Homemade French Onion Soup Recipe

Published Oct 14, 2024 By Elle Ann

Image credit: Babish Culinary Universe via YouTube

French onion soup is easily one of the best types of soup that you can make and serve. It has a deep and rich flavor of beef broth, then it’s combined with delicious caramelized onions and typically topped with lots of cheese and toasted bread. Although this classic soup sounds fancy, it actually is very easy to make and everyone can try making it, even beginners!

I bet your family or friends will compliment and thank you when you serve this to the table. You can make your signature French onion soup by tweaking the seasonings to your preference. For now, learn the basics of making this dish with this recipe by Babish Culinary Universe on YouTube, then give it a try and see for yourself.

Ingredients for French Onion Soup:

3 pounds of Spanish onions, thinly sliced
48oz or 6 cups of high-quality beef broth
Carrots, sliced
Bay leaves
Fresh parsley
Fresh thyme
Garlic cloves
Peppercorns
Cloves, optional
Parmesan cheese rind, optional
Olive oil
Dry sherry
Kosher salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
Gruyere cheese
Chopped chives
A splash of soy sauce, optional
A splash of fish sauce, optional

How to Make French Onion Soup:

Ingredients for French Onion Soup — Image credit: Babish Culinary Universe via YouTube

Step 1

Place a large pot on a stove over medium-low heat, then add the beef broth, thyme, carrots, parsley, garlic cloves, bay leaves, peppercorn, cloves, and parmesan chees rind, and let them simmer for about 1 hour. Meanwhile, place a Dutch oven on a stove over medium heat, then drizzle some olive oil letting it heat for about 1 minute, and then add the onion.

Step 2

Cook and move the onions around constantly, then scrape the bottom of any burnt bit, and once the onions are soft and fragrant, add the flour. Cook them for about 1 to 2 minutes, then add the dry Sherry, and let the alcohol cook up. Place a strainer over the Dutch oven, then slowly pour in the beef stock, and discard the strained veggies.

Step 3

Add some fish sauce and soy sauce if desired, then adjust the salt and pepper to taste, and ladle the soup into serving dishes. Top them each with lots of cheese, then place a toasted bread over the cheese, and add more cheese. Let it cook and broil for about 3 to 5 minutes until the cheese has melted, then garnish it with chopped chives, and serve. Enjoy!