🧅 Classic French Onion Soup with Gruyère & Toasted French Bread

This deeply flavorful French Onion Soup features caramelized onions simmered in savory beef broth and sherry, topped with a slice of toasted French bread and bubbly Gruyère cheese. It’s a timeless comfort food that’s surprisingly simple to make at home.

🛒 Ingredients

🥣 For the Soup

8 tbsp unsalted butter
4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
6 cups beef broth
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
¼ cup dry sherry (optional but recommended)
1 sprig fresh thyme
1 tsp kosher salt
½ tsp coarse ground black pepper

🥖 For Topping

4 slices French bread, toasted
1 cup Gruyère cheese, grated

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Caramelize the Onions

In a large stockpot over medium heat, melt the butter.
Add the sliced onions and cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until they are soft and translucent—about 30–35 minutes. They should be tender and golden but not browned.

🔥 Low and slow is the key to deep onion flavor.

2. Simmer the Soup

Add the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, dry sherry, thyme sprig, salt, and pepper.
Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook uncovered for 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

3. Prepare the Topping

While the soup simmers:

Toast the French bread slices until golden and crisp.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) or use a toaster oven.

4. Assemble & Melt the Cheese

Ladle hot soup into oven-safe bowls or crocks.
Top each with a slice of toasted French bread and a generous sprinkle of Gruyère cheese.
Place the bowls on a baking sheet and bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.

🧠 Tips & Notes

Sherry substitute: If you don’t have dry sherry, use a splash of white wine or omit it for a more straightforward broth.
Gruyère alternative: Swiss cheese or provolone can be used in a pinch.
For extra-deep flavor, let the onions caramelize longer, up to 45 minutes.
Make it vegetarian by using vegetable broth and omitting Worcestershire sauce.

🧊 Storage & Reheating

Fridge: Store leftover soup (without bread/cheese topping) in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Reheat: Warm soup in a saucepan over medium heat. Add fresh toast and cheese when serving.

🍷 Pair It With

A glass of dry red wine (like Pinot Noir or Merlot)
Simple green salad with Dijon vinaigrette
Crusty baguette for dipping

French Onion Soup