salt and pepper to taste; 6 thick slices rustic bread; Salted butter (room temperature, for spreading); 2 cups grated Gruyere cheese; Thinly sliced fresh chives (optional, for garnish)

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If you have ever craved a bowl of cozy, rich, and deeply comforting soup, this Homemade French Onion Soup Recipe will quickly become your new favorite. It’s a stunning combination of sweet caramelized onions, savory beef broth, and golden toasted bread topped with bubbling, melted Gruyere cheese. This classic French dish is a celebration of simple ingredients transformed through slow cooking and layers of flavor that hug you with each spoonful. Whether you’re making it for a chilly evening or to impress at your next dinner party, this soup delivers warmth and satisfaction in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a collection of cooking ingredients neatly arranged on a white marbled surface. On the left, there are five large round light brown onions and four smaller, oval-shaped reddish shallots. On the right side, there are several small white bowls and containers holding different ingredients: a small bowl with yellow butter cubes, a small bowl with light yellow liquid, a small cup with dark amber liquid, a small glass bowl with white powder, and a tiny metal cup with a thick dark brown paste. A white bowl holds fresh green herbs, including thyme and a larger leaf. At the bottom left, there is a large transparent measuring jug filled with dark brown liquid. A muted purple cloth partially appears from the bottom left corner. The overall scene is simple and clean, with natural light highlighting the textures and colors. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe uses simple, everyday ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen, yet each plays a crucial role in building the soup’s unforgettable taste and texture. From the sweetness of slow-cooked onions to the richness of Gruyere cheese, every element brings something special to the bowl.

5 large yellow onions: The star of the show, they caramelize to provide the soup’s signature sweet, robust flavor.
4 large shallots: Add subtle depth and a delicate onion nuance without overpowering.
3-4 tablespoons olive oil: Helps gently cook the onions and shallots to the perfect softness.
3 tablespoons salted butter: Adds richness and aids in caramelization for that golden color.
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour: Thickens the soup slightly, creating a wonderful velvety texture.
¼ cup dry Marsala (or Marsala cooking wine): Adds complexity and a hint of sweetness to the broth.
3 quarts beef stock: The hearty base that brings savory depth to the soup’s flavor.
½ tablespoon beef base (low sodium preferred): Enhances the meaty notes without excess salt.
2 sprigs fresh thyme: Infuses a subtle herby fragrance throughout the soup.
2 fresh bay leaves: Give the broth a unique aromatic lift.
Salt and pepper to taste: For balancing and personalizing the soup flavor.
6 thick slices rustic bread: Perfect for toasting and forming the classic crisp, cheesy topper.
Salted butter (room temperature): Used to butter the bread for that irresistible golden crust.
2 cups grated Gruyere cheese: Provides the melty, nutty, and slightly sweet cheese topping that makes every spoonful divine.
Thinly sliced fresh chives (optional): A fresh, subtle garnish to brighten up the finished soup.

How to Make Homemade French Onion Soup Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Onions and Shallots

Start by peeling and slicing the yellow onions and shallots very thinly, about one-eighth of an inch. This thin slicing is key because it allows the onions to cook evenly and develop that beautiful, translucent softness that will later transform into sweet caramelized layers filled with rich flavor.

Step 2: Caramelize the Onions

Heat olive oil in a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, then add the onions and shallots with a few pinches of salt. Stir occasionally until they become translucent. Add butter and reduce the heat to low, cooking slowly and stirring now and then for 45 minutes to an hour. Patience is essential here—the magic lies in this slow transformation as the sugars in the onions caramelize to create the soup’s deeply fragrant and flavorful base. If the onions start sticking, add a splash of water to prevent burning.

Step 3: Add Flour and Marsala

Once the onions reach that rich golden-brown caramelization, sprinkle the flour evenly over them and stir well to coat. Then pour in the dry Marsala wine while stirring constantly. This step deglazes the pot, lifting all the delicious browned bits off the bottom, while the flour thickens the mixture just slightly, adding body to your soup.

Step 4: Add Stock and Herbs

Pour in the beef stock along with the beef base for an extra flavor boost. Add fresh thyme sprigs and bay leaves for an aromatic lift. Bring the pot to a gentle simmer over medium heat, letting everything meld together for 20 to 30 minutes. Then remove the herb sprigs and bay leaves. Taste and adjust with salt and pepper to make sure every bite is perfectly seasoned.

Step 5: Prepare the Bread and Cheese

While the soup simmers, preheat your oven’s broiler and place the rack at the top. Butter both sides of thick rustic bread slices and toast them in a skillet over medium-high heat until golden on each side. This buttery toasting gives the bread the ideal texture to soak up soup moisture while maintaining a delightful crunch after broiling the cheese on top.

Step 6: Assemble and Broil

Spoon the hot soup into oven-proof bowls placed on a rimmed baking sheet. Top each with a toasted bread slice, then pile on a generous amount of grated Gruyere cheese. Place the bowls under the broiler just long enough to melt and brown the cheese in spots. Keep a close eye to avoid burning—this cheesy crust is what sends this soup into pure comfort food heaven.

How to Serve Homemade French Onion Soup Recipe

A close-up top view of a round black pot with turquoise handles on a white marbled surface. Inside the pot, there is a dark brown liquid mixture boiling with visible bubbles and pieces of light brown translucent onions floating. The liquid has a frothy, bubbly texture around the edges, creating a ring of lighter foam. Part of the black electric stovetop with some control buttons and symbols is visible, highlighting the cooking process. A pink cloth is slightly seen at the bottom left corner, adding a soft touch to the scene. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Freshly sliced chives are a perfect optional garnish for this soup. They add a bright pop of color and a hint of freshness that contrasts beautifully with the deep caramelized flavors. A little sprinkle just before serving elevates both the look and taste.

Side Dishes

This soup makes a hearty meal on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad, a light vinaigrette, or some roasted vegetables balances the richness. For a more indulgent meal, a glass of dry white wine complements the flavors nicely without overpowering the delicate sweetness of the onions.

Creative Ways to Present

For a charming touch, serve your Homemade French Onion Soup Recipe in individual mini cast-iron pots or rustic ramekins. Layer the toasted bread and Gruyere as usual, then broil directly in these vessels for an intimate, restaurant-worthy presentation that’s sure to impress. You can also experiment with different types of bread or cheeses like Comté for a personal twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Leaving off the toasted bread and cheese topping will help keep the soup fresh and prevent sogginess.

Freezing

This Homemade French Onion Soup Recipe freezes beautifully. Freeze the soup (without bread and cheese) in airtight freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

Gently reheat leftover soup on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until warm. If you want to recreate the cheese-topped experience, toast fresh bread, ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls, top with the bread and cheese, then broil until bubbly and golden before serving.

FAQs

Can I use vegetable broth instead of beef stock?

Absolutely! While beef stock gives a richer, more traditional flavor, vegetable broth can be used to keep the soup lighter or vegetarian-friendly. Just expect a slightly different but still delicious taste.

Is Marsala wine necessary, and can I substitute it?

Marsala adds a unique sweetness and depth, but you can substitute dry white wine or even sherry if that’s what you have on hand. In a pinch, a splash of balsamic vinegar also adds nice complexity.

How long does it take to caramelize the onions properly?

Getting the perfect caramelization takes patience and low heat, typically 45 minutes to an hour. This slow cooking allows the onions to develop their natural sweetness and deep color without burning.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

You can make a vegan version by substituting the butter with plant-based margarine, using vegetable broth, and replacing Gruyere with a vegan cheese alternative that melts well. It won’t be quite traditional but will still be comforting and flavorful.

What’s the best type of bread to use?

Rustic, crusty bread like a baguette or country loaf works best because it holds up to the soup without becoming mushy too quickly. Thick slices are ideal for supporting the cheesy topping.

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to try this Homemade French Onion Soup Recipe. It’s one of those dishes that truly feels like a warm hug in a bowl—perfect for cozy nights or when you want to treat yourself to something special. With just a handful of humble ingredients and a little time, you’ll create a restaurant-quality soup right at home. Dive in and enjoy every flavorful, cheesy spoonful!