If you’re craving pure comfort in a bowl, this Rich and Simple French Onion Soup absolutely delivers. Caramelized onions, a soul-soothing savory broth, and that oozy golden cheese—each spoonful is the culinary equivalent of a cozy hug. If you’ve ever wanted to recreate that indulgent French bistro magic at home, this is your new go-to recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Deep, Complex Flavor: Slow-cooked onions and a splash of sherry give the soup layers of sweetness and depth that taste like they simmered for hours.
- Satisfyingly Simple: The ingredient list is short and sweet, making this a foolproof classic you can pull off any night of the week—even after a long day.
- Cheesy, Toasted Topping: That signature bubbling, melty cheese cap on thick crusty bread is irresistible and oh-so-fun to crack with your spoon.
- Restaurant-Quality at Home: Bring the magic of a French bistro right to your kitchen—no fancy equipment required!
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the beautiful things about Rich and Simple French Onion Soup is how it transforms basic, everyday ingredients into a show-stopping classic. Every component—from the onions to the cheese—plays a starring role in building that signature flavor, aroma, and texture.
- Unsalted Butter (½ cup): The backbone of luscious, slow-cooked onions; using unsalted gives you control over the soup’s seasoning.
- Olive Oil (2 tablespoons): Adds fruitiness and helps the onions cook evenly and gently without browning.
- Yellow Onions (4 cups, sliced): The Heart and soul of the dish—choose sweet or yellow onions for a perfect balance of flavor that caramelizes beautifully.
- Beef Broth (5 cups): Provides the savory, rich foundation—homemade or high-quality store-bought broth makes all the difference.
- Dry Sherry (2 tablespoons): Just a splash adds a slightly nutty, aromatic note that’s classic in French onion soup.
- Dried Thyme (1 teaspoon): Adds earthy depth and gently perfumes the soup.
- Salt & Pepper (to taste): Essential for bringing every flavor into balance—taste as you go.
- French Bread (4 slices): Look for crusty, sturdy bread—it soaks up the broth but still stands up to the cheesy topping.
- Provolone Cheese (4 slices): Melts beautifully for that gooey, stretchy “lid.”
- Swiss Cheese (2 slices, diced): Lends a nutty, sharp note and great melt; dice so it gets evenly distributed.
- Parmesan Cheese (¼ cup, grated): Sprinkled on top for a golden, bubbly, salty finish.
Variations
One of my favorite things about Rich and Simple French Onion Soup is how easy it is to adapt—whether you’re working with what you have, leaning into your favorite flavors, or navigating dietary needs.
- Vegetarian Twist: Use a rich vegetable broth in place of beef stock and swap out Parmesan for a vegetarian hard cheese.
- Herb Lovers’ Upgrade: Add a bay leaf or fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for an extra layer of fragrance and flavor.
- Cheese Swap: Try Gruyère or even sharp white cheddar instead of provolone or Swiss for an assertively tangy and nutty cheese crust.
- Whole Grain Bread: Substitute the French bread for a hearty whole grain boule for extra texture and depth.
How to Make Rich and Simple French Onion Soup
Step 1: Caramelize the Onions
Melt the unsalted butter with olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and let them sweat, stirring often, until they’re tender and translucent. Patience is key—don’t rush or brown the onions. A gentle, slow cook unlocks their natural sweetness, giving the soup its deep, signature flavor base.
Step 2: Build the Broth
Pour in the beef broth, followed by the dry sherry and thyme. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring everything to a gentle simmer and let it bubble away for about 30 minutes, so the savory flavors fully mingle and intensify. Meanwhile, take a moment to preheat your oven’s broiler—you’ll need it soon for that golden cheesy finish.
Step 3: Assemble & Broil
Ladle the piping hot soup into oven-safe bowls, then float a slice of crusty French bread on top of each (feel free to break the bread into chunks to fit). Layer provolone, diced Swiss, and a good sprinkle of Parmesan over the bread, making sure it covers the top and edges so you get a glorious cheese stretch in every spoonful.
Step 4: Finish & Serve
Carefully set your bowls on a baking sheet and slide them under the broiler. Watch closely! In just 2–3 minutes, the cheese will melt, bubble, and develop irresistible golden edges. Serve Rich and Simple French Onion Soup steaming hot—dig in while the bread is soft and the cheese is perfectly gooey.
Pro Tips for Making Rich and Simple French Onion Soup
- Low & Slow Onion Magic: Cooking onions gently over medium or medium-low heat draws out their natural sugars—rushing this step means missing out on depth and sweetness.
- Sherry Timing: Add sherry with the broth—not earlier—so it infuses the soup instead of evaporating away; it truly lifts the entire flavor profile.
- Cheese Placement: Layer your cheese all the way to the edges of the bowl to get that iconic “seal” and ultimate cheesy stretch.
- Safety First: Oven-safe bowls are a must for broiling! If you’re unsure about your dishes, toast the bread slices separately with cheese and float on top just before serving.
How to Serve Rich and Simple French Onion Soup
Garnishes
For a final flourish, scatter a pinch of freshly cracked pepper or a few leaves of fresh thyme over the bubbly cheese. A tiny drizzle of olive oil or even a sprinkle of chives makes the flavors pop and adds gorgeous color against the creamy golden topping.
Side Dishes
This soup is so hearty, it can shine solo as a meal. But if you want a little extra, try serving it with a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette, or some delicate roasted vegetables. A light wine—maybe a chilled Sauvignon Blanc—pairs wonderfully and adds a little French flair to your table.
Creative Ways to Present
Channel your inner Parisian bistro and serve Rich and Simple French Onion Soup in individual mini cocottes or rustic earthenware bowls. For a playful twist, cut the bread into fun shapes with a cookie cutter before toasting and topping. Sprinkle with edible flowers or microgreens for a modern, restaurant-worthy look!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover soup (minus the bread and cheese) in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Keep the bread and cheese separate so they stay fresh for serving and don’t get soggy in the broth.
Freezing
Rich and Simple French Onion Soup freezes beautifully without the bread and cheese topping—just ladle into freezer-safe containers, leaving a bit of space for expansion. It will keep well for up to three months; thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the soup on the stove over medium-low heat until piping hot. Assemble with fresh bread and cheese, and broil as usual for a just-made, bubbly finish. Even reheated, the flavors just seem to get richer and better!
FAQs
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Can I use a different type of cheese instead of provolone or Swiss?
Absolutely! Gruyère is the cheese most closely associated with traditional French onion soup, but mozzarella, white cheddar, or even fontina work beautifully and melt well on top.
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Does this Rich and Simple French Onion Soup taste good without sherry?
The sherry adds a delicate aroma and depth, but if you don’t have any on hand, a splash of white wine or even a tiny bit of apple cider vinegar for brightness can be substituted. Or simply leave it out—it’ll still taste incredible!
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What’s the best way to slice onions for this soup?
Cut the onions in half from root to tip, peel, then slice from root to tip into thin, even half-moons. This helps them cook evenly and ensures every mouthful of your soup is just right.
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Can I make Rich and Simple French Onion Soup ahead of time for a dinner party?
Definitely! Prepare the soup a day or two in advance, but wait to add the bread and cheese until just before serving—broil and serve hot for maximum wow-factor and gooeyness.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never tried making Rich and Simple French Onion Soup at home, this recipe is the perfect opportunity to fall in love with all things sweet, savory, and cheesy. I truly hope it becomes a comforting favorite in your kitchen, too—don’t forget to savor that first melty bite!
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: Simmering, Broiling
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Rich and Simple French Onion Soup is a classic comfort food with a decadent twist. Caramelized onions simmered in a flavorful broth, topped with crusty bread and gooey melted cheese, make for a satisfying meal any time of year.
Ingredients
- 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
- 1 pinch salt and pepper to taste
- 4 slices French bread
- 4 slices provolone cheese
- 2 slices Swiss cheese, diced
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Onion Mixture:
Soup Base:
For Serving:
Instructions
- Gather all ingredients.
- Add beef broth, sherry, and thyme.
- Ladle soup into oven-safe serving bowls and top with bread and cheeses.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Melt butter with olive oil in an 8-quart stock pot over medium heat. Add onions to butter and continually stir until tender and translucent. Do not brown the onions.
Season with salt and pepper. Let simmer for 30 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat the oven’s broiler.
Place bowls on a cookie sheet and broil in the preheated oven until cheese bubbles and browns slightly, 2 to 3 minutes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 586
- Sugar: Unknown
- Sodium: 1592mg
- Fat: 44g
- Saturated Fat: 24g
- Unsaturated Fat: Unknown
- Trans Fat: Unknown
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 21g
- Cholesterol: 98mg
