Easy French Onion Soup 🧅✨

This Easy French Onion Soup is a classic dish that combines caramelized onions, rich beef broth, and crusty bread topped with gooey melted cheese. It’s elegant enough for a dinner party yet simple enough for a cozy night in. The combination of sweet, tender onions and savory broth creates a comforting and flavorful soup you’ll want to make again and again.

Ingredients

For the Soup

3 pounds Spanish onions, thinly sliced
6 cups (48 fl oz) high-quality beef broth
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

4 cloves garlic, 2 minced and 2 halved
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
3 sprigs fresh thyme
4 whole cloves (optional)

For the Topping

1 baguette, sliced into thick rounds
1 ½ cups shredded Gruyère cheese (or Swiss cheese)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich and Flavorful: Sweet caramelized onions and savory broth are a match made in heaven.
Simple Ingredients: No need for fancy tools or hard-to-find ingredients.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Elegant yet comforting, it’s great for both special meals and weeknight dinners.

How to Make French Onion Soup

1. Caramelize the Onions

Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
Add the sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Cook for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are golden brown and caramelized. Reduce the heat if needed to prevent burning.

2. Add Garlic and Flour

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Sprinkle the flour over the onions and stir well to coat. Cook for another 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.

3. Build the Broth

Gradually add the beef broth, stirring constantly to deglaze the pot and incorporate the flour.
Add the thyme sprigs, parsley, and whole cloves (if using). Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

4. Toast the Bread

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Place the baguette slices on a baking sheet and rub each with the halved garlic cloves. Toast in the oven for 5-7 minutes, or until lightly golden.

5. Assemble and Broil

Ladle the hot soup into oven-safe bowls.
Top each bowl with a slice of toasted baguette and a generous sprinkle of shredded Gruyère cheese.
Place the bowls on a baking sheet and broil on high for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

6. Serve and Enjoy

Garnish with additional chopped parsley if desired. Serve the soup piping hot and enjoy!

Serving Suggestions

With a Side Salad: Pair with a simple green salad or Caesar salad for a complete meal.
Additional Bread: Serve with extra slices of baguette for dipping.
Wine Pairing: Enjoy with a glass of red wine or a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc.

Tips for the Best French Onion Soup

Take Your Time with the Onions: Properly caramelizing the onions is key to a flavorful soup—don’t rush this step!
High-Quality Broth: Use the best beef broth you can find, as it’s a major flavor component.
Cheese Options: Gruyère is traditional, but you can use Swiss, Emmental, or even mozzarella in a pinch.
Make Ahead: The soup base can be made a day ahead and reheated before adding the bread and cheese.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigerate: Store leftover soup in an airtight container for up to 4 days (without the bread and cheese).
Freeze: Freeze the soup base (not the assembled soup) for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheat: Warm the soup on the stovetop over low heat. Assemble with fresh bread and cheese before serving.

Final Thoughts

This Easy French Onion Soup is a timeless dish that combines simple ingredients into a truly luxurious experience. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just because, it’s guaranteed to impress with its rich flavor and comforting warmth.

Let me know how it turns out—and don’t forget to share your favorite twists or toppings! 🧅🧀✨