Name: Irresistible FRENCH ONION SOUP GRATINÉE Recipe to Savor
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 4 medium yellow onions, thinly sliced; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter; 6 cups (about 1.4 L) beef broth; ½ cup dry white wine; 1 fresh baguette, sliced into rounds; 2 cups (about 200 g) shredded gruyère cheese

This homemade version of the classic French onion soup brings together deeply caramelized onions, rich beef broth, crisp toasted baguette slices, and melty cheese gratinéed to perfection. Every spoonful wraps me in warmth and comfort—it’s the ultimate cozy dish for any time of year.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I absolutely love how simple and satisfying this soup is. It’s elegant enough for a dinner party but cozy enough for a quiet night in. The sweet depth of the caramelized onions combined with the salty broth and gooey cheese creates an incredible balance of flavors. I enjoy serving this as both a starter and a main course—it always impresses.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

4 medium yellow onions, thinly sliced
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
6 cups (about 1.4 L) beef broth
½ cup dry white wine
1 fresh baguette, sliced into rounds
2 cups (about 200 g) shredded gruyère cheese

directions

I start by thinly slicing the onions so they caramelize evenly.
In a large pot, I melt the butter over medium heat, then add the onions. I stir them frequently for 20 to 25 minutes until they become golden and tender.
I deglaze the pot with the white wine, scraping up any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom.
I pour in the beef broth, bring it to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer for 15 to 20 minutes.
While the soup simmers, I toast the baguette slices until golden and crisp.
I ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls, top each with toasted bread slices and a generous layer of shredded gruyère, then place them under the broiler for 3 to 5 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden. I serve it hot and melty.

Servings and timing

Servings: This recipe makes about 6 portions
Prep time: 30 minutes
Cook time: About 1 hour

Variations

I like swapping gruyère for comté, emmental, or even mozzarella for a milder version.
I sometimes use vegetable broth for a vegetarian option or chicken broth for a lighter flavor.
I add fresh thyme, rosemary, or sautéed mushrooms when I want more complexity.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, I warm the soup gently on the stove, then re-top with fresh bread and cheese before broiling again to bring back that irresistible gratinéed top.

FAQs

What ingredients are needed for this soup?

I make sure to have sweet yellow onions, unsalted butter, a rich beef broth, dry white wine, a crusty baguette, and melty gruyère cheese.

How long does it take to make this soup?

I plan for about 1 hour and 30 minutes from start to finish—30 minutes for prep, and about 1 hour for cooking, simmering, and broiling.

Can it be made ahead?

Absolutely. I make the soup ahead, store it in the fridge for up to 3 days, and just add the bread and cheese before reheating and broiling right before serving.

What variations can I try?

I experiment with different cheeses, broths, and add-ins like herbs or mushrooms depending on the mood or occasion.

How should leftovers be stored and reheated?

I keep leftovers chilled for up to 3 days, reheat the soup gently, then add new cheese and toast before giving it a quick broil to recreate that perfect melted topping.

Conclusion

This French onion soup gratinée is like a warm hug in a bowl—simple, rich, and deeply comforting. I love how the caramelized onions bring sweetness, the broth adds depth, and the melted cheese ties it all together. Whether I’m cooking for guests or treating myself, this dish always satisfies. I hope it becomes a favorite in your kitchen too.

Irresistible FRENCH ONION SOUP GRATINÉE Recipe to Savor

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Author: Sue
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Category: Soups
Method: Broiled
Cuisine: French
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This French onion soup gratinée combines caramelized onions, rich broth, toasted baguette, and melted cheese for a deeply comforting and elegant dish.

Ingredients

4 medium yellow onions, thinly sliced
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
6 cups (about 1.4 L) beef broth
½ cup dry white wine
1 fresh baguette, sliced into rounds
2 cups (about 200 g) shredded gruyère cheese

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Instructions

Thinly slice the onions for even caramelization.
In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat, then add the onions. Stir frequently for 20–25 minutes until golden and tender.
Deglaze the pot with the white wine, scraping up any browned bits.
Add the beef broth, bring to a boil, then simmer for 15–20 minutes.
Toast the baguette slices until golden and crisp.
Ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls, top with toasted baguette and shredded gruyère, then broil for 3–5 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Serve hot and enjoy.

Notes

Swap gruyère for comté, emmental, or mozzarella for a milder version.
Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian option or chicken broth for a lighter flavor.
Add thyme, rosemary, or sautéed mushrooms for added complexity.
Soup can be made ahead and gratinéed just before serving.