Rich and Simple French Onion Soup Recipe

If you’re craving comfort in a bowl, nothing delivers quite like Rich and Simple French Onion Soup. This iconic bistro favorite transforms humble onions into an elegant, soul-warming masterpiece—with gooey cheese, crusty bread, and a deep, savory broth that’s absolutely irresistible.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Rich and Simple French Onion Soup lies in how these classic ingredients work together to create something unforgettable. Don’t be tempted to swap or skip—each has a purpose, whether it’s depth, texture, or irresistible cheesiness!

• Unsalted butter: Provides richness and helps the onions caramelize oh-so-softly without burning.
• Olive oil: Adds roundness and prevents the butter from browning too quickly.
• Sliced onions: The star! When slowly cooked, they turn sweet, silky, and rich in flavor.
• Beef broth: Gives body and savoriness; opt for a good-quality broth since this makes up most of your soup base.
• Dry sherry: Adds a faintly sweet, nutty note that elevates the broth (optional, but highly recommended for classic flavor).
• Dried thyme: A pinch brings subtle herbaceousness, making the onions and broth sing.
• Salt and pepper: Essential to bring out every deep, sweet, and savory note.
• French bread: For that iconic golden, crispy floating crouton under your cheese.
• Provolone cheese: Melts beautifully and gives the soup that stretchy-cheesy layer.
• Swiss cheese: Classic to French onion soup, melts into pockets of nutty, creamy deliciousness.
• Parmesan cheese: Finishes the gratinée with a golden, tangy kick and extra savoriness.

Variations

The beauty of Rich and Simple French Onion Soup is how customizable it can be. Feel free to tweak the ingredients or process to suit your mood, dietary preferences, or what you have on hand—you’re in the chef’s seat!

• Vegetarian Version: Swap in a robust vegetable broth for the beef broth, and use all cheeses that suit your diet for a meatless marvel.
• Different Cheeses: Try Gruyère for classic French flavor, or experiment with fontina, cheddar, or mozzarella for new melty results.
• Make It Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free bread (or baguette) for your cheesy crouton so everyone can enjoy the magic.
• Onion Lovers’ Mix: Blend yellow, sweet, or even red onions for a complex, multicolored tangle of sweetness.

How to Make Rich and Simple French Onion Soup

Step 1: Gently Sauté the Onions

Start by melting the butter with olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed stockpot over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and begin stirring—the key here is patience! Stir them gently and often, letting them become very soft and translucent. You don’t want color or browning; you’re looking for meltingly tender and sweet onions, which takes around 15–20 minutes. Trust me, this first step sets the stage for your soup’s beautiful depth.

Step 2: Simmer the Broth and Sherry

Once your onions are soft and glistening, pour in the flavorful beef broth and that gorgeous splash of dry sherry (if using). Sprinkle in the thyme, evenly season with salt and pepper, and bring everything to a gentle simmer. Let it bubble away softly for about 30 minutes so the flavors meld and deepen, filling your kitchen with an intoxicating aroma.

Step 3: Prepare the Cheesy Toasts

While your soup simmers, preheat your oven’s broiler. Arrange your slices of French bread on a baking sheet and toast lightly under the broiler—just enough to give them a little golden crunch. This step means your bread will hold up under the gooey cheese without going instantly soggy.

Step 4: Assemble and Broil

Ladle the piping-hot soup into oven-safe bowls. Float a slice of toasted bread atop each, then layer with provolone, a scatter of diced Swiss, and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan. Pop your bowls on a baking sheet and slide under the broiler just until the cheese bubbles and browns at the edges. Watch closely—this magic moment happens in just 2–3 minutes!

Step 5: Serve and Savor

Once the cheese is beautifully melted and tinged with golden, carefully remove the bowls and serve immediately—after ooohing and aaahing over that molten cheese and heavenly aroma! This is the essence of Rich and Simple French Onion Soup.

How to Serve Rich and Simple French Onion Soup

Garnishes

For a finishing flourish, try a sprinkle of extra Parmesan, a few fresh thyme leaves, or even a crack of fresh black pepper over the bubbling cheese. It adds a touch of color and a little pop of flavor to every bite of Rich and Simple French Onion Soup.

Side Dishes

This soup is delightfully hearty on its own, but pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad tossed in a punchy vinaigrette. If you’re especially hungry, serve it with a side of roasted vegetables or simple charcuterie to keep that French bistro mood alive.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve Rich and Simple French Onion Soup in individual crocks for a classic touch—or pour it into mini ramekins for appetizer portions at a dinner party. For a rustic look, try oven-to-table enamel pots, and don’t forget big, sturdy spoons for getting every last bit of gooey cheese and sweet onion!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftover soup cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container. It will keep beautifully in the fridge for up to four days—just store the cheesy bread separately for best texture.

Freezing

Rich and Simple French Onion Soup (without the bread and cheese topping) freezes extremely well! Portion into freezer-safe containers, cool completely, then freeze for up to two months. Defrost overnight in the refrigerator before reheating and adding fresh crouton and cheese when serving.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the soup on the stovetop over low heat until steaming hot. For that classic bubbling cheese topping, assemble your bread and cheese on top and broil as usual—just like day one!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never made Rich and Simple French Onion Soup from scratch, now’s the time to treat yourself! It’s an experience that fills your kitchen with the best kind of cozy and leaves everyone at the table warm, happy, and eager for seconds. Give it a try—your taste buds will thank you!

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