Homemade French Onion Soup

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There’s something undeniably comforting about a bubbling pot of Homemade French Onion Soup fresh from the oven. The rich aroma of deeply caramelized onions, savory beef broth, and toasted bread topped with golden, melted cheese fills your kitchen with pure warmth. It’s the kind of classic recipe that feels elegant enough for a dinner party, yet simple enough for a cozy night at home.

This version delivers everything you love about traditional French onion soup—sweet, slow-cooked onions, layers of flavor from herbs and broth, and that irresistible cheesy crust on top. Each spoonful is savory, slightly sweet, and beautifully balanced, making it a timeless comfort food favorite across the United States.

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Why You’ll Love This Homemade French Onion Soup

• Deep, rich flavor from properly caramelized onions
• Simple pantry ingredients with gourmet results
• Perfect for chilly evenings or holiday starters
• Customizable with different cheeses and bread options
• Restaurant-quality presentation made right at home

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What Kind of Onions Are Best for Homemade French Onion Soup?

Yellow onions are the classic choice because they caramelize beautifully and develop a natural sweetness as they cook. Sweet onions can also work if you prefer a milder flavor, while white onions offer a slightly sharper bite. For the most authentic taste and deep golden color, stick with yellow onions and take your time caramelizing them properly.

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Ingredients for the Homemade French Onion Soup

Every ingredient in Homemade French Onion Soup plays an important role in building depth and balance.

Yellow onions
These are the heart of the soup. When slowly caramelized, they create the signature sweet and savory base.

Butter
Adds richness and helps the onions soften and brown evenly.

Olive oil
Prevents the butter from burning and supports even caramelization.

Garlic
Enhances the savory profile with aromatic depth.

All-purpose flour
Slightly thickens the broth and gives the soup body.

Beef broth
Provides a deep, savory backbone. Choose a high-quality broth for the best flavor.

Dry white wine
Deglazes the pan and adds brightness to balance the sweetness of the onions.

Fresh thyme
Adds an earthy, herbal note that complements the beef broth.

Bay leaf
Infuses subtle aromatic complexity.

Salt and black pepper
Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors.

Baguette slices
Toasted bread forms the sturdy base for the melted cheese topping.

Gruyère cheese
The classic choice for its nutty flavor and excellent melting quality.

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How To Make the Homemade French Onion Soup

Making Homemade French Onion Soup is all about patience and layering flavors. Don’t rush the onions—this step is what creates the magic.

Step 1: Caramelize the Onions

Melt butter with olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add sliced onions and cook slowly, stirring often, for 35–45 minutes until deeply golden and caramelized.

Step 2: Add Garlic and Flour

Stir in minced garlic and cook briefly until fragrant. Sprinkle flour over the onions and cook for another minute to remove the raw taste.

Step 3: Deglaze with Wine

Pour in the white wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes.

Step 4: Add Broth and Herbs

Pour in the beef broth, add thyme and bay leaf, and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook uncovered for about 20 minutes to develop flavor.

Step 5: Toast the Bread

While the soup simmers, toast baguette slices until golden and crisp.

Step 6: Assemble and Broil

Ladle soup into oven-safe bowls, top with toasted bread, and generously sprinkle Gruyère cheese over the top. Broil until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.

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Serving and Storing Homemade French Onion Soup

This recipe serves 4 to 6 people as a hearty appetizer or 4 as a main dish.

Serve it immediately while the cheese is hot and bubbly. If you have leftovers, store the soup (without bread and cheese) in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, then add fresh toasted bread and cheese before broiling again.

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What to Serve With Homemade French Onion Soup?

Classic Caesar Salad

A crisp, tangy salad balances the rich, cheesy soup perfectly.

Garlic Parmesan Roasted Carrots

Their subtle sweetness complements the caramelized onions beautifully.

Flaky Mile-High Biscuits

Soft, buttery biscuits are perfect for soaking up the broth.

Easy Asian Slaw

Adds refreshing crunch and contrast.

Crispy Fried Mushrooms

A savory appetizer that pairs well with the soup’s deep flavors.

Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup

For a cozy soup-and-soup dinner spread.

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Want More Comforting Soup Ideas?

If you love Homemade French Onion Soup, you’ll probably enjoy these other favorites:

• Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup
https://noranosh.com/creamy-broccoli-cheddar-soup/

• A Hearty and Comforting Tuscan Bean Soup
https://noranosh.com/a-hearty-and-comforting-tuscan-bean-soup/

• Easy Vegetable Beef Soup
https://noranosh.com/easy-vegetable-beef-soup/

• Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup
https://noranosh.com/slow-cooker-chicken-tortilla-soup/

• Hearty Black-Eyed Pea Soup
https://noranosh.com/hearty-black-eyed-pea-soup/

Looking for even more cozy meals and comfort food recipes? Explore more daily inspiration on Nora Nosh Recipes over on Pinterest:
https://www.pinterest.com/noranoshrecipes/

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Let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you use Gruyère or try a different cheese? Did you add a splash of sherry instead of white wine?

I love hearing how you make these recipes your own. Questions are always welcome—let’s cook smarter together.

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