French onion soup with caramelized onions and gratin cheese baguette
French Recipe

French onion soup

For French onion soup, onions are patiently sautéed in butter until they are golden and sweet. Broth and wine dissolve the roasted aromas, and baguette and cheese are gratinated at the end.

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Total time 1 hr 10 min
Calories 390 kcal
Servings 4 servings
Difficulty Medium
By the Published Updated Editorially approved

Why this recipe works

French onion soup with cheese croûton

The most important ingredient is time. Onions take 35 to 45 minutes to become deeply aromatic. If they are only briefly sweated, the soup stays flat. Grated bread is added just before serving.

Vegetarian Dinners Lunch One-Pot Recipes French Recipes

Recipe

French onion soup

French onion soup gets its taste from slowly caramelised onions, broth, white wine, thyme and gratin cheese baguette.

Ingredients

4 servings

Method

  1. 1

    Cut onions

    Cut onions into fine rings. Melt butter in a heavy pot.

  2. 2

    Slowly caramelise

    Cook the onions over a medium heat for 35 to 45 minutes until golden brown. Stir regularly.

  3. 3

    Deglaze

    Stir in flour, sauté briefly and deglaze with white wine. Add stock, thyme and bay leaf.

  4. 4

    Cooking soup

    Simmer soup for 15 minutes and season to taste with salt and pepper.

  5. 5

    Congratulations

    Put soup in ovenproof bowls, place baguette and gruyère on top and gratinate under the grill until golden brown.

Kitchen know-how

Tips for French onion soup

Don't rush onions

Caramelizing takes patience. Too high heat burns the onions instead of making them sweet.

Choose broth wisely

Beef broth tastes stronger, vegetable broth makes the soup vegetarian.

Congratulate briefly

Gratinate the cheese baguette only at the end, so that it does not soak completely.

Variations

How to adapt this recipe

With a strong vegetable broth and a little soy sauce or mushroom stock, the soup also gets depth without beef broth.

A small shot of cognac after caramelization adds depth. Then let it boil down briefly.

Nutrition per serving

390kcal
42.0 gCarbohydrates
17.0 gProtein
16.0 gFat

Values are estimates and may vary depending on the ingredients, brands, portion size and preparation method used.

Frequently asked questions

FAQ about French onion soup

Only slowly caramelised onions develop the sweet depth that makes this soup.

Beef broth is strong and classic, vegetable broth is a good vegetarian alternative.

Yes, the soup can be prepared. Gratinate the baguette and cheese directly before serving.

Gruyère is classic. Comté or Emmentaler also work well.

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