By This Rich and Simple French Onion Soup balances hearty flavor with a straightforward process, so you get a reliable, delicious result every time.
Rich and Simple French Onion Soup captures the essence of meals|beef & lamb while staying approachable for everyday cooking. The method focuses on maximizing flavor with minimal steps, using common pantry items and fresh ingredients. From the first bite you’ll notice a balance of texture and taste that feels both familiar and exciting. To build depth, we combine proper seasoning with simple techniques: gentle heat for aromatics, accurate measurements, and attention to doneness. Small details—like resting time or layering ingredients—make a noticeable difference in the final dish. This recipe is designed to be flexible. You can swap in seasonal produce, adjust spices to match your preferences, or adapt the base to suit dietary needs. The goal is to keep the spirit of the dish while letting you tailor it to your kitchen. Serving ideas are wide open: pair with a crisp salad, roasted vegetables, warm bread, or your favorite grains. Leftovers store well and often taste even better the next day as flavors settle. That makes the recipe suitable for meal prep and busy schedules. For best results, read the steps once before you start, assemble ingredients, and cook with confidence. Taste as you go, and don’t be afraid to adjust seasoning. With these principles, Rich and Simple French Onion Soup becomes a reliable addition to your rotation—crowd-pleasing, practical, and full of flavor.
INGREDIENTS
4 large onions, thinly sliced
1/4 cup butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
8 cups beef broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
1 teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
1 baguette, sliced into 1-inch thick pieces
2 cups shredded Gruyère cheese (or Swiss cheese)
PREPARATION STEPS
Caramelize the Onions: In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat
Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring frequently, until golden brown and caramelized, about 25-30 minutes.
Prepare the Soup Base: Sprinkle the flour over the caramelized onions and stir for 1-2 minutes to cook the flour
Slowly add the beef broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps
Add thyme, salt, and pepper
Bring the soup to a simmer and let it cook for 20-25 minutes.
Toast the Bread: Preheat your oven broiler. Arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet and broil until golden and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side.
Assemble and Broil: Ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls
Place a toasted baguette slice on top of each bowl and sprinkle generously with Gruyère cheese
Place the bowls under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve: Carefully remove the bowls from the oven and serve the soup hot.
Nutritional Information:
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 50 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Kcal: 350 kcal per serving | Servings: 6 servings
ORIGIN
Home-style cooking inspired by classic flavors and modern, reliable methods.
META INFOS
Prep: 20 min | Cook: 45 min | Total: 65 min | Servings: 4 | Calories: ~450 kcal | Difficulty: Medium
BENEFITS
Balanced flavor with approachable prep. Nutrition-friendly options and make-ahead friendly for busy schedules.
OCCASIONS
Weeknight dinners; Family gatherings; Potlucks; Holidays; Picnics; Meal prep
VARIATIONS
Swap seasonal produce; Adjust spices; Offer gluten-free or low-carb options where suitable; Try alternative proteins.
PAIRINGS
Green salad; Roasted vegetables; Rice or bread
STORAGE
Refrigerate in airtight container 2–4 days; freeze up to 2 months. Reheat gently to preserve texture.
TIPS
Measure accurately; Preheat pans/oven; Avoid overcooking; Taste and adjust seasoning; Rest before slicing when needed.
