The Best Homemade Onion Soup Recipe
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
This homemade onion soup is cozy, comforting, and packed with rich, caramelized flavor. It’s easier to make than you might think, and the results are totally worth it!
- Simple ingredients – Just onions, broth, and a few pantry staples come together for big flavor.
- Perfectly caramelized – Slow-cooked onions turn sweet and golden, giving the soup its deep, delicious taste.
- Customizable toppings – Pile on melty cheese, crunchy croutons, or fresh herbs to make it your own.
Recipe
Onion soup is a classic comfort dish that combines the rich, savory flavors of caramelized onions with a hearty broth, often topped with a slice of toasted bread and melted cheese. This homemade recipe delivers a deeply flavorful and satisfying soup that’s perfect for any season.
Ingredients:
- 4 large onions, thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, for caramelization)
- 4 cups beef broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
- 2 cups water
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional)
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon thyme (fresh or dried)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 4 slices French bread, toasted
- 1 cup grated Gruyère or Swiss cheese
Instructions:
- In a large pot, melt the butter with the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until they become soft and golden brown, about 30-40 minutes. For deeper flavor, add sugar halfway through cooking to enhance caramelization.
- Pour in the white wine (if using) and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Simmer until the wine has mostly evaporated.
- Add the beef broth, water, Worcestershire sauce, bay leaf, and thyme. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Preheat the broiler. Ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls, top each with a slice of toasted French bread, and sprinkle generously with grated cheese.
- Place the bowls under the broiler until the cheese is melted and bubbly, about 2-3 minutes. Serve immediately.
Notes:
- For a richer flavor, use a combination of beef and chicken broth.
- If you don’t have oven-safe bowls, you can melt the cheese on the bread separately under the broiler before adding it to the soup.
Equipment:
- Large pot
- Wooden spoon
- Oven-safe bowls
- Broiler
Time:
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 1 hour
Cuisine:
French
Serving:
4 servings
Nutrition
Onion soup is a nutritious dish packed with vitamins and minerals. Here is the nutritional breakdown per serving:
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 156 |
| Total Fat | 6g |
| Saturated Fat | 3g |
| Cholesterol | 15mg |
| Sodium | 800mg |
| Carbohydrates | 18g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sugars | 8g |
| Protein | 6g |
| Vitamin D | 0.1mcg |
| Calcium | 120mg |
| Iron | 1mg |
| Potassium | 300mg |
What To Serve With It
I love pairing my homemade onion soup with crispy cheese crostini or a warm, buttered baguette. These sides add a satisfying crunch and richness that complements the soup perfectly. They’re simple to make, and I think you’ll find they elevate the whole meal.
Cheese Crostini
Nothing beats a warm bowl of onion soup, especially when it’s paired with a crispy, cheesy crostini. I love how the bread soaks up the rich broth while staying perfectly crunchy on top. To make them, I slice a baguette, toast the pieces until golden, then pile on a mix of melted Gruyère and Parmesan. Sometimes, I sprinkle a pinch of thyme or paprika for extra flavor. The cheese gets bubbly, the edges crisp up, and it becomes the perfect bite to dip into that savory soup. It’s simple, but it always feels like a little slice of comfort.
Buttered Baguette
While a warm bowl of soup is always comforting, sometimes a simple buttered baguette is all you need to elevate a meal. I love slicing a fresh baguette, toasting it lightly, and slathering it with creamy butter. The crunch of the crust and the soft, warm center pair perfectly with the rich flavors of homemade onion soup. It’s a classic combination that feels both rustic and indulgent. I often add a sprinkle of sea salt or garlic powder for extra flavor, but honestly, it’s delicious plain too. It’s quick, easy, and always hits the spot alongside a steaming bowl of soup.
