Rich, savory, and deeply comforting, this French Onion Short Rib Soup with Gruyère Toast is the kind of meal that wraps you up like a warm blanket. It’s a luxurious twist on the classic French onion soup, where tender, fall-apart short ribs swim in a caramelized onion broth, crowned with golden, cheesy gruyère toasts that soak up every ounce of flavor.

Whether you’re looking to impress guests or just want to treat yourself on a chilly night, this soup delivers on all fronts—intense flavor, hearty texture, and irresistible presentation. The richness of the beef combined with the sweetness of slow-cooked onions creates a broth so good, you’ll want to sip it straight from the bowl. And that gooey, toasted gruyère topping? It’s the final flourish you never knew your soup needed.

What Kind of Short Ribs and Cheese Work Best?

For this soup, opt for bone-in beef short ribs. The bones add depth to the broth while the meat turns tender with long, slow cooking. Make sure to sear them well for that rich, meaty base.

When it comes to the cheese, Gruyère is traditional and perfect—it melts beautifully and has a nutty sharpness that pairs like a dream with caramelized onions. Fontina or Emmental can work in a pinch, but nothing beats classic Gruyère.

Ingredients for the French Onion Short Rib Soup with Gruyère Toast

Beef Short Ribs
Provides the deep, meaty foundation of the soup. Bone-in is key for richness.

Yellow Onions
Sliced thin and slow-cooked until deeply caramelized for sweetness and depth.

Garlic
A few cloves, minced, to add earthy undertones.

Beef Broth
The soup’s base—use low sodium if possible, and simmer with the short ribs for hours.

Red Wine
Adds acidity and complexity. A dry variety like Cabernet or Merlot works beautifully.

Thyme & Bay Leaf
Classic aromatics to infuse the broth with herbaceous notes.

Carrots & Celery
For background flavor and extra body in the soup.

Baguette Slices
Toasted and used as the base for the cheesy topping.

Gruyère Cheese
Grated generously over the baguette for that golden, bubbly finish.

Olive Oil & Butter
Used to sear the meat and caramelize the onions to perfection.

Salt & Pepper
Essential seasonings to round everything out.

How To Make the French Onion Short Rib Soup with Gruyère Toast

Step 1: Sear the Short Ribs

In a large Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the short ribs with salt and pepper, then sear on all sides until deep golden brown. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Caramelize the Onions

In the same pot, reduce heat to medium. Add butter and sliced onions. Cook slowly, stirring often, for 30–40 minutes until onions are deep golden and caramelized. Add garlic and cook another minute.

Step 3: Build the Broth

Deglaze the pot with red wine, scraping up the browned bits. Add seared short ribs back in along with beef broth, carrots, celery, thyme, and a bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cover. Cook for 2.5 to 3 hours, until meat is fall-apart tender.

Step 4: Shred and Strain

Remove the ribs and shred the meat, discarding bones. Strain the broth to remove vegetables and herbs if you want a smoother texture, then return the meat and onions to the pot.

Step 5: Toast and Top

While soup finishes, toast baguette slices and top each with shredded Gruyère. Broil until bubbly and golden.

Step 6: Serve It Up

Ladle hot soup into bowls and top with the cheesy toasts. Garnish with extra thyme and cracked pepper.

How to Serve and Store This Hearty Soup

This soup is best served piping hot with the cheesy gruyère toasts floated right on top. For extra indulgence, ladle the soup into oven-safe crocks, place the toast directly over the soup, and broil the whole thing until golden and bubbly.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop until warmed through. Toast and broil fresh bread for serving, as the toasts are best enjoyed fresh.

You can also freeze the soup (without the toasts) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

What to Serve With French Onion Short Rib Soup?

Arugula and Pear Salad

A crisp, peppery salad with sliced pears and walnuts balances the soup’s richness beautifully.

Garlic Herb Butter Potatoes

Roasted or boiled, these potatoes soak up the broth like a dream.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Adds earthy crunch and a slightly bitter contrast to the sweet onions.

Horseradish Mashed Potatoes

The sharpness of horseradish complements the hearty short rib flavor.

Red Wine or Malbec

Perfect for pairing with the beef and deep caramel notes.

Apple Cider Vinegar Slaw

Bright, tangy, and crunchy—a refreshing contrast to the soup.

Herbed Flatbread

Great for dipping into that savory, rich broth.

Want More Soup and Comfort Food Recipes?

If you’re warming up to this hearty soup, you’ll love diving into more bold, cozy meals like these:

Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup for a cheesy, velvety comfort classic.
Cajun Shrimp with Garlic Butter Sauce when you want savory heat with Southern charm.
Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe for another hearty one-bowl wonder.
Tuscan Bean Soup if you’re craving something rustic and protein-packed.
Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts when you want indulgence made easy.

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Let me know in the comments how it turned out. Did you go classic with Gruyère or add your own cheesy spin? Did you dunk, scoop, or slurp? This one’s made for sharing and savoring.

Explore cozy bowls, bold dinners, and delicious comfort staples over at ChefAlchemy Recipes on Pinterest and find your next crave-worthy favorite!