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French Onion Soup

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This is a simple French Onion Soup recipe that’s made without wine and is loaded with caramelized onions, a rich and savory broth, and just the right amount of spices. It takes just minutes to prepare, letting your stove do the rest of the work. Topped with a piece of French bread and smothered with melted cheese, this is the ultimate soup to warm you up on a chilly day!

French Onion Soup is loaded with caramelized onions, a rich and savory broth, and just the right amount of spices. It takes just minutes to prepare, letting your stove do the rest of the work. Topped with a piece of French bread and smothered with melted cheese, this is the ultimate soup to warm you up on a chilly day!

Quick French Onion Soup Recipe

After researching through cookbooks, food sites, and Pinterest, I was shocked to find out how easy classic French Onion Soup is to make! So I set out to make my own version of my favorite soup, and boy, did I create a winner!

This simple French onion soup recipe is loaded with caramelized onions, a rich and savory broth, and just the right amount of spices. It takes just minutes to prepare, letting your stove do the rest of the work.

Topped with a piece of French bread and smothered with melted cheese, this is the ultimate soup to warm you up on a chilly day! If you’re a French Onion Soup fantastic like I am, then this soup was made for you.

The beef broth is seasoned with just the right amount of flavors, providing the perfect touch for the caramelized onions. And because you just can’t eat this soup without lots of cheese and bread, it’s loaded on there, too.

One bite and I was hooked! I purposely made this French onion soup recipe without wine, making it the perfect meal for when you can’t be bothered to make an extra trip to the grocery store! 

French Onion Soup Ingredients 

This is a super simple French onion soup recipe made without wine. It requires just nine basic ingredients: 

  • Yellow onions
  • Unsalted butter
  • Beef broth
  • Garlic powder
  • Dried thyme
  • Bay leaf
  • Salt and pepper
  • French bread
  • Gruyere cheese 

What’s the Best Cheese for French Onion Soup? 

I recommend using Gruyere cheese. Buy a block and shred it yourself for the best flavor and texture. 

If you can’t find Gruyere or don’t have it on hand, an acceptable substitute for Gruyere cheese in French onion soup would be classic Swiss cheese. 

What Kind of Onions Are Best for French Onion Soup?

Technically any type of onion will work, but I prefer using yellow onions for this quick and easy French onion soup.

Yellow onions are milder in flavor than other varieties, and they have a natural sweetness that really shines after they’re sliced and caramelized over low heat. 

French Onion Soup is loaded with caramelized onions, a rich and savory broth, and just the right amount of spices. It takes just minutes to prepare, letting your stove do the rest of the work. Topped with a piece of French bread and smothered with melted cheese, this is the ultimate soup to warm you up on a chilly day!

How to Cut Onions for French Onion Soup

Cutting the onions for this simple french onion soup is easy! 

  1. Remove the papery outer skin from the onions. 
  2. Slice the onion in half vertically, from root to stem. 
  3. Working one half at a time, carefully hold the onion near the root and thinly slice it working from the stem end to the root end. 
  4. Repeat with the remaining onions. 

Tip: Thinly sliced onions caramelize faster. However, you don’t want to make the slices paper thin otherwise they’ll burn. 

How to Make French Onion Soup Without Wine 

As I’ve mentioned above, I made this French onion soup without wine. The hubster and I don’t drink much wine, so rather than make a special trip to the grocery store for a bottle I improvised with what I had on hand. The results were delicious! 

Here’s a look at how this French onion soup recipe comes together: 

  1. In a large pot, sauté the onions and butter until onions are lightly brown and caramelized, about 10-15 minutes.
  2. Add beef broth, garlic powder, dried thyme, bay leaf, salt and pepper. Stir to combine.
  3. Bring mixture to a boil, then cover and let simmer for 15-20 minutes.
  4. About 10 minutes before soup is done, place bread slices on a baking sheet and broil on medium heat for 2-3 minutes, or until tops are golden brown. Remove from oven and set aside. Keep broiler on medium heat.
  5. Once soup has simmered, pour into oven-safe bowls.
  6. Top each bowl with a cheesy bread slice and return to the broiler for another 4 to 5 minutes. 

French Onion Soup is loaded with caramelized onions, a rich and savory broth, and just the right amount of spices. It takes just minutes to prepare, letting your stove do the rest of the work. Topped with a piece of French bread and smothered with melted cheese, this is the ultimate soup to warm you up on a chilly day!

What to Serve with French Onion Soup

Not sure what goes with French onion soup? You can make the soup the main entree and pair it with an easy side, or you can serve it alongside wraps or sandwiches. 

Here are some dishes that pair well with French onion soup: 

Can You Freeze French Onion Soup?

Yes, it freezes well for up to three months. However, you must freeze the soup without the cheesy bread slice on top. 

 Looking for easy soup recipes? I’ve got you covered!

French Onion Soup is loaded with caramelized onions, a rich and savory broth, and just the right amount of spices. It takes just minutes to prepare, letting your stove do the rest of the work. Topped with a piece of French bread and smothered with melted cheese, this is the ultimate soup to warm you up on a chilly day!
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Simple French Onion Soup

This is a simple French onion soup recipe that's made without wine and is loaded with caramelized onions, a rich and savory broth, and just the right amount of spices. 
Course Soup
Cuisine American
Keyword french onion soup recipe, soup recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 425kcal

Ingredients

  • 4 medium yellow onions sliced into thin strips
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 6 cups beef broth
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 6 slices french bread
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded Gruyere cheese (or use Swiss cheese)

Instructions

  • In a large pot, saute onions and butter until onions are lightly brown and caramelized, about 10-15 minutes.
  • Add beef broth, garlic powder, dried thyme, bay leaf, salt and pepper. Stir to combine. Bring mixture to a boil, then cover and let simmer for 15-20 minutes.
  • About 10 minutes before soup is done, place bread slices on a baking sheet and broil on medium heat for 2-3 minutes, or until tops are golden brown. Remove from oven and set aside. Keep broiler on medium heat.
  • Once soup has simmered, pour into oven-safe bowls. Place 1 slice of bread into each bowl and then top with shredded cheese (I used about ¼ cup cheese per bowl).
  • Place back into the oven and broil on medium heat until cheese is fully melted, about 4-5 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes. Serve immediately.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 425kcal | Carbohydrates: 65g | Protein: 17g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 23mg | Sodium: 1838mg | Potassium: 487mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 262IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 92mg | Iron: 4mg
Tried this recipe?Mention @pumpkin_n_spice or tag #pumpkin_n_spice!

By Gayle |

Comments

  1. Mir says

    You’ve just made a total favorite of mine! I love indulging in French onion soup on cold nights, with all the cheesy strings and the toasty bread. Yours looks fantastic.

    Reply

  2. Blair @ The Seasoned Mom says

    Looks delicious, Gayle! We love French Onion Soup, and my family doesn’t care for many left-overs either. I’m always trying to figure out ways to disguise last night’s dinner in a completely new or different way. 🙂

    Reply

  6. mira says

    Love french onion soup, but never made it myself! Sounds so easy and the soup looks delicious! (we are the opposite, my husband hates leftovers, but I don’t mind them). Pinned!

    Reply

  8. Linda @ Veganosity says

    I love French onion soup. This looks so inviting Gayle. Of course, I’d swap out the beef broth for vegetable broth (which I’ve done and it’s great). 🙂 This makes me want to make some for dinner tonight!

    Reply

  9. Jen @ Baked by an Introvert says

    I’m funny with leftovers also. There really aren’t too many things that reheat well. But soup is one thing I could eat on all week long. I’ve never made my own french onion soup before either. Your version looks amazing! Where’s my spoon?!

    Reply

    • Gayle says

      Yes! I’m so glad you’re the same way with leftovers, Jen. I think you would love this soup, so easy to make and so flavorful!

      Reply

  13. Rachelle says

    Girl, I’m with you on the leftovers. I love making (and eating!) French Onion Soup. Isn’t it amazing how easy it is? Yours looks delish!

    Reply

  15. Olivia @ Olivia's Cuisine says

    I think French Onion is my favorite soup in the world. Nothing beats a bowl of hot soup with some delicious bread on a cold night. And yes, it is still cold in NYC… (Do you still wanna live here? lol). Anyway, your version is looking amazing and I wish you could ship me some! 🙂

    Reply

    • Gayle says

      Haha I do still want to live in NYC! 🙂 It’s still cold in Chicago, too…I think we have very similar weather patterns. Thanks for the kind words, Olivia!

      Reply

    • Gayle says

      This recipe is so easy and practically fail-proof, Kate! I hope you love it if you try it. Thanks so much for the kind words and for stopping by!

      Reply

  20. Natalie @ Tastes Lovely says

    I am allergic to onions, beef broth and cheese. Can you think of another way I can make this so I can eat it? APRIL FOOLS! Haha! Just kidding, just kidding. This french onion soup looks a-mazing! It is my weakness. Whenever it is on the menu at a restaurant I must order it. I’ve actually never made it at home before. Going to need to change that asap!

    Reply

    • Gayle says

      Haha you totally got me, Natalie! Phew I’m so glad you’re not allergic! 🙂 I think you would love this soup, it’s so easy and so delish!

      Reply

  21. Cyndi - My Kitchen Craze says

    I knew there was a reason you and I were friends! I do not do leftovers either. The hubby and son love them, but no my daughter and I. I just don’t like the taste, but pasta and tacos and soups I can do also. How funny. I have wanted to make my own french onion soup for so long, but never got around to it. This looks so yummy Gayle! I wish I could eat it up right now!! Pinned!!

    Reply

  22. marcie says

    I do love leftovers…except reheated meat. There’s something about it! If it’s in soup or chili it’s ok, but not plain…bleh. I love making a big pot of soup and eating it every day until it’s gone! And french onion soup is so special — those caramelized onions are SO good. This looks delicious, Gayle! pinned.

    Reply

  23. Ashley says

    You remind me of my sister! She refuses to eat leftovers! The husband and I love them so we’re the complete opposite!

    This soup looks wonderful – I loveee french onion soup!

    Reply

    • Gayle says

      Luckily my husband likes leftovers, otherwise we’d both be in trouble! 🙂 Thanks for the soup love, Ashley!

      Reply

  24. Danielle says

    My husband used to never eat leftovers, but he’s started eating them since we got married. I prefer food fresh, but I like how easy they can be to reheat and eat! I’ve never made french onion soup before, but I feel like I need to give it a try. This looks delicious, Gayle!

    Reply

  26. Kristine @ Kristine's Kitchen says

    I have to admit I’m like your husband and love leftover night because it means I don’t have to cook! I’d take a bowl of this french onion soup instead of leftovers any day, though! I love that cheesy topping and the excuse to eat lots of toasty bread! 🙂

    Reply

  27. Ceara @ Ceara's Kitchen says

    Gayle you are too funny!! I love leftovers because it means less work! I find I’m always eating leftovers for lunch! 🙂 And I’m so happy to see this soup on your blog – it’s one of my favorites!! It’s cold and rainy here so I’d love a big bowl of this right now!

    Reply

    • Gayle says

      I do take leftovers for lunch every once in a great while…but they have to be good leftovers! 🙂 Thanks for the kind words, Ceara!

      Reply

    • Gayle says

      Leftovers for lunch are always a good thing, Carol! Once in a while, I will take leftovers for lunch, I will admit that! 🙂 Thanks for the kind words!

      Reply

  37. Jess @ Flying on Jess Fuel says

    My husband loves leftovers too… in fact, it’s all he’ll eat for lunch. If he gets a sandwich more than one day a week, I hear about it. 😉 I don’t think we’d have any leftovers with soup…. it looks so yummy! French onion is one of my faves. Hubby made it for me from scratch the night he proposed, so it’s kind of a special meal for us. 🙂

    Reply

    • Gayle says

      It definitely sounds like french onion soup is special to you and your husband! What a nice memory! Thanks for the kind words, Jess!

      Reply

  39. Lucky says

    Had this French Onion Soup for dinner tonight and it was oh so good! And…so easy to make. We will never buy bland French onion soup at Trader Joe’s again! 1/7/19

    Reply

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