Overview
A restaurant-quality soup that rewards your patience with complex, savory flavors.
Soup
Classic French Onion Soup
A quintessential French dish defined by slow-cooked, deeply caramelized onions, a rich savory broth, and a crispy, cheesy gratin topping.
Ready in
90 min
Makes 4 servings
Prep
15m
Cook
75m
Level
Hard
About this recipe
A quintessential French dish defined by slow-cooked, deeply caramelized onions, a rich savory broth, and a crispy, cheesy gratin topping.
A restaurant-quality soup that rewards your patience with complex, savory flavors.
Ingredients
Soup
Topping
Equipment
- Large heavy-bottomed pot Dutch oven ideal
- Oven-safe bowls Ramekins or crocks
- Baking sheet
Instructions
-
In a large pot, melt butter and add sliced onions. Cook over low heat, stirring occasionally, until deeply caramelized (about 45 minutes).
-
Add white wine to deglaze the pan, then add broth. Simmer for 20-30 minutes.
-
Preheat oven broiler.
-
Ladle soup into oven-safe bowls. Top each with a toasted baguette slice and a generous handful of Gruyère cheese.
-
Place bowls on a baking sheet and broil for 3-5 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
5 min
Nutrition
Calories
390
Protein
16g
Carbs
35g
Fat
20g
Fiber
4g
Sugar
12g
Sodium
950mg
Serving Size
1 bowl
Cooking Timeline
Recipe Scorecard
Overall
9.4
/10
Expert
4.9
95% conf.
Video
Expert Review
Verdict
The ultimate soul-warming comfort food that relies on the slow caramelization of onions.
Pros
- Deep flavor
- Classic presentation
- Excellent for chilly days
Cons
- Requires time for onions
AI Insights
Summary
A quintessential French dish defined by slow-cooked, deeply caramelized onions, a rich savory broth, and a crispy, cheesy gratin topping.
Tips
- Use a mix of yellow and red onions for extra sweetness
- Don't rush the caramelization process; this is where the flavor comes from
- Ensure your bowls are oven-safe before placing under the broiler
Substitutions
- Gruyère → Emmental or Comté cheese
- Beef broth → Vegetable broth for a vegetarian version
Storage
Store soup base in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Assemble with bread and cheese when ready to serve.
Pairing
- Full-bodied red wine
- Light mixed green salad
AI Cooking Assistant
Ask about substitutions, timing, or technique for this recipe.
FAQ
How do I get perfect caramelized onions?
Patience is key. Keep the heat low and stir often to ensure they don't burn.
Can I make this ahead?
Yes, the soup base improves in flavor the next day. Add the bread and cheese right before broiling.
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4.9 expert rating
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