French onion soup is a classy- soup dish that is often thought of as an uppity food. Not so hey, it is easy to make and can be enjoyed as a meal or a side dish. Soup generally is a wonderful go-to meal on those cold, winter nights so why not onion soup.
Yes, it is a French dish but you don’t need to be Pepe Le Pew or the Pink Panther to enjoy it. The best French onion soup are the ones that are easy to make and don’t require a lot of ingredients. This blog post will share some of the best and easiest French onion soup meals for you to try at home.
So, whether you’re a mom looking for an easy meal to make for your family or a cook who wants to add some new French onion soup recipes to their repertoire, you’ll find something here that’s just right for you. Bon appétit!
Recipes for French onion soup meals
Easy French Onion Soup Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 x large onion, sliced
- 2 tablespoons x butter
- 2 tbsp. x flour
- 6 cups x beef broth
- 1 tablespoon x Worcestershire sauce
- sea salt and black pepper to taste
- 1tsp x balsamic vinegar
- optional toppings: croutons, shredded cheese, chopped parsley
Instructions
- In a clay cooking pot or regular pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add the onions and cook until golden brown and caramelized, about 20-25 minutes
- Stir in the flour and cook for one minute
- Pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce
- Season with salt and pepper to taste
- Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook for 30 minutes
- If using a clay pot, place it in a cold oven and set the temperature to 375 degrees F. Cook the soup for 30 minutes.
- If using a regular pot, simmer the soup on low heat for 30 minutes.
This recipe was inspired by another onion soup recipe, by Mary Berry.
To serve
Ladle the soup into bowls and if topping then use croutons, shredded cheese, and chopped parsley. Or try one of these yummy sandwiches that pair beautifully with French onion soup. This is how to make French onion soup that is delicious and comforting. Serve it with some crusty bread for a complete meal.
Enjoy!
Best Homemade French Onion Soup Recipe
Ingredients
- 1kg x onions, halved and thinly sliced
- 50g x butter
- 3 tbsp. x balsamic vinegar
- ½ x a bouquet garni
- sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 800ml x vegetable or beef stock
- 100ml x dry white wine (optional)
For the crouton topping
- 50g x gruyere cheese, grated
- 12 x baguette slices, toasted
Instructions
- Melt the butter in a large saucepan / pot over a medium heat
- Add the onions and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally until they are golden brown and caramelized
- Add the bouquet garni, salt and pepper and cook for a further minute
- Pour in the stock and wine (if using), bring to the boil then reduce the heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
To make the crouton topping
Preheat the grill to high. Mix together the cheese and baguette slices. Place in an aluminum roasting tray or on a baking tray under the grill until golden brown and bubbling.
To serve
Ladle the soup into bowls and top with the cheesy croutons. The caramelized onions give the soup a rich flavor, while the gruyere cheese croutons add a lovely crunch.
Enjoy!
Best Baked French Onion Soup Recipe
Ingredients
- 50g butter
- 900g x onions, thinly sliced
- ½ x bouquet garni or other preferred herbs
- sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 60ml x brandy (optional)
- 300ml x dry white wine (if you have wine then you don’t need balsamic vinegar)
- 800ml x beef stock
For the crouton topping
- 100g x gruyere cheese, grated
- 12 x baguette slices, toasted
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 160C/325F
- Melt the butter in a large saucepan over a medium heat (stove)
- Add the onions and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally until they are golden brown and caramelized
- Add the bouquet garni, salt and pepper and cook for a further minute
- If using, add the brandy and cook until evaporated. Pour in the wine and beef stock, bring to the boil then reduce the heat and simmer for 30 minutes
To make the crouton topping
Preheat the grill to high. Mix together the cheese and baguette slices. Place on a baking tray under the grill until golden brown and bubbling.
To serve
Ladle the soup into French onion soup bowls and top with the cheesy croutons. Place under the grill for a few minutes until hot through. Serve hot.
Best Vegetarian French Onion Soup Recipe
This is the best vegetarian French onion soup recipe that I have ever tried. It is so easy to make and it tastes great. This soup is perfect for a winter meal or a summer meal. You can make this soup in less than an hour and it will be one of the best soups you have ever had.
Ingredients
- 1 x large onion, sliced
- 1 tbsp. x olive oil
- 2 x cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 cup x vegetable broth
- 1 cup x water
- 1 tsp x dried thyme leaves
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat
- Add the onions and garlic and cook until the onions are softened, stirring occasionally
- Add the vegetable broth, water, thyme leaves, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil
- Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 30 minutes
Guide To French Onion Soup
What is the best cheese for French onion soup?
There are many different types of cheese that can be used for French onion soup however, the most common and popular type is Gruyere. Gruyere is a hard yellow cheese that has a nutty and slightly sweet flavor. It is THE perfect cheese for melting and creating a smooth, creamy texture in soups.
Other good options for cheese include Parmesan, Asiago, and Pecorino.
What makes a good French onion soup?
There are a few things that make a good French onion soup; first off, it should have a rich and flavorful broth. Secondly, the onions should be cooked until they are very soft and caramelized; this gives the soup a deep flavor and sweetness.
Thirdly, the cheese should be melted into the soup, creating a creamy and rich texture. Last but not least, the soup should be garnished with fresh herbs, croutons, or both or be accompanied by complimentary sandwiches that add not detract from that decadent flavor.
What kind of bread to use for croutons?
The best type of bread to use for French onion soup croutons is sturdy and crusty bread. A good option is a baguette that you cut into small cubes and then toast them in the oven until golden brown. You can also use other types of bread, such as sourdough or a rustic loaf.
Just make sure that the bread is firm enough to hold up to being soaked in the soup.
What are the best onions for French onion soup
The best onions to use for French onion soup are yellow onions as they have a high sugar content, which helps to caramelize the onions and give them a deep flavor. Other good options include white onions or red onions.
Avoid using sweet onion varieties, such as Vidalia onions, as they will not caramelize well and will make the soup too sweet.
French onion soup secret ingredient?
The secret ingredient in this French onion soup recipe is balsamic vinegar; it adds a touch of acidity and sweetness to the soup, which balances out the richness of the cheese and broth. Balsamic vinegar is also a great way to add depth of flavor to other dishes, such as roasted vegetables or grilled meats.
Can the best French onion soup recipe be without wine?
It is just as flavorful and rich as a traditional French onion soup, but it doesn’t always require any wine. The balsamic vinegar will still add a touch of sweetness and acidity, while the beef broth will provide a deep and robust flavor.
Any of these soup recipes can be made without wine and ahead of time then reheated, or it can be made in a slow cooker.
French onion soup in crockpot or slow cooker or Dutch oven?
This French onion soup can be made in a crock-pot or slow cooker or Dutch oven. Simply caramelize the onions and then add all of the ingredients to your chosen cooking apparatus. Then cook on low for 2-3 hours or on high for 1-2 hours. This soup can also be made ahead of time and reheated, or it can be served immediately.
French onion soup calories?
A traditional French onion soup (350g) has approximately 478 calories per serving. This soup is high in protein (broth) and low in fat, making it a healthy option for a meal or snack. French onion soup is also a good source of fiber and vitamins A and C.
To make a healthier version of this soup, you can substitute the beef broth for vegetable broth or water or you can also use low-fat cheese or omit the cheese altogether. Serve this soup with a side salad or a piece of whole grain bread for a complete meal.
Final thoughts
French onion soup can fast become your favorite comfort food, and as you can see above there are many levels to attack each recipe from simple to complex. It’s just a matter of choice: are you feeling like channeling Chef Ramsey or keeping it easy-peasy? Carpe diem- Seize the day!
These recipes are perfect for a chilly winter evening, or any time you need a little bit of warmth and comfort. We hope you enjoy them! Have you tried making French onion soup at home before? Feel free to share your experiences below or any tips. Au revoir J
Charlene Gallant
Charlene is a lover of good food. She enjoys nothing more than cooking up a storm in the kitchen and sharing her favourite recipes with her readers. She also enjoys reading a good book.