How to Make French Onion Soup: Classic Comfort Food for Winter

Liputan6.com, Jakarta Winter is coming, and there’s nothing better than a warm bowl of soup to keep you cozy. If you are searching for something rich, flavorful, and comforting, learning how to make French onion soup is the perfect idea. This dish has been loved for generations because of its deep caramelized flavor and satisfying taste.

It comes from France and combines simple ingredients like onions, broth, and bread into something truly special. The onions are cooked slowly until golden brown, creating a sweet and savory base for the soup. Then, it’s topped with toasted bread and melted cheese to make every bite warm and hearty.

So, how to make French onion soup? You can check this French onion soup recipe and tips that you can try at home. We will also talk about how to store the soup and some tasty side dishes to pair with your warm soup. We gathered the information from various sources, Monday (3/11/2025).

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How to Make French Onion Soup: Classic Recipe

Learn how to make French onion soup at home with this simple recipe. This soup is so flavorful and comforting, a perfect dish to warm your body in winter.

Ingredients:

- 6 large yellow onions, thinly sliced

- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter

- 2 tablespoons olive oil

- 1 teaspoon sugar

- 1 teaspoon salt

- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (optional)

- 8 cups beef or vegetable broth

- 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional)

- 1 tablespoon flour

- 1 baguette, sliced

- 1 1/2 cups grated Gruyere or Swiss cheese

Instructions:

1. Caramelize the onions: In a large pot, melt butter with olive oil over medium heat. Add sliced onions, salt, sugar, and pepper. Cook slowly for about 30–40 minutes, stirring often. The onions should turn golden brown and soft.

2. Add flour and wine: Sprinkle flour over the onions and stir well for about 2 minutes to thicken the soup slightly. Pour in the white wine if you’re using it, and stir until it’s mostly absorbed.

3. Add the broth: Pour in the beef or vegetable broth and add thyme. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 30 minutes. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor becomes.

4. Prepare the bread: While the soup simmers, slice your baguette and toast the slices in an oven until crispy and golden. These will sit on top of your soup later.

5. Assemble and serve: Pour the soup into oven-safe bowls. Place one or two toasted baguette slices on top of each bowl, then sprinkle a generous amount of cheese over the bread. Put the bowls on a baking sheet and broil them in the oven until the cheese melts and turns golden brown. Serve hot and enjoy your homemade French onion soup.

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Tips to Make French Onion Soup

If you already know how to make French onion soup, these tips will help you make it even better and more flavorful.

1. Use a mix of onions: Combining yellow, white, and red onions adds more layers of flavor and gives your soup a deeper, more complex taste that feels balanced and rich.

2. Add a splash of balsamic vinegar: A small amount of vinegar enhances the natural sweetness of the onions while adding a gentle tang that keeps the soup from tasting too heavy.

3. Cook onions slowly: Be patient when caramelizing onions over low heat. This process allows their sugars to develop naturally, building a sweet and savory flavor base.

4. Use oven-safe bowls: They let you broil the cheese directly on top of the soup, ensuring a golden crust and creamy texture without any extra steps.

5. Add herbs for aroma: A few sprigs of fresh thyme or a bay leaf can make your soup smell wonderful while adding subtle earthy tones to the flavor.

6. Try different cheeses: Gruyere is traditional, but mixing it with mozzarella or provolone makes the topping creamier and helps the cheese stretch beautifully.

7. Toast bread before adding it: Lightly toasting the bread prevents it from becoming too soggy, keeping the top layer crispy while soaking in just the right amount of soup.

8. Use homemade broth if possible: Making your own broth gives you better control over salt levels and adds a fresher, cleaner flavor to the finished soup.

9. Deglaze the pan: After caramelizing the onions, pour in a bit of wine or broth and scrape the bottom to capture the browned bits that add rich umami flavor.

10. Add a pinch of sugar early: A little sugar helps onions caramelize evenly without burning, ensuring they become soft, sweet, and perfectly golden.

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How to Store French Onion Soup

After enjoying your meal, you might have leftovers. Knowing how to keep it fresh is as important as learning how to make it. Here’s how you can store it properly to enjoy later.

To refrigerate, let the soup cool to room temperature first. Then, transfer it into airtight containers. It can stay in the fridge for up to 4 days. When you’re ready to eat, reheat it gently on the stove over medium heat. Avoid boiling, as it can affect the flavor.

To freeze, pour the cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little space at the top for expansion. It can stay frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove. Just add fresh bread and cheese before broiling for that perfect finish.

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Tasty Side Dish Ideas to Serve With French Onion Soup

Once you’ve mastered how to make French onion soup, you’ll want to pair it with something that complements its rich flavor. Here are some tasty side dish ideas that go perfectly with it:

1. Garlic bread

2. Caesar salad

3. Roasted vegetables

4. Fresh green salad with vinaigrette

5. Cheese platter

6. Grilled chicken breast

7. Baked potatoes

8. Mushroom risotto

9. Tomato bruschetta

10. Roasted asparagus

11. Spinach and goat cheese tart

12. Quiche Lorraine