Name: French Onion Soup with Croutons and Cheese Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced; 3 tbsp butter; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp sugar (optional, helps caramelization); 2 cloves garlic, minced; 6 cups beef broth (or vegetable broth); ½ cup dry white wine (optional); 1 tsp fresh thyme (or ½ tsp dried thyme); 1 bay leaf; Salt and black pepper, to taste; 1 baguette, sliced into rounds; 1½ cups shredded Gruyère cheese (or Swiss); Fresh parsley, optional garnish

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 31 reviews

If you’re craving a dish that instantly wraps you in warmth and rich flavors, this French Onion Soup with Croutons and Cheese Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine tender, deeply caramelized onions swimming in a savory broth that’s then crowned with crisp croutons and gooey melted cheese. It’s a timeless comfort classic that shines whether you’re winding down after a long day or impressing guests with minimal fuss. The blend of sweetness from the onions, the depth of the broth, and the irresistible cheesy topping combine beautifully to create something truly unforgettable.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows multiple small white bowls arranged on a white marbled surface, each containing different cooking ingredients including a mix of spices, liquids, grains, and herbs in various colors such as orange, yellow, off-white, and green. On the bottom left is a piece of crusty bread, and a large black cast iron pot filled with white topped pasta or dumplings is placed to the bottom right. There is also a woman’s hand holding a small bowl of herbs near the top left. The overall look is clean and organized, with a variety of colors and textures contrasting with the white bowls and marble. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Sometimes the best dishes come from the simplest ingredients, and that’s definitely true for this French Onion Soup with Croutons and Cheese Recipe. Each component plays a vital role in building layers of flavor, texture, and aroma—from the golden onions that form the heart of the soup to the toasted baguette rounds that provide the perfect crunch beneath the melted cheese.

4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced: The star ingredient that becomes delectably sweet and caramelized with patience.
3 tbsp butter: Adds richness and helps to achieve that deep golden color on the onions.
1 tbsp olive oil: Balances the butter’s richness and prevents sticking on the pan.
1 tsp sugar (optional): Enhances caramelization for a sweeter, deeper flavor if you like it.
2 cloves garlic, minced: Brings a subtle aromatic punch right before the broth goes in.
6 cups beef broth (or vegetable broth): The flavorful base that carries all those savory notes.
½ cup dry white wine (optional): Adds complexity and helps lift the browned bits from the pot.
1 tsp fresh thyme (or ½ tsp dried): A fragrant herb that complements the soup’s earthiness beautifully.
1 bay leaf: Infuses a slightly herbal, subtle depth as the soup simmers.
Salt and black pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings to brighten and balance the flavors.
1 baguette, sliced into rounds: Perfect for toasting into golden croutons that soak up the soup juices.
1½ cups shredded Gruyère cheese (or Swiss): The crowning glory that melts into a bubbling, savory blanket.
Fresh parsley, optional garnish: Adds a hint of color and freshness to the finished presentation.

How to Make French Onion Soup with Croutons and Cheese Recipe

Step 1: Caramelize the onions

Start by warming your butter and olive oil together in a large pot over medium heat. Slowly add the thinly sliced onions and cook them low and slow, stirring occasionally. This process takes 25 to 30 minutes but is absolutely worth every second as those onions transform from crisp slices into soft, golden, caramelized perfection. If you want to encourage a deeper sweetness, sprinkle in a teaspoon of sugar midway through.

Step 2: Add garlic and deglaze with wine

Once your onions are caramelized, toss in the minced garlic and sauté for just a minute until fragrant. Next, pour in the dry white wine and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pot. This step adds a complex, slightly tangy layer that brightens the soup’s rich base.

Step 3: Simmer with broth and herbs

Pour in your broth along with fresh thyme, the bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Let everything simmer uncovered for about 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to marry and mellow. This gentle simmer is where the magic happens, turning simple ingredients into a soulful, savory soup.

Step 4: Prepare the croutons

While the soup simmers, slice your baguette into rounds and toast them until they’re crisp and golden. These croutons will sit on top of the soup, soaking up the broth while holding a satisfying crunch beneath the melted cheese.

Step 5: Assemble and broil

Ladle the steaming soup into oven-safe bowls. Layer the toasted baguette rounds over the surface, then pile on a generous amount of shredded Gruyère cheese. Pop the bowls under the broiler for 2 to 3 minutes, just until the cheese melts into bubbling, golden goodness. Don’t forget to remove the bay leaf before serving!

How to Serve French Onion Soup with Croutons and Cheese Recipe

The image shows a round white bowl with two handles filled with a baked dish. On top, there is a golden-brown melted cheese layer with a few darker spots where it is more toasted. The cheese looks bubbly and creamy with some browned edges. A small green herb sprig rests on the center of the cheese, adding a fresh touch. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface with a green cloth napkin folded beside it and a spoon resting partly on the napkin. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A little fresh parsley sprinkled on top adds an inviting burst of color and a light herbaceous contrast to the rich soup. You can also add a dash of freshly ground black pepper for that extra kick.

Side Dishes

Pair this soup with a crisp green salad dressed simply with lemon and olive oil or a light vegetable side to balance the depth of flavor. A rustic bread basket works well too for dipping and enjoying alongside.

Creative Ways to Present

Serving French Onion Soup with Croutons and Cheese Recipe in charming individual crock bowls adds a lovely touch for dinner parties or cozy nights in. You can also experiment by adding different cheeses like fontina or even a sharp cheddar for a twist. For a fun presentation, sprinkle a little smoked paprika over the cheese before broiling.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, transfer any leftover soup (without the croutons and cheese) into an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to two days. This helps maintain the best flavor and texture when reheated.

Freezing

This soup freezes beautifully. Pour it into a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to two months. Just skip the croutons and cheese before freezing to keep textures from becoming soggy after thawing.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally. When you’re ready to enjoy, add fresh toasted baguette slices and cheese, then broil until bubbly and golden to revive that freshly made magic.

FAQs

Can I make French Onion Soup vegetarian?

Absolutely! Swap beef broth for a rich vegetable broth, and you’ll still have a deeply flavorful, satisfying soup. Just be sure to use vegetarian-friendly cheese if needed.

Why is caramelizing the onions important?

Caramelization unlocks the natural sweetness of onions and develops rich, complex flavors that define the soul of this soup. Rushing this step means missing out on those deep, luscious notes.

Can I use another cheese besides Gruyère?

Gruyère is traditional for its nutty, melting qualities, but Swiss or mozzarella can be good substitutes. Just choose a cheese that melts well and has some flavor character.

How do I prevent the soup from being too salty?

Start with low-sodium broth and taste as you go, adding salt gradually. Remember, cheeses and broths can vary in saltiness, so adjust at the end to suit your palate.

What’s the best bread for the croutons?

A fresh baguette sliced into rounds provides the perfect firm yet airy texture for soaking up the soup and holding the cheese topping without becoming mushy.

Final Thoughts

There’s something undeniably comforting about a bowl of French Onion Soup with Croutons and Cheese Recipe that feels like a warm hug from the inside out. Taking the time to caramelize those onions and layer on the melty cheese transforms a humble soup into a cozy culinary experience. Give this recipe a try—you might just find it becomes your go-to whenever you want something truly comforting and delicious.