Name: French Onion Soup with Cheesy Bread
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 4 large onions, thinly sliced; 2 tablespoons butter; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional); 4 cups beef broth; 1 bay leaf; 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (optional); 4 slices of crusty French bread; 1 1/2 cups shredded Gruyère cheese (or Swiss cheese); Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

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French Onion Soup with Cheesy Bread is a comforting, savory dish that features rich, caramelized onions in a flavorful broth, topped with a crispy, cheesy bread that melts perfectly into the soup. It’s the ultimate comfort food for cold days and a great way to elevate any meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This classic French soup is filled with deep, caramelized flavors from the onions, enhanced by the savory broth. The cheesy bread topping adds the perfect amount of crunch and gooey goodness, making it a heartwarming and satisfying dish. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for serving as a starter, or as the main course with a fresh salad.

French Onion Soup with Cheesy Bread

Ingredients

For the Soup:

4 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 large onions, thinly sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon sugar (to help caramelize the onions)
6 cups (1.4 liters) beef broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian version)
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (optional)
Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Cheesy Bread:

4 slices of French bread or baguette
1 tablespoon olive oil or butter (for toasting)
1 1/2 cups (150 g) shredded Gruyère cheese (or Swiss, mozzarella, or a mix)
1/4 cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Caramelize the onions:
In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and sugar. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 30 minutes, until the onions are deeply caramelized and golden brown. This step builds the rich flavor of the soup, so be patient and stir occasionally to prevent burning.
Add garlic and thyme:
Stir in the minced garlic and thyme, and cook for another 1–2 minutes until fragrant
Add broth and simmer:
Pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce (if using). Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let the soup simmer for 15–20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
Toast the bread:
While the soup is simmering, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Brush the slices of bread with olive oil or butter and place them on a baking sheet. Toast in the oven for 5–7 minutes until golden and crispy.
Prepare the cheesy bread:
Once the bread is toasted, sprinkle the shredded Gruyère and Parmesan cheeses generously over the bread slices. Return to the oven and broil for 2–3 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
Assemble the soup:
Ladle the hot soup into individual bowls. Place a slice of cheesy bread on top of each bowl, letting the bread float in the soup.
Serve:
Serve the French onion soup immediately, garnished with additional fresh thyme or parsley if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour

Variations

Vegetarian Version: Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
Extra Cheesy: Add extra cheese to the soup itself, or top with a thicker layer of cheese on the bread for extra richness.
Herb Variation: Add a bouquet garni (a bundle of herbs like rosemary, thyme, and bay leaves) while simmering for added herbal flavor.
Balsamic French Onion Soup: Add a splash of balsamic vinegar to the soup for a tangy twist.

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the soup on the stovetop over medium heat. Toast fresh bread and cheese for each serving just before serving, as the cheese and bread are best fresh.

FAQs

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, the soup can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat and add fresh cheesy bread before serving.

Can I freeze French Onion Soup?

The soup can be frozen without the bread and cheese for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before serving. Add freshly toasted bread and cheese just before serving.

Can I use a slow cooker?

Yes, you can caramelize the onions in a pan, then transfer them to a slow cooker with the broth and let it simmer on low for 4–6 hours.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, Gruyère is traditional, but Swiss cheese, mozzarella, or even cheddar can be used for the cheesy topping.

Can I make this soup spicy?

Add red pepper flakes, cayenne, or a dash of hot sauce to give the soup a spicy kick.

How do I make the soup less rich?

Use low-fat cheese or reduce the amount of butter used to caramelize the onions. You can also use a lighter broth.

Conclusion

French Onion Soup with Cheesy Bread is the ultimate comfort food, combining the savory flavors of caramelized onions with rich broth and gooey, cheesy bread. Perfect for cozy dinners, it’s easy to make and can be customized with various cheese options or added herbs. This classic dish is sure to impress and satisfy!