Description
This Easy French Onion Soup recipe delivers a rich, comforting bowl of caramelized onions simmered in savory beef broth, topped with crunchy croutons and melted provolone and parmesan cheese. Perfect for a cozy meal, it combines traditional flavors with simple preparation steps, finished under the broiler for a golden, bubbly cheese crust.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced (approximately 4 cups)
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 32 ounces (960g) beef broth
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
Toppings
- 30–35 homemade croutons, or store-bought, divided
- ¼ cup (25g) parmesan cheese, grated, divided
- 6 slices provolone cheese, divided
- Parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Heat oil and butter, then sauté onions: In a medium pot over medium heat, add olive oil and unsalted butter. Once the butter has melted, add the thinly sliced onions. Sauté for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are very tender and reach a rich caramel brown color.
- Season the onions: Add kosher salt, black pepper, and garlic powder to the caramelized onions. Stir to combine evenly.
- Add broth and Worcestershire sauce, then simmer: Pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer gently for 10 minutes to develop the flavors.
- Preheat the broiler and prepare bowls: Arrange the oven rack to the top middle position and preheat your broiler. Prepare six broiler-safe bowls placed on a baking pan for easy handling.
- Assemble the soup bowls: Divide the hot soup evenly among the six bowls. Top each bowl with 6-7 croutons, a heaping teaspoon of grated parmesan cheese, and one slice of provolone cheese.
- Broil the soup: Place the baking pan with the bowls under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, watching closely until the cheese bubbles and browns to a golden crust.
- Serve garnished: Carefully remove the bowls from the oven. Allow the soup to cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley for a bright, fresh touch.
Notes
- Use thinly sliced onions for optimal caramelization and texture.
- Keep an eye on the soup under the broiler to prevent burning the cheese.
- Homemade croutons add extra flavor but store-bought ones work as a convenient alternative.
- For a vegetarian option, substitute beef broth with vegetable broth and omit Worcestershire sauce or use a vegetarian version.
- This soup is best served hot and fresh but can be prepared ahead and broiled just before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: French
Keywords: French onion soup, caramelized onions, beef broth soup, cheesy soup, comfort food, easy French soup recipe
