French Onion Soup

Story behind the dish

French Onion Soup is a warm hug in a bowl—rich, savory, and beautifully caramelized. This classic culinary masterpiece has been comforting countless generations with its deep, sweet flavor profile and indulgent melted cheese topping. Its origins trace back to humble French countryside kitchens, where cooks transformed simple onions into a dish fit for royalty. Today, it’s a beloved staple, perfect for cozy evenings or impressing guests with timeless elegance.

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup (2 oz or 57 g) Butter
• 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
• 2.2 lbs (1 kg) Onion, sliced
• 1 teaspoon Sugar
• 4 cloves Garlic, sliced
• 2 tablespoons Plain Flour
• 1 cup (8 oz or 237 ml) Dry White Wine
• 4 cups (1 quart or 32 oz or 946 ml) Beef Stock
• 4 slices Bread
• 5 ounces (140 g) Gruyère cheese, grated or sliced

Step-by-step

1. Melt the butter with the olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook with the lid on for about 10 minutes, until they soften.
2. Sprinkle in the sugar, then cook for an additional 20 minutes, stirring frequently. Continue until the onions are deeply caramelized, a rich golden color, soft, and full of flavor. Keep an eye to prevent burning during the last stages.
3. In the final few minutes of caramelizing, add the sliced garlic to the onions and cook until fragrant.
4. Stir in the flour and mix well, then increase the heat.
5. Slowly add the white wine, stirring constantly until it is mostly absorbed, then pour in the hot beef stock.
6. Cover the pot and let the soup simmer gently for 15 to 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
7. While the soup simmers, preheat your grill. Toast the bread slices until golden.
8. Ladle the hot soup into heatproof bowls. Place one or two toasted bread slices on top of each bowl, then sprinkle generously with Gruyère cheese.
9. Grill the bowls until the cheese melts into a bubbly, golden blanket. Alternatively, melt the cheese on the bread toasts under the grill before placing them on top of the soup for a crispier finish.

Chef’s tips & serving ideas

• For an extra depth of flavor, add a splash of brandy or sherry when deglazing with the wine.
• Serve this soup with a simple green salad and a glass of the same white wine used in cooking for a beautifully balanced meal.

Closing thoughts

There’s something downright nostalgic about spooning up a bowl of French Onion Soup, watching the cheese stretch with each bite, and savoring the rich, sweet caramelized onions. It’s a dish that transforms humble ingredients into something extraordinary—a perfect reminder that comfort food can also be refined. Gather your loved ones around, and enjoy this simple yet divine creation.