If there’s ever a dish that tastes like pure comfort and elegance in a single spoonful, it’s Rich and Simple French Onion Soup. The caramelized onions melt into a deeply savory broth, capped with gooey cheese and crusty bread—each bite a warm hug and a little taste of Paris, right from your own kitchen!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Unbeatable Flavor: Long-simmered onions lend a natural sweetness, perfectly balanced by a robust beef broth and that irresistible hint of sherry.
- Luxurious Cheese Topping: The melodious mix of provolone, Swiss, and Parmesan creates a gooey, golden blanket you’ll want to dig right into.
- Simple, Everyday Ingredients: There’s nothing fancy or fussy—just a handful of staples, easily found at any grocery store.
- Restaurant-Worthy Results at Home: This Rich and Simple French Onion Soup delivers that classic bistro experience in less than an hour, no reservation needed!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Rich and Simple French Onion Soup comes together with a short, sweet list of ingredients—each one playing a starring role. Don’t be tempted to skip or swap, because every item adds to the soup’s rich color, heartiness, and that deeply savory French cafe magic.
- Unsalted Butter (½ cup): Essential for that luxurious mouthfeel and depth; unsalted lets you control the seasoning perfectly.
- Olive Oil (2 tablespoons): Gives the onions a more complex flavor and prevents the butter from burning as you cook.
- Onions, sliced (4 cups): The main event! Yellow or sweet onions are ideal for a classic, mellow sweetness as they caramelize.
- Beef Broth (5 cups): Forms the backbone of your soup, making it hearty, savory, and totally crave-worthy. Opt for a good-quality or homemade broth for best flavor.
- Dry Sherry (2 tablespoons): Adds that essential French touch, brightening the soup and adding a hint of sophistication.
- Dried Thyme (1 teaspoon): The right herbal note for earthiness and aromatic depth, without overpowering.
- Salt and Pepper (to taste): Balances all the other flavors and brings everything together.
- French Bread (4 slices): The crowning crunch; day-old bread works perfectly for soaking up just enough flavor without getting soggy.
- Provolone Cheese (4 slices): Gorgeous stretch and mellow, balanced flavor—melts beautifully over your bread.
- Swiss Cheese (2 slices, diced): A little tang and a lovely, nutty melt that complements the provolone.
- Parmesan Cheese (¼ cup, grated): For that final, salty-savory burst and a perfectly golden finish.
Variations
The beauty of Rich and Simple French Onion Soup is how easily you can put your own spin on it. Whether you need to adapt for dietary needs or just want to try something new, these twists ensure everyone can enjoy this classic!
- Vegetarian Version: Swap in a rich vegetable broth or mushroom stock to keep the soup hearty and flavorful without the meat.
- Different Cheeses: Feel free to experiment with Gruyère, fontina, or even sharp cheddar if that’s what you have on hand or love best.
- Wine Instead of Sherry: A splash of dry white wine in place of sherry creates a slightly different—but equally delightful—flavor profile.
- Gluten-Free: Use your favorite gluten-free bread for the topping, and your Rich and Simple French Onion Soup will still be utterly indulgent.
How to Make Rich and Simple French Onion Soup
Step 1: Caramelize the Onions
In a large stockpot, melt the butter with olive oil over medium heat. Once sizzling gently, pile in all your sliced onions. Stir constantly, letting the onions soften and turn beautifully translucent—this slow sauté is where all that golden, spoon-clinging flavor begins! Take your time and don’t let them brown; patience here pays off with every bite.
Step 2: Build the Broth
Pour in the beef broth, add the sherry, and sprinkle in the dried thyme. Give everything a generous seasoning with salt and pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer and let it bubble, uncovered, for 30 minutes—this is where the magic really happens. The flavors deepen, and your whole kitchen will smell incredible!
Step 3: Prep the Bread and Cheese
While the soup simmers, turn your oven to broil. Slice the French bread so that each slice will nicely cover your serving bowls. Layer up: a slice of provolone, a generous sprinkle of diced Swiss, and a final shower of Parmesan for extra flavor and crunch.
Step 4: Assemble and Broil
Ladle the hot, fragrant soup into oven-safe bowls. Gently float your cheese-topped bread on the surface of each. Place the bowls on a baking sheet and slide them under the broiler until the cheese bubbles and turns golden, about 2-3 minutes—but keep a close eye, as they can go from perfect to burned in a flash!
Step 5: Serve and Savor
Let your Rich and Simple French Onion Soup cool for just a minute (it will be piping hot!), then dig in—and don’t forget to pair it with your favorite drink and a cozy chair. Every cheesy, savory spoonful is like an edible celebration!
Pro Tips for Making Rich and Simple French Onion Soup
- Onion Patience Pays Off: Don’t rush the onion caramelization—low and slow is the secret to unlocking maximum sweetness and color without bitterness.
- Broth Quality Counts: Use the richest beef broth you can find, or even make your own, since it forms the backbone of this entire soup.
- Stale Bread = Best Bread: Day-old French bread stands up beautifully to broiling without turning soggy, giving you that perfect cheesy crust atop your Rich and Simple French Onion Soup.
- Broil with Caution: Stay close to the oven when broiling—the cheese goes from dreamy to burnt in no time flat, so keep watch for that golden perfection.
How to Serve Rich and Simple French Onion Soup
Garnishes
The classic finish for Rich and Simple French Onion Soup is all about that golden, gooey melted cheese—stretchy provolone, nutty Swiss, and a touch of Parmesan for depth. For a pop of freshness, sprinkle on chopped fresh thyme or a scatter of chives just before serving. A sprinkle of cracked black pepper right on top is a simple but heavenly touch!
Side Dishes
This soup is hearty and filling, but for a truly Parisian meal, serve it with a crisp, lightly dressed green salad to cut through the richness. A glass of dry white wine and maybe a handful of olives or cornichons on the side make it feel like you’re dining out—no plane ticket required.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving Rich and Simple French Onion Soup in small ramekins as an appetizer for a dinner party, or in deep mugs for a cozy, casual weeknight treat. Hosting a lunch? Set up a topping bar so everyone can customize their cheesy crust with favorite cheeses or a sprinkle of herbs.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Rich and Simple French Onion Soup keeps beautifully in the refrigerator. Let it cool to room temperature, then store in a sealed container for up to three days. Just save the bread and cheese topping for when you’re ready to reheat and serve—it’s best freshly broiled!
Freezing
The soup base (without bread or cheese) freezes perfectly. Ladle it into airtight freezer-safe jars or containers and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re in need of a comforting meal fast, simply thaw, reheat, and finish with the cheesy bread topping.
Reheating
Warm the soup gently on the stove or in the microwave. For that glorious cheesy finish, top individual portions with bread and cheese, then broil just until bubbly and golden. Your Rich and Simple French Onion Soup will taste just as amazing as day one!
FAQs
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Can I use a different type of onion?
Absolutely! Yellow onions are classic for Rich and Simple French Onion Soup, but you can use sweet onions for a milder flavor or mix in a bit of red onion for color. Just avoid strongly flavored ones like white onions, which may overpower the soup.
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What if I don’t have sherry?
No worries! A splash of dry white wine makes a great substitute and adds lovely acidity. You can also skip the alcohol altogether—the soup will still be deliciously savory.
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Do I need oven-safe bowls?
For the traditional bubbly cheese crust, oven-safe bowls are best. If you don’t have them, you can broil the bread and cheese slices separately on a baking sheet, then add to your soup bowls when ready to eat.
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How do I prevent the bread from getting too soggy?
Use slightly stale or toasted bread, and layer the cheese generously. Broiling the soup just before serving ensures a sturdy, melty topper instead of a soggy one!
Final Thoughts
This Rich and Simple French Onion Soup is the definition of cozy, classic, and utterly satisfying. I hope you let it transport you to your favorite French bistro—right at your own table. Give it a try, and watch it become an instant tradition in your home!
Print
Rich and Simple French Onion Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 40 mins
- Total Time: 55 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop, Oven
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich and comforting flavors of this simple French Onion Soup. Caramelized onions, hearty beef broth, and gooey melted cheese come together perfectly in this classic dish.
Ingredients
For the Soup:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cups sliced onions
- 5 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons dry sherry
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Pinch of salt and pepper to taste
For the Topping:
- 4 slices French bread
- 4 slices provolone cheese
- 2 slices Swiss cheese, diced
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Gather all ingredients.
- Add beef broth, sherry, and thyme.
- Ladle soup into oven-safe bowls.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Melt butter with olive oil in an 8-quart stock pot over medium heat. Add onions and cook until tender and translucent. Do not brown.
Season with salt and pepper. Simmer for 30 minutes. Preheat the oven’s broiler.
Top each with bread, provolone, Swiss, and Parmesan. Broil until cheese is bubbly and slightly browned, 2-3 minutes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 1150mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 13g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
