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French Onion Soup with Cheesy Baguette Croutons

French Onion Soup with Cheesy Baguette Croutons

Classic French Onion Soup with Cheesy Baguette Croutons combines deeply caramelized yellow onions, a rich and savory beef broth, and crispy toasted baguette slices topped with melted Gruyère cheese. This comforting dish delivers a warm, hearty, and cheesy experience ideal for chilly days or cozy meals. The recipe is versatile, easy to customize for various dietary needs, and highlights authentic French flavors in a satisfying bowl.

  • Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Soup Ingredients

  • 6 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 cup dry white wine or sherry
  • 6 cups beef broth (homemade or high-quality store-bought)
  • 3 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 2 bay leaves
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Baguette Croutons and Cheese

  • 1 baguette, sliced into ½-inch thick rounds (day-old or slightly stale preferred)
  • Butter or olive oil, for toasting
  • 2 cups Gruyère cheese, freshly grated

Instructions

  1. Caramelize the Onions: Begin by thinly slicing the yellow onions. Melt unsalted butter in a large pot over medium heat, then add the onions. Cook slowly, stirring often, for about 40–50 minutes until they turn a deep golden brown and release their natural sweetness.
  2. Deglaze and Simmer: Pour in the dry white wine or sherry to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits stuck to the bottom. Add beef broth, fresh thyme, and bay leaves. Bring the soup to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to meld for 30 minutes.
  3. Prepare the Cheesy Baguette Croutons: Slice the baguette into ½-inch thick rounds. Toast them lightly in the oven with a little butter or olive oil until crisp. Then top each slice generously with Gruyère cheese and return to the oven until melted and bubbly.
  4. Assemble and Broil: Ladle the piping hot soup into oven-safe bowls. Float several cheesy baguette croutons on top of the soup, then place the bowls under a broiler for a few minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Slow caramelization: Don’t rush the onions; low and slow cooking unlocks their full flavor.
  • Use quality broth: The broth is the backbone of the soup—choose wisely for the richest taste.
  • Proper bread choice: A crusty baguette holds up well in the soup without becoming mushy too quickly.
  • Grate cheese fresh: Freshly grated Gruyère melts better and tastes richer than pre-shredded options.
  • Oven-safe bowls: Make sure your soup bowls can go under the broiler safely to melt cheese on top.
  • Author: Lina
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
  • Category: Appetizers
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: French
  • Diet: Can be adapted (see variations)

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl with croutons
  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Sugar: 10 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 11 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 12 g
  • Cholesterol: 45 mg

Keywords: French Onion Soup, Cheesy Baguette, Caramelized Onions, Comfort Food, Gruyère Cheese, Classic French Recipe