Rich and Simple French Onion Soup Recipe

If there’s one cozy classic that never fails to transport you to a Parisian bistro, it’s Rich and Simple French Onion Soup. This iconic soup is all about golden, melty cheese, bubbling over a hearty bowl of deeply caramelized onions and savory broth—easy enough for any weeknight, but so rich and soulful you’ll want to savor every last spoonful.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes Rich and Simple French Onion Soup unforgettable is how a few humble ingredients transform into something sublime. Each component has its role: from sweet, golden onions to the gooey cheese topping, these staples work together for maximum flavor and luscious texture.

• Unsalted Butter (½ cup): Gives the onions their buttery richness and helps everything caramelize just right.
• Olive Oil (2 tablespoons): Adds depth and keeps the butter from burning during the slow sauté.
• Sliced Onions (4 cups): Yellow or sweet onions are perfect—they’ll melt into silky strands packed with flavor.
• Beef Broth (5 cups): The backbone of the soup, lending an intense, savory base. Use a good-quality broth!
• Dry Sherry (2 tablespoons): Brightens the broth with a gentle, aromatic lift—don’t skip it if you want classic results.
• Dried Thyme (1 teaspoon): Adds a gentle herbal hint that balances the sweetness of the onions.
• Salt and Pepper (to taste): Season throughout for perfect flavor control.
• French Bread (4 slices): Toasted right on top, these hold all the melty, cheesy goodness afloat.
• Provolone Cheese (4 slices): Melts beautifully for that signature stretchy, golden top.
• Swiss Cheese (2 slices, diced): Provides a slightly nutty, tangy note for cheesy depth.
• Parmesan Cheese (¼ cup, grated): Sprinkled on top for a savory, crispy finish.

Variations

I’m all for making this Rich and Simple French Onion Soup your own—whether you have dietary needs or just want to experiment! The beauty of this recipe is how adaptable it is, so you can play with cheeses, breads, or even make it vegetarian.

• Vegetarian Version: Swap beef broth for a good-quality vegetable broth—the flavor will still be smoky-sweet with caramelized onions.
• Cheese Swap: Try gruyère, mozzarella, or even a sharp white cheddar for a twist on the classic melty topping.
• Different Bread: Use a crusty baguette, sourdough, or even gluten-free bread—whatever holds up under the broiler works beautifully.
• More Herbs: Add a bay leaf or a splash of fresh thyme for a more aromatic, herbal twist.

How to Make Rich and Simple French Onion Soup

Step 1: Melt Butter and Sauté Onions

Start by combining the butter and olive oil in a large stock pot over medium heat. When the butter is melted and foamy, add your sliced onions. Stir, and keep stirring every couple of minutes—the secret here is low, steady heat and patience. Let the onions become tender and translucent, but don’t let them brown; slow cooking brings out their natural sweetness and makes the soup velvety.

Step 2: Build the Broth

Once the onions are soft, pour in the beef broth, sherry, and sprinkle in the thyme. Give everything a good stir, then season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Let the mixture simmer gently for about 30 minutes—this time allows the flavors to meld and the broth to soak up all that oniony goodness. Meanwhile, preheat your oven’s broiler so it’s ready for the cheesy finish.

Step 3: Assemble and Broil

Ladle the hot soup into oven-safe bowls. Add a slice of the French bread on top of each (break it up if you want more coverage), then stack on the provolone slice, a scattering of diced Swiss, and a shower of Parmesan. Place the bowls on a baking sheet, then slide them under the broiler. Watch carefully—the cheese will melt, bubble, and caramelize in just 2 to 3 minutes. Pull them when the cheese is golden and irresistible.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Carefully remove the bubbling hot bowls from the oven (they’ll be HOT!). Let each guest crack through the crusty, cheesy lid and plunge into that rich, fragrant broth below. Enjoy every slurp of this classic Rich and Simple French Onion Soup with a big smile—you made something special!

How to Serve Rich and Simple French Onion Soup

Garnishes

The crowning glory of Rich and Simple French Onion Soup is, of course, that bubbling, golden cheese. For a little extra Parisian flair, sprinkle a pinch of fresh thyme or chives on top right before serving. A crack of black pepper or a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil are also welcome upgrades!

Side Dishes

This soup is hearty enough to stand alone, but it pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad tossed in tangy vinaigrette or a simple plate of charcuterie. If you’re in the mood for a full French feast, serve with roast chicken or a buttery quiche on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

For an extra-special touch, serve Rich and Simple French Onion Soup in individual oven-proof crocks or mugs so everyone gets their own gooey cheese lid. Or, bake the bread and cheese separately, then float it in the bowls tableside—fun and interactive for dinner parties!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any soup left, let it cool completely then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Keep the cheesy croutons separate if possible to preserve their texture.

Freezing

Rich and Simple French Onion Soup freezes surprisingly well! Freeze the broth and onions alone, without bread or cheese, in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. When you crave soup, thaw, reheat, and proceed with the cheesy broil.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the soup in a pot over medium heat until steaming. For that fresh-baked top, assemble with bread and cheese and broil just before serving—the cheese will melt as good as new!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving cozy comfort, I can’t recommend Rich and Simple French Onion Soup enough. It’s one of those soul-warming dishes that feels indulgent yet is truly easy to master at home. Give it a try, and you might just make it a new favorite tradition—bon appétit!

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