Classic French onion soup recipe is easy to make with deeply caramelized onions, rich broth, and a Gruyère–topped baguette broiled until bubbly. Cozy, elegant, and the perfect foolproof soup recipe.
If you have made our Crockpot French Onion Chicken, Slow Cooker French Onion Pot Roast, or Slow Cooker French Onion Soup Recipe then you are going to love this stove top French Onion Soup.
This soup is so comforting and each bite is full of caramelized onions, delicious broth, and a baguette that is topped with melted cheese. It is delicious served as a main dish but you can also serve with a simple green salad or a Turkey Melt Sandwich.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Restaurant Quality – Sweet, delicious onions cooked in a savory broth that just warms the soul.
- Simple ingredients – Onions, stock, wine, bread, cheese is all you need for a delicious soup at home.
- Make-ahead friendly – The soup base improves overnight and freezes beautifully.
- Show Stopping finish – Toasted baguette topped with melted Gruyère Cheese under the broiler.
Ingredients
- Yellow Onions – Thinly Sliced
- Butter – We used unsalted butter
- Minced Garlic – Learn How to Mince Garlic Cloves
- All Purpose Flour – Helps to thicken the soup
- Dry White Wine – Added to deglaze the pan. You can substitute with red wine or Dry Sherry Wine
- Beef Broth – You can also use beef stock, chicken broth or chicken stock
- Simple Spices – Bay Leaf, Kosher Salt and Pepper
- Worcestershire sauce – See Homemade Worcestershire Sauce Recipe
- Baguette Slices – This is the perfect size to place on the bowl. You can also use French Bread
- Gruyere Cheese – Shredded or sliced. You can also use shredded mozzarella or Swiss Cheese
Scroll to the recipe card for the recipe details.
How to Make French Onion Soup
Follow along with my simple instructions and let’s make my French onion soup using this recipe.
Step 1 – In a large heavy stockpot or Dutch Oven, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add the sliced onion and cook over medium heat for about 30 minutes, stirring every 3-5 minutes until the onions are caramelized but not burned.
Step 2 – Add in the garlic and flour and cook for 1-2 minutes over medium-low heat.
Step 3 – Pour in the white wine and deglaze the pan. Use the back of a spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
Step 4 – Add in Worcestershire, bay leaf,salt, pepper and broth. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 10-15 minutes.
Step 5 – While the soup is simmering, toast the bread slices. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F and slice the baguette into 1 inch slices. Lay out in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake for 5-6 minutes until toasted and golden brown around the edges. Switch the oven to broil.
Step 6 – Ladle the soup into oven safe soup bowls. (If you don’t have oven-safe bowls, see notes for more tips.) Top with 1-2 toasted baguettes, and place the gruyere cheese on top of the baguettes. Broil for 2-4 until the cheese is melted. Remove from the oven and serve immediately while the soup is still hot. Enjoy!
French Onion Soup Recipe
Ingredients
- 4-5 large yellow onions thinly sliced
- 4 tablespoons Butter
- 3 garlic cloves minced (for 1 tablespoon of minced garlic)
- 4 tablespoons All Purpose Flour
- 1 cup dry white wine
- 6 cups beef broth
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 baguette
- 6 oz Gruyere cheese – shredded or sliced
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Instructions
- In a large heavy stockpot, melt 4 tablespoons butter over medium-high heat.
- Add 4 sliced yellow onions and cook over medium heat for about 30 minutes, stirring every 3–5 minutes until the onions are caramelized but not burned.
- Add 2 cloves minced garlic and 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour. Cook for 1–2 minutes while stirring constantly.
- Pour in 1 cup dry white wine and deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot with the back of a spoon.
- Add 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce, 1 bay leaf, ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, and 6 cups beef broth.
- Stir everything together and bring the soup to a boil.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 10–15 minutes.
- Remove and discard the bay leaf.
- While the soup simmers, preheat the oven to 400°F. Slice 1 baguette into 1-inch slices and place them in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- Bake the baguette slices for 5–6 minutes until toasted and golden brown around the edges. Switch the oven to broil.
- Ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls.
- Top each bowl with 1–2 toasted baguette slices and evenly divide 6 oz Gruyere cheese over the bread.
- Broil for 2–4 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Carefully remove from the oven and serve immediately while hot.
Recipe Video
Recipe Notes
Nutrition Facts
Pro Tips
- Use Oven Safe Bowls – Double check your bowls to make sure they are oven safe. If they are not, when you bake the baguettes to crisp them, top with the cheese and place back into the oven, until the cheese is melted. Then place the cheesy baguettes on top of your bowl of soup. You will get the same flavor without placing a bowl in the oven.
- Cooking Caramelized Onions – You want to cook the onions low and slow to prevent the onions from burning. This is the main ingredient to this dish and you want them to cook perfectly.
- Best Cheese – We think the best cheese is Gruyere as it melts silky and adds the perfect nutty flavor.
Variations
- Vegetarian Variation – Use rich mushroom or roasted vegetable stock then add 1 tsp white miso at the end for umami.
- Gluten-Free – Swap baguette for gluten free bread or omit the toast and serve with a cheesy “lid” made from broiled cheese on parchment.
- Croutons – Swap the baguette for croutons for a delicious variations.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, you can skip the wine in this recipe. Just use extra broth plus 1–2 tsp vinegar to deglaze.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
If you plan on freezing your leftovers, just freeze the onion mixture in a freezer safe container. Thaw in the fridge and then top with bread and cheese when ready to serve again.
Reheat the leftovers in the microwave or on the stovetop of medium heat. Top with the crunchy bread and melted cheese. We actually think it taste better the next day.
More Easy Soup Recipes
This soup is a family favorite! If you make it, let us know how it turned out for you. We love hearing from you.
Looks amazing!
Thank you, Mike! I’m so glad you enjoyed it.
Absolutely love this recipe my boyfriend can’t get enough of it
Thank you so much!
This sounds amazing
Thank you. I hope you enjoy it.
Great fall/winter recipe to add to my favorites
Yes! Perfect for fall!
Love anything french onion flavor!! This looks amazing, even have the crouton! So much cheese!!! Perfect! This is a recipe on the “To Do” list for sure!!
Thanks so much! I can’t wait to hear what you think once you try it!
What a great recipe for French onion soup! I have never attempted to make it because. It looked to complicated . your recipe looks delicious and simple enough even for me.
Paula – Thank you for your kind words. They mean a lot!
Made this is as so good. We love a good french onion soup. Will be making again when onions are on sale.
I’m so happy to hear this! Thanks for leaving a comment.
OMG looks amazing and with you detailed instructions I will be making this very soon. This is one of my favorite soups that I devour every drop when I order it at a restaurant.
Diana – Thank you so much! I’m so glad you find the instructions easy to follow.
Great recipe and instructions which made it a breeze to make- bonus for me is the Gruyère, my all time favourite cheese
Had to repost as forgot to give it 5 stars ? though always worthy of another review LOL
Great recipe and instructions which made it a breeze to make- bonus for me is the Gruyère, my all time favourite cheese LOL
My favorite soup is this Onion Soup. I had always added swiss cheese to the top of mine so what a difference with Gruyere. This is my new favorite cheese to serve with oinion soup.
Sending this to my husband the cook in our house! Onions don’t like me, but they are a favorite of my husband and sons! This looks great!
I hope your husband loves it. Let me know how it turns out.
This was very yummy! I have a lot of onions in my garden, so i made this recipe for dinner. It tasted delicious and was easy to make. Thanks for the recipe!
Katie – You are so kind! Thanks for leaving a comment.
Sounds yummy!
Tricia – Thanks! Hope you enjoy it.
Love your recipes! I’ll be making this in the fall!
Thank you! I can’t wait to hear what you think.
This looks like something I need to make for date night with my husband!
Thank you! Sounds like a great date night!
This is my favorite soup and this recipe is the best I’ve made.
You made my day. Thanks so much!
I used to consider myself a connoisseur of French onion soup in restaurants. Can’t wait to try this recipe!
Karen – I hope you love it! Please let us know once you try it.
I’ve been wanting to try making more homemade soups. Thanks for this recipe.
Homemade French onion soup is the best. Can’t wait to make this.
I hope you love it! It is super easy!
I am so excited to make this recipe! It has been a long time since I made it. Thank you for having tips for a gluten free cheesy lid, it sounds delicious!
You’re so welcome! I’m glad you found it helpful.
This will be my Fall favorite! I can smell it now.
This looks and sounds amazing! Will have to try this before my Vidalia onions run out at the grocery. 🙂 Hope it looks as pretty as your bowl does!
Vidalia onions will be so delicious in this! Let me know what you think!
I’ve been looking for a good onion soup recipe
Thank you!
Sherry – You’re so welcome. Hope you enjoy!
Very good recipe, with a few tweaks. I didn’t have Gruyer cheese so substituted Mozzarella and a little Parmeson. Cut the salt in half and added parsley before the bread and cheese.
Love French Onion Soup, can’t wait to try this recipe.
Definitely an easy yummy comfort meal ?
Hailee – Thanks for sharing! Hope you enjoy!
Love this recipe! I’ve used this one do many times that I have it memorized! Seriously the best!
Wendi – You made my day! Thank you SO much for this kind comment.
I will have to try this soon. Sounds really good. I will use croutons and might substitute mozzarella cheese, since I always have that on hand and love the taste.
Marla – Can’t wait for you to try it! Hope you enjoy!
So Easy and so Good!
Jennifer – Thank you SO much!!!
I am going to try this! My husband’s favorite food is French onion soup, so I think it will be a hit!
Hope he loves it! We sure do!
I LOVE onion soup. This recipe looks pretty easy & uses ingredients I usually have on hand, so I’m DEFINITELY going to try it!
I’m so glad you plan to try it!
Going to try this.
I’ve made this is the past and it was so delicious!! I also would like to enter the giveaway.
I’m so happy to hear that! Thanks for sharing your feedback.
This is a favorite soup of mine. Glad I can make it anytime now.
Mine too! You will love being able to enjoy it at home!
Made this soup it was delicious very yummy
Sandra – Thank you for letting us know!
always a favorite soup, gonna try this recipe for sure thanks… God bless
Timothy – Let me know what you think once you try it!
Insanely delicious! Especially with high quality Gruyère! Amazing.
Thank you SO much! You made our day!
Going to give it a try. I will let you know if I do it right.
Joe – Let me know how it turns out!
Start with soup, I say!! This recipe looks so beyond yummy and decadent! Can’t wait to make it this fall!! Soup season is nigh upon us!! Thanks for sharing these recipes!!
I love French Onion Soup and I’m so glad you’ve sent us a recipe for it.
Sandy – I hope you enjoy it!
sounds good
Thanks, Anna! Have a great day!
Receipe looks great
Jim- Thank you! Hope you enjoy.
Smells incredible, looks incredible and the flavor is amazing, been far to long since I’ve had this soup
Thank you
I’m so glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for sharing your feedback.
Absolutely love this soup! Its so easy and flavorful.
I LOVE french onion soup. I can’t wait to try your recipe!! Thanks for sharing all of your recipes.
Megan – You’re welcome. I hope you love it!
I absolutely love French onion soup! Thanks for the leftover tips but there won’t be any leftovers Lol!
Will try it!
This looks delicious, my mouth is watering!
Thank you so much!
Very similar to what I make now gonna try the baguette with cheese and not put the bowl in the oven
Hope you enjoy!
Made this for the first time ever making French Onion soup you made the process easy! Love your recipes keep em coming! Thanks so much
Cherith – Thank you for taking the time to leave such a kind comment! You made our day!
Omigosh, that looks absolutely delicious! The hubby doesn’t like onions at all, but he’ll have to work out fending for himself. I can’t wait to make this soup, and we’re getting somewhat close to soup weather (not that I follow the rules of seasonal cooking!
Brandi -Yes! It’s almost Fall! We are ready too!
This French Onion soup is every bit as good as onion soup you get in a restaurant. I have made it twice and Love the savory flavor. The secret is cooking the onions long and slow and allow them to turn golden. Highly recommend.
Deb – Thanks for taking the time to comment. I appreciate this so much!
Sounds yummy! I am making this weekend.
Regina – Wahoo! Let me know if you have any questions.
Not my cup of tea, but I have some family who would absolutely love this. Sharing!
Thanks for sharing!
Can’t wait for soup season to get here. This will be on an upcoming menu.
Diane – I’m so glad! We love soup season too!
I cannot WAIT to try this , looks very good-I just need some of the bowls that can go under the broiler.
Cyndi – Yes! Those are so handy!
This recipe is better than the one I have been using. Better than any restaurant too.
That’s wonderful! Thank you for sharing!
Love this soup!
This recipe is my go to meal to make thank you for sharing it with us
Holly – Thank you so much! I’m thrilled you loved it.
love this French onion soup my family is crazy about it,
Darlene – Thank you! You made my day!
I love French onion soup. Can’t wait to try the recipe!!!
Peggy – Let me know what you think!
My mouth waters just thinking of making this! I am picky about these onion soups but this one looks so yummy and easy to do, I just might try this one, I am always looking for delish soups come fall.
This looks so classic and yummy I can’t wait to try it!!
Thank you! I hope you enjoy.
Wow, I didn’t know it was that easy!
Sharon – Yes! It is So easy!
This looks so delicious – I’m going to try it!!
Thank you, Dede! Hope you enjoy.
Yummy and thanks for recipe. Definitely will be making it
You’re very welcome. Hope you love it.
This looks so yummy!!! On my list to make this week!!
Wahoo! Let me know how it turns out.
Delicious
Thank you so much!
I love french onion soup. I want to make this version. Thanks for sharing.
You’re so welcome! I hope you love it!
I can’t wait to try this recipe! Sounds delicious!
Nancy – Thank you! Let me know what you think.
I LOVE FRENCH ONION SOUP! I’ve never personally made it but my cousin mastered it so I’m excited to compare yours to his!
Chelsea – Hope it turns out great!
I am not a French Onion Soup fan. (BUT I LOVE MOST ALL OTHER SOUPS!)
My son-in-law loves it. Maybe I’ll share this with my daughter!
Yes, please share it! Thanks for commenting!
Super easy and delicious! Thank you!
Thank you, Lisa! I’m thrilled you loved it.
so good and easy. way better than any restaurant soup I’ve had
Alicia -Oh my goodness! Thank you SO much!
Love. Love, Love this recipe-so good!
Lynn – Thank you SO much!
It’s been awhile since I’ve had French onion soup at a restaurant, but this reminds me of how good it is – especially with the bread too! I didn’t realize how easy it would be to make at home. Thank you for the recipe!
Cheril – You’re very welcome! I’m so glad you loved it.
Need this recipe in my life and fall weather soup rotations! Can not WAIT to try this!
Mary – I’m excited for you to try it!
Was looking for a good french onion soup. Finally found one!!
Ro – Wahoo! I’m so happy to hear this!
Made this recipe several times. Always turn out delicious. Thanks
This sounds delicious! I LOVE French Onion Soup, but the hubby is not a fan of onions. It’s nice to know that this can be frozen. Now I can have it whenever I want!
Yes! So easy to have at home!
This recipe looks to be very easy and certainly yummy! My husband loves French Onion Soup so I’ll definitely be giving it a try!
Thank you so much! I hope you both love it! It’s one of my favorite comfort food recipes, and I hope it’s a big hit with your husband. Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment, and I’d love to hear what you think after you try it!
Absolutely delicious and quicker than the slow cooker version. I add a Rueban sandwich and french fries. Just like the lunch I used to order while I was working in the city!
This looks absolutely delicious my husband will love it!
I’m so glad! Have a great day.
Easy & very good!
Thank you, Christine! I appreciate you taking the time to comment!
Very easy recipe for me, post op hysterectomy, good flavor to help in recovery in between pills.
Not a ton of ingredients to gather made my day easier.
Jackie – Thank you so much! I hope you continue to recover.
I’m making this today in my sloww cooker. It smells amazing!
Wahoo! Let me know how it turns out!
Can’t wait to try this recipe!
Let me know what you think! I hope you love it!
Yummy. I will try this
Elane – Thank you! I can’t wait to hear what you think.
Tastes a little soggy but not that bad ?
This is my favorite soup to order at Panera. I have yet been successful in making it myself. I will book mark this and try it this winter!
Bonnie – It is so easy. Let me know what you think!
Can this be made in the crock pot – any different to recipe?
I have a recipe for Slow Cooker French Onion Soup . It’s delicious! I hope you try it out and let me know what you think!
I cant believe I’ve never had French onion soup before now! This was amazing, perfect lunch.
Sarah – Thank you so much! It is one of our favorites too!
This is my favorite soup! The recipe was so easy to follow and will be making this French Onion Soup all winter long.