If you have ever dreamed of savoring the cozy comfort of a classic bistro meal at home, this Rich and Simple French Onion Soup Recipe will be your new favorite go-to. It’s a heartwarming bowl of deeply caramelized onions swimming in a savory beef broth, enriched with a hint of dry sherry and a medley of melted cheeses crowned on crusty French bread. This soup feels like a warm embrace on a chilly day, and the beauty is in its simplicity—few ingredients transform into a dish packed with layers of flavor that will have your guests asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe is straightforward, yet they work harmoniously to create the rich texture, robust flavor, and beautiful golden color that are hallmarks of this dish. Simple pantry staples come together beautifully to elevate this soup from ordinary to unforgettable.
- Unsalted butter: Essential for gently caramelizing the onions without adding extra salt, ensuring a rich base flavor.
- Olive oil: Helps balance the butter and prevents the onions from sticking while adding a subtle fruity note.
- Sliced onions: The star of the dish, cooked low and slow to release their natural sweetness and color.
- Beef broth: Provides the deep, savory flavor foundation typical of traditional French onion soup.
- Dry sherry: Adds a refined depth and subtle sweetness that brightens the soup’s complexity.
- Dried thyme: Offers a subtle earthy herbal note that complements the onion’s richness perfectly.
- Salt and pepper: Adjust the seasoning to elevate and balance all the flavors precisely.
- French bread slices: Toasted to form a crispy canvas for the melted cheeses.
- Provolone cheese slices: Provides creamy meltiness atop your bread, creating that iconic bubbly, golden crust.
- Swiss cheese, diced: Adds a nutty, slightly sweet flavor that blends beautifully with the provolone.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Sprinkled on top for an extra savory punch and lovely golden finish under the broiler.
How to Make Rich and Simple French Onion Soup Recipe
Step 1: Caramelizing the Onions
The magic begins with slowly caramelizing your onions. Melt the butter with olive oil in a large pot over medium-low heat. Add your sliced onions and a pinch of salt to help release moisture. Stir occasionally and cook for about 35 to 40 minutes until the onions turn a deep golden brown and become beautifully sweet. This step is essential as it unlocks the rich sweetness fundamental to this Rich and Simple French Onion Soup Recipe.
Step 2: Building the Soup Base
Once your onions are perfectly caramelized, pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir in the dry sherry and dried thyme, letting the flavors meld for about 10 minutes. Taste and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. This broth is where richness meets simplicity in one pot, creating the soulful foundation we want for the soup.
Step 3: Preparing the Bread and Cheese
While the soup simmers, toast your French bread slices until crisp and golden. Layer the provolone and diced Swiss cheese on top of each slice, then sprinkle generously with Parmesan cheese. This cheesy toast will be the crowning glory of your soup.
Step 4: Broiling the Cheese Topped Bread
Ladle your soup into oven-safe bowls, float one cheesy toast in each, then place the bowls under a broiler just long enough for the cheese to bubble and turn golden brown. This bubbly, cheesy top crunch is the perfect contrast to the silky soup beneath and a visual treat that makes this Rich and Simple French Onion Soup Recipe irresistibly inviting.
How to Serve Rich and Simple French Onion Soup Recipe
Garnishes
For garnishes, keep it simple to let the soup shine. A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley adds a lovely pop of color and a hint of brightness that contrasts with the savory broth. Alternatively, a few extra thin slices of Parmesan can enhance the cheesy goodness even more.
Side Dishes
Serve this soup with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with vinaigrette to balance the richness, or pair it with roasted seasonal vegetables for a hearty, warming meal. Crusty baguette slices alongside offer extra bread for dipping into every last drop of the soup.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to impress? Serve the soup in mini cast iron cocottes or rustic crocks for an authentic French bistro feel. You can even sprinkle in a small handful of fresh herbs or a drizzle of truffle oil on top for an unexpected gourmet twist. Presentation makes all the difference when serving this classic.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This soup keeps wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store the cheesy toasts separately to maintain their crispness. When you’re ready to enjoy again, you can reheat the soup gently before adding fresh toasted bread and cheese.
Freezing
French onion soup also freezes well but without the bread and cheese topping. Freeze the soup base in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. When thawing and reheating, add fresh toasted bread and cheeses to recreate the original texture and flavor.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the soup gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. Prepare fresh toasted cheese toppings to place on the soup and broil as usual for that irresistible bubbly finish. This method keeps the essence of the Rich and Simple French Onion Soup Recipe alive every time.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of broth?
Definitely! While beef broth gives the traditional depth, you can substitute with vegetable broth for a lighter, vegetarian-friendly version. Just know it will change the flavor profile slightly.
Why is caramelizing the onions so important?
Caramelizing the onions slowly develops their natural sweetness and creates that rich, deep flavor base that defines French onion soup. Rushing this step will result in less flavor and a paler soup.
Can I make this soup vegan?
To make it vegan, swap out the butter for olive oil, use vegetable broth, skip the sherry or use a vegan-friendly alternative, and replace the cheese with your favorite plant-based melts. The flavor might shift a bit but it will still be delicious!
How do I prevent the bread from getting soggy?
To keep bread crispy, toast it well before adding to the soup, and only place it on the soup right before serving. You can also broil the bread separately with cheese and then float it over the hot soup to minimize sogginess.
Is dry sherry necessary in this recipe?
Dry sherry adds a lovely depth and slight sweetness that balances the richness of the broth and onions. If you don’t have it, a dry white wine or a splash of apple cider vinegar can substitute, but the flavor will be slightly different.
Final Thoughts
There is something wonderfully gratifying about making and sharing this Rich and Simple French Onion Soup Recipe. From the wonderfully caramelized onions to the gooey cheesy topping, every spoonful is a little celebration of flavor and warmth. Give yourself the gift of this timeless classic—you’ll soon discover why it remains a beloved favorite in kitchens all over the world.
Print
Rich and Simple French Onion Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: French
Description
This Rich and Simple French Onion Soup recipe delivers a deeply flavorful and comforting classic French dish that’s perfect for a cozy meal. Caramelized onions simmered in beef broth with sherry and thyme create a savory, aromatic base topped with toasted French bread and melted cheeses for a hearty and satisfying experience.
Ingredients
Sauté Base
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cups sliced onions
Soup
- 5 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons dry sherry
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 pinch salt and pepper to taste
Toppings
- 4 slices French bread
- 4 slices provolone cheese
- 2 slices Swiss cheese, diced
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the onions: In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the unsalted butter with olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook slowly, stirring frequently, until they are deeply caramelized and golden brown, approximately 30-40 minutes. This step creates the rich onion flavor essential to the soup.
- Add the broth and seasonings: Pour in the beef broth, then add the dry sherry and dried thyme. Stir well and season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the soup to a gentle simmer and let it cook for another 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Prepare the bread and cheese: While the soup simmers, preheat your oven’s broiler. Toast the slices of French bread until golden brown on both sides. Layer the provolone slices, diced Swiss cheese, and grated Parmesan evenly on each toasted bread slice.
- Assemble and broil: Ladle the hot soup into oven-safe bowls. Place one cheese-topped bread slice on top of each bowl of soup. Place the bowls on a baking sheet and broil for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly browned. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
- Serve: Carefully remove from the oven, let cool slightly, and serve the French Onion Soup hot for a comforting and delicious meal.
Notes
- Caramelizing the onions slowly over low to medium heat is key to developing the deep, sweet flavor of the soup.
- Dry sherry adds depth but can be omitted or substituted with white wine or a splash of brandy.
- Use oven-safe bowls when broiling the cheese topping to avoid accidents.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute vegetable broth for the beef broth.
