Classic French Onion Soup (Printable)

Savory French soup with caramelized onions, rich broth, and melted Gruyère on crusty bread

# What You'll Need:

→ Alliums

01 - 4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
02 - 2 large leeks, white and light green parts only, cleaned and thinly sliced
03 - 3 shallots, thinly sliced
04 - 3 garlic cloves, minced

→ Fats

05 - 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
06 - 2 tablespoons olive oil

→ Broth & Umami

07 - 8 cups high-quality beef broth
08 - 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
09 - 2 teaspoons soy sauce
10 - 1/2 cup dry white wine
11 - 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves
12 - 1 bay leaf

→ Bread & Cheese

13 - 1 baguette, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
14 - 2 cups Gruyère cheese, grated
15 - 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

→ Seasonings

16 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

# How to Cook:

01 - In a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat until shimmering.
02 - Add the sliced onions, leeks, and shallots. Sauté, stirring frequently, until very soft and deep golden brown, approximately 35-40 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 2 minutes more.
03 - Pour in the dry white wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon.
04 - Stir in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, thyme, and bay leaf. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook uncovered for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
05 - Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Remove the bay leaf from the pot.
06 - Preheat the oven broiler. Arrange baguette slices on a baking sheet and toast under the broiler until golden, approximately 1-2 minutes per side.
07 - Ladle the hot soup into oven-safe bowls. Top each bowl with toasted baguette slices and a generous amount of grated Gruyère cheese.
08 - Place the assembled bowls under the broiler until the cheese is melted and bubbly, approximately 3-5 minutes.
09 - Remove bowls from the broiler and serve immediately, garnished with additional fresh thyme if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The mix of onions and leeks and shallots creates a layer of flavor you just do not get with onions alone.
  • Watching the cheese bubble and brown under the broiler is the most satisfying kitchen magic I know.
02 -
  • Never rush the onions because high heat will make them bitter instead of sweet and jammy.
  • Washing your leeks thoroughly is vital because hidden sand can ruin the texture of your silk soup.
03 -
  • Add a splash of sherry right before serving to give the broth a professional kitchen finish.
  • Slice your onions from root to tip rather than in rings to help them maintain some structure during the long cook.
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