Classic French Onion Soup with Melted Cheese Toast
Warm, rich, and soul-soothing, this French Onion Soup with Cheese Toast is a timeless comfort dish. With its savory caramelized onions, deeply flavored broth, and gooey cheese-topped bread, it’s a bowl of cozy perfection.
Why You’ll Love This French Onion Soup
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Deep flavor from slow-cooked onions and savory broth
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Golden, cheesy toast on top – the best part!
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Enhanced with a splash of wine for authenticity
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Perfect for dinner parties or cozy nights in
Ingredients
For the Soup:
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4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
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3 tbsp butter
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1 tbsp olive oil
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1 tsp sugar (to caramelize)
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1/2 cup dry white wine (or red)
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6 cups beef broth (or mix with chicken broth)
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1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
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1 tsp fresh thyme (or 1/2 tsp dried)
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Salt & pepper, to taste
For the Toast Topping:
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6 slices baguette, toasted
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1 1/2 cups shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese
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Optional: parsley for garnish
Instructions
1. Caramelize the Onions
In a large pot, melt butter and olive oil over medium-low heat. Add onions and sugar. Stir occasionally and cook for 25–30 minutes until deeply golden and caramelized.
2. Add Flavor
Stir in minced garlic and cook 1 minute. Deglaze with wine, scraping any brown bits from the pan. Let it reduce for 2–3 minutes.
3. Build the Soup
Add broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 25 minutes.
4. Prepare the Toast
Toast baguette slices and sprinkle cheese on top. Broil until melted and bubbly.
5. Assemble & Serve
Ladle soup into oven-safe bowls, top each with cheese toast, and broil briefly to melt everything together.
Make It Your Own
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Add a splash of sherry or balsamic vinegar for depth
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Use vegetable broth for a meatless version
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Swap Gruyère for mozzarella, cheddar, or provolone
Storage & Reheating
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Fridge: Store soup (without toast) up to 4 days
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Freezer: Freeze in airtight containers up to 2 months
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Reheat: Warm over low heat and broil toast fresh for serving
Perfect For
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Chilly winter nights
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Holiday appetizers
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Impressing dinner guests
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Craving something cozy!
Pro Tip
For the richest flavor, don’t rush the onions. Low and slow = sweet, golden perfection.

Classic French Onion Soup with Melted Cheese Toast
Description
A cozy, classic French bistro dish made with deeply caramelized onions, rich broth, and golden, gooey cheese toast. Perfect for chilly nights or elegant dinners.
Ingredients
For the Soup:
-
4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
-
3 tbsp butter
-
1 tbsp olive oil
-
1 tsp sugar
-
2 garlic cloves, minced
-
1/2 cup dry white wine (or red wine)
-
6 cups beef broth
-
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
-
1 tsp fresh thyme (or 1/2 tsp dried)
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Cheese Toast:
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6 slices of French baguette
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1½ cups shredded Gruyère cheese (or Swiss cheese)
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Optional: fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
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Caramelize the Onions:
In a large pot, melt butter with olive oil over medium heat. Add sliced onions and sugar. Cook for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and soft. -
Deglaze & Simmer:
Stir in garlic and cook 1 minute. Add wine to deglaze the pan, scraping any browned bits. Simmer until the wine reduces slightly, about 2–3 minutes. -
Add Broth & Seasonings:
Pour in beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper. Simmer uncovered for 20–25 minutes to deepen flavor. -
Prepare Cheese Toast:
Toast baguette slices under the broiler. Top with shredded cheese and broil again until melted and bubbly. -
Assemble & Serve:
Ladle hot soup into oven-safe bowls. Place cheese toast on top of each bowl. Optionally, broil the entire bowl for 1–2 minutes for extra melt.
Notes
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Add a splash of balsamic vinegar or sherry for more depth
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Swap Gruyère with mozzarella, provolone, or even cheddar
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Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version
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Store soup (without toast) in fridge up to 4 days or freeze up to 2 months