Home / Soup / Classic French Onion Soup

Classic French Onion Soup

Onions are slowly caramelized and simmered in a rich beef broth, topped with a toasted baguette slice and melted Gruyère.

⏱ 15 minPrep time
🔥 60 minCook time
🍽 4Servings
🏷 SoupCategory
☆☆☆☆☆No ratings yet

French onion soup dates back to ancient Roman times as a simple peasant dish, but the modern version, with its rich beef broth and cheese-topped crouton, was refined in 18th-century France. It became especially fashionable in American restaurants throughout the mid-20th century, often served bubbling in individual crocks.

Rich, savory, and topped with bubbling melted cheese

Onions are slowly caramelized and simmered in a rich beef broth, topped with a toasted baguette slice and melted Gruyère.

Step by stepInstructions

  1. Melt the butter in a large pot and add the onions and sugar.
  2. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until deeply caramelized, about 35-40 minutes.
  3. Add the garlic and cook 1 minute, then deglaze with the sherry.
  4. Pour in the beef broth and thyme, and simmer 20 minutes.
  5. Ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls, top with a toasted baguette slice and Gruyère.
  6. Broil 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

💡 Chef tips & storage

Caramelizing the onions low and slow is essential — rushing this step with high heat won't develop the same deep, sweet flavor. Use oven-safe crocks so you can broil the cheese topping directly in the bowl.

Rate this recipe

☆☆☆☆☆No ratings yet
Sign in to rate this recipe.

Recipe details

Prep15 min
Cook60 min
Servings4
CategorySoup
PublishedAugust 12, 2026
Emily — the cook behind My Comfort Recipes

Hi, I'm Emily 🧡

Hi, I'm Emily — the cook behind My Comfort Recipes. Simple, tested comfort food for real weeknights, written down the way grandma would. Pull up a chair. More about me →