There is something irresistibly comforting about a bowl of classic French onion soup, and this Rich and Simple French Onion Soup Recipe captures that cozy magic perfectly. With deeply caramelized onions simmered in savory beef broth, enriched by a touch of dry sherry and fragrant thyme, this soup delivers layers of flavor without fuss. Toasted French bread topped with a luscious blend of provolone, Swiss, and Parmesan melts into golden perfection, creating a heartwarming dish that feels both indulgent and approachable. Once you try this recipe, it will become your go-to for chilly evenings or anytime you crave a soul-soothing meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this soup plays an essential role, from the sweet softness of caramelized onions to the rich depth of the beef broth. They come together to create a harmonious balance of flavor, texture, and color that makes this soup truly special.
- Unsalted butter: Adds creamy richness and helps slowly caramelize the onions without burning.
- Olive oil: Complements the butter for perfect caramelization and subtle fruitiness.
- Sliced onions: The star of the show, they transform from crisp to luscious sweetness when cooked patiently.
- Beef broth: Provides a hearty, savory base that deepens the soup’s flavor.
- Dry sherry: Brings a hint of acidity and complexity that brightens the broth.
- Dried thyme: Offers an earthy, aromatic note essential for that classic French onion character.
- Salt and pepper: Simple seasonings to enhance all the natural flavors.
- French bread slices: Ideal for holding the melted cheese topping and absorbing flavorful broth.
- Provolone cheese slices: Melts smoothly, adding creamy and slightly tangy layers.
- Diced Swiss cheese: Provides nuttiness and richness in a melty, gooey form.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Sprinkled on top for a sharp, salty finish.
How to Make Rich and Simple French Onion Soup Recipe
Step 1: Caramelize the Onions
Begin by melting the unsalted butter with olive oil in a heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the 4 cups of sliced onions, and stir frequently to ensure they cook evenly. The key to this soup’s rich flavor is patience—allow the onions to slowly turn golden brown and develop their natural sweetness over 30 to 40 minutes. Resist the urge to rush this step, as perfectly caramelized onions make all the difference.
Step 2: Deglaze and Simmer
Once the onions are gloriously caramelized, add 2 tablespoons of dry sherry to deglaze the pot, scraping up all of the flavorful browned bits sticking to the bottom. Pour in the 5 cups of beef broth and stir in 1 teaspoon of dried thyme. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. Bring everything to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to combine beautifully for about 15 minutes.
Step 3: Prepare the Bread and Cheese
While the soup simmers, preheat your oven to broil. Arrange 4 slices of French bread on a baking sheet and toast them until lightly golden. Then, layer each slice generously with provolone and diced Swiss cheese, finishing with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan. Broil until the cheese is melted and bubbly with golden spots—this will add the perfect gooey topping to your soup.
Step 4: Assemble and Serve
Ladle the hot soup into oven-safe bowls, float one cheesy bread slice on top of each, and if you like, carefully place them under the broiler briefly for an extra melty finish. Serve immediately and enjoy the deep, rich flavors of your Rich and Simple French Onion Soup Recipe.
How to Serve Rich and Simple French Onion Soup Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or a few thyme sprigs add a delightful pop of color and a fresh herbal note that complements the soup’s richness beautifully. A dusting of extra Parmesan on top never hurts either.
Side Dishes
This soup shines as a starter but can hold its own as a meal, especially paired with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables. For something heartier, serve alongside crusty bread or a simple cheese platter to keep the focus on bold, comforting flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For an impressive dinner party touch, serve the soup in individual mini cast-iron skillets or rustic ramekins. Layer the cheesy toast just before serving for that signature bubbly crust. You can also experiment with different cheeses like Gruyère or mozzarella for a unique twist on this Rich and Simple French Onion Soup Recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the toasted cheese bread separately to avoid it becoming soggy, then reheat just before serving.
Freezing
This soup freezes well if you leave out the bread and cheese topping. Freeze the broth and onion mixture in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove.
Reheating
Reheat the soup on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Once warmed, add fresh toasted bread and cheese topping, then broil just until melted and bubbly for the authentic taste and texture.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, substitute the beef broth with a rich vegetable broth and omit the dry sherry if desired. The caramelized onions still provide plenty of deep flavor, and you can keep the cheese toppings as is.
Why is slow caramelization important?
Slowly cooking the onions allows their natural sugars to break down and develop a complex sweetness without burning. This process creates the signature rich flavor of French onion soup that can’t be rushed.
Can I use different cheeses?
Absolutely! Gruyère is a classic choice with a nutty flavor, but Emmental, mozzarella, or even a sharp cheddar can add interesting variations to the taste and texture.
How do I prevent the bread from getting soggy?
Toast the bread slices thoroughly and add them to the soup just before serving. Keeping the bread and soup separate until just before eating will keep the bread crisp underneath the melted cheese.
Is dry sherry necessary?
Dry sherry adds a subtle acidity and depth to the broth that enhances the overall complexity of the soup. If you don’t have it, a splash of white wine or a teaspoon of balsamic vinegar can work as a substitute, but try not to skip it entirely.
Final Thoughts
There is nothing quite like the joy of spooning a steaming bowl of this Rich and Simple French Onion Soup Recipe on a chilly day. The sweet onions, savory broth, and bubbling cheese create a dish that is both timeless and deeply satisfying. I encourage you to try it soon—you’ll find yourself coming back to this classic again and again, sharing it with friends and savoring every comforting bite.
Print
Rich and Simple French Onion Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: French
Description
This Rich and Simple French Onion Soup recipe delivers a classic comforting bowl of savory caramelized onions simmered in a flavorful beef broth with a touch of dry sherry and fragrant thyme. Topped with crispy French bread and a melty blend of provolone, Swiss, and Parmesan cheeses, this soup is perfect for a cozy meal and showcases traditional French culinary techniques in an accessible way.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cups sliced onions
- 5 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons dry sherry
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 pinch salt and pepper to taste
Toppings
- 4 slices French bread
- 4 slices provolone cheese
- 2 slices Swiss cheese, diced
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Caramelize the Onions: In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the unsalted butter alongside the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook slowly, stirring frequently, until onions are deeply golden and caramelized, about 30-40 minutes. This step is crucial for developing the soup’s rich flavor.
- Add Broth and Seasonings: Stir in the beef broth, dry sherry, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer, allowing the flavors to meld together for about 15 minutes.
- Prepare the Bread and Cheese: While the soup simmers, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lay out the French bread slices on a baking sheet. On each slice, layer the provolone, diced Swiss, and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese. Bake in the oven until the cheese bubbles and turns golden brown, approximately 10 minutes.
- Assemble and Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and top each with one or two cheesy French bread slices. Serve immediately, ensuring the cheese is melted and the soup is piping hot.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute beef broth with vegetable broth and omit the Swiss and provolone cheeses if desired.
- Use a mix of onions such as yellow and sweet onions for a more complex flavor.
- Dry sherry can be replaced with dry white wine or omitted if you prefer a non-alcoholic soup.
- Be patient when caramelizing onions; rushing this step will result in less flavorful soup.
- French bread can be lightly toasted before adding cheese to ensure a crisp base under the melted cheese.
