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5.0 from 12 votes

Easy French Onion Soup

One of the best soups in the world, this traditional dish makes a simple and delicious meal on a chilly day!

Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
1 hr 15 mins
Total Time
1 hr 30 mins
Servings: 8 people
Calories: 293 kcal
Course: Lunch , Dinner
Cuisine: French

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons salted butter
  • 3-4 large Vidalia onions (about 3 lbs. total), peeled and sliced
  • 1 clove garlic, peeled and minced
  • 2 teaspoons minced fresh thyme (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)
  • 8 cups beef broth (or beef stock)
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce 
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
  • Kosher salt and ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 baguette, sliced into ¾-inch thick rounds
  • 8 ounces Swiss or Gruyere cheese, shredded

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Melt the butter in a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium heat. Add the onions and saute for 20 minutes, stirring frequently. Add the garlic and saute 10 minutes more.
  2. Add the thyme and 1 cup of the beef broth. Deglaze the pan, stirring to loosen the cooked pieces on the bottom. Add the remaining beef broth, Worcestershire sauce and bay leaf. Increase the heat to medium-high and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 20-30 minutes. Stir in balsamic vinegar and season with salt and pepper, to taste. Discard bay leaf.
  3. Adjust an oven rack to the middle position and heat the oven to 400°F. While the soup is simmering, arrange the bread slices on a baking sheet and toast in the oven just until barely browned (about 5 minutes). Remove and set aside.
  4. Switch the oven to the broiler. Place oven-safe soup bowls on a rimmed baking sheet. Ladle soup into the bowls.
  5. Top each bowl with 2 slices of toast and sprinkle with about ¼ cup of cheese.
  6. Place on an oven rack about 6 inches from the heat and broil for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep a close eye on the broiler so that the bread and cheese don’t burn.

Notes

  • French onion soup is delicious alongside a simple green salad dressed in Dijon vinaigrette, a classic Caesar salad, or a green salad with red wine vinegar dressing.

Nutrition Information

Serving 1serving Calories 293kcal (15%) Carbohydrates 31g (10%) Protein 15g (30%) Fat 12g (18%) Saturated Fat 7g (35%) Cholesterol 34mg (11%) Sodium 1199mg (50%) Potassium 405mg (12%) Fiber 2g (8%) Sugar 10g (20%) Vitamin A 323IU (6%) Vitamin C 9mg (10%) Calcium 299mg (30%) Iron 2mg (11%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 8people

Amount Per Serving

Calories 293

% Daily Value*

Serving 1serving
Calories 293kcal 15%
Carbohydrates 31g 10%
Protein 15g 30%
Fat 12g 18%
Saturated Fat 7g 35%
Cholesterol 34mg 11%
Sodium 1199mg 50%
Potassium 405mg 9%
Fiber 2g 8%
Sugar 10g 20%
Vitamin A 323IU 6%
Vitamin C 9mg 10%
Calcium 299mg 30%
Iron 2mg 11%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.