Name: Authentic French Onion Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h 25 min
Total time: 1 h 40 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 5 large yellow onions, thinly sliced; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 cup dry white wine; 6 cups beef broth; 1 teaspoon fresh thyme or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 bay leaf; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 baguette, sliced; 2 cups grated Gruyère cheese

There’s a reason this bistro classic has stood the test of time. Authentic French Onion Soup brings deeply caramelized onions, rich beef broth, and a crusty, cheesy topping together in one unforgettable bowl. Whether it’s a cozy night in or the start to a special dinner, this soup warms both heart and soul.

What makes this version stand out is the slow-cooked depth of flavor. No shortcuts—just patience and a few humble ingredients transformed into something extraordinary. It’s a recipe that invites you to slow down and savor the process.

What Kind of Onions Should I Use?

Yellow onions are your best bet here. They have the perfect balance of sweetness and bite, and when caramelized low and slow, they turn into golden strands of savory magic. Avoid sweet onions, which can make the soup overly sugary, or red onions, which might add an unwanted sharpness.

Ingredients for the Authentic French Onion Soup

Yellow Onions: The heart of the dish. Sliced thin and caramelized to build depth.

Beef Broth: Use a high-quality broth or homemade for a rich, complex base.

Butter: Essential for slowly cooking down the onions to golden perfection.

Dry White Wine: Adds acidity and balance to cut through the sweetness of the onions.

Thyme & Bay Leaf: Classic herbs that subtly enhance the flavor profile.

Baguette Slices: Toasted and sturdy enough to sit atop the soup without falling apart.

Gruyère Cheese: The final flourish. Nutty, melty, and perfectly golden when broiled.

How To Make the Authentic French Onion Soup

Step 1: Caramelize the Onions

Slice 5-6 large yellow onions. In a heavy pot, melt butter over medium-low heat and cook onions slowly, stirring often, for 40-50 minutes until deeply golden and sweet.

Step 2: Deglaze with Wine

Add dry white wine to the pot and scrape up the fond (brown bits) from the bottom. This boosts umami and intensifies flavor.

Step 3: Add Broth and Simmer

Pour in the beef broth, add thyme and bay leaf. Simmer for 30 minutes to marry the flavors. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Prepare the Topping

Toast baguette slices and grate plenty of Gruyère cheese. Ladle soup into oven-safe bowls, float the bread on top, and sprinkle generously with cheese.

Step 5: Broil and Serve

Place bowls under the broiler for a few minutes until the cheese bubbles and turns golden. Serve hot and enjoy every gooey, savory bite.

Serving and Storing This Soup

Serve this soup piping hot with a spoon sturdy enough to break through the cheesy toast. It makes an impressive starter for dinner parties or a soul-warming meal on its own.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove and broil fresh bread and cheese on top for that signature finish.

What to Serve With Authentic French Onion Soup?

Classic Caesar Salad

The crispness and tangy dressing pair wonderfully with the richness of the soup.

Roasted Garlic Brussels Sprouts

Adds texture and depth, balancing the softness of the soup.

Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus

Elegant and salty—a refined side for special occasions.

Apple Walnut Salad

A little sweet, a little crunchy, and a nice counterpoint to the savory soup.

French Bistro Chicken

For a full French-themed dinner, this light chicken dish fits perfectly.

Creamy Mashed Potatoes

Comfort food on comfort food—ideal for chilly evenings.

Buttery Stuffed Artichokes

An adventurous addition with layers of flavor.

Want More Soup Ideas with Bistro Flair?

If this Authentic French Onion Soup hit the spot, check out these cozy favorites from Chef Alchemy:

Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup for a cheesy, veggie-rich option.
A Hearty Bowl of Comfort: Tuscan Bean Soup for protein-packed comfort.
Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque for a luxe, creamy treat.
Wendy’s Copycat Chili in the Slow Cooker for a meal-prep friendly favorite.
French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole for a clever spin on classic flavors.

Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest soup board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go heavy on the cheese? Did you sneak in some garlic?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook smarter.

Explore beautifully curated comfort food classics on ChefAlchemy’s Pinterest and discover your next obsession.

Authentic French Onion Soup

Author: Lorenzo Devereaux
Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Print Recipe

Description

This Authentic French Onion Soup delivers everything you crave in a comforting bowl—deeply caramelized onions, robust beef broth, crisp baguette, and gooey melted Gruyère. It’s the kind of easy recipe that tastes like it came from a Parisian bistro. Perfect for a cozy night in, a hearty appetizer, or even a satisfying standalone meal. Whether you’re looking for quick dinner ideas, comforting soups, or timeless French classics, this one’s a must-try for your food ideas rotation.

Instructions

1. In a large heavy-bottomed pot, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Add sliced onions and cook slowly, stirring often, for 40–50 minutes until deeply caramelized.

2. Deglaze with white wine, scraping the bottom of the pan to release browned bits. Simmer for 5 minutes.

3. Add beef broth, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Simmer uncovered for 30 minutes.

4. Preheat broiler. Toast baguette slices until crisp.

5. Ladle soup into oven-safe bowls. Top each with a baguette slice and generous amount of Gruyère.

6. Broil until cheese is bubbly and golden, about 3–5 minutes. Serve hot.