French onion soup isn't just a bowl of soup — it's a warm, flavorful hug. The deep sweetness of slow-cooked onions, the comforting richness of broth, and the cheesy, golden toast on top make it a classic dish that feels both fancy and familiar.

The best part? We don't need a restaurant to enjoy it. With a bit of patience and the right ingredients, we can easily make this traditional favorite in our own kitchen. Let's cook together and bring a little taste of France home.

French Onion Soup

Video by Babish Culinary Universe

What Ingredients We'll Need

Here's what we need for 2–3 servings:

For the soup base:

• 3–4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• A pinch of salt

• 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to speed up caramelization)

• 3 cups vegetable broth or light chicken broth

• 1 teaspoon soy sauce (adds umami if not using meat stock)

• Black pepper to taste

• A small bay leaf or thyme (optional)

For the topping:

• Baguette slices (toasted)

• Grated cheese (like mozzarella or Swiss cheese)

Tip: If you don't eat dairy, plant-based butter and shredded vegan cheese work well too!

Step 1: Slice and Cook the Onions

The heart of this soup is well-caramelized onions. This part takes time, but it's worth it.

1. Heat butter and olive oil in a wide pot over medium heat.

2. Add the sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Stir often.

3. After about 10–15 minutes, the onions will soften.

4. Keep stirring for 30–40 minutes until they turn a deep golden brown. Add sugar if needed to speed up the browning.

This process draws out the onions' natural sweetness and gives the soup its rich flavor.

Step 2: Add the Broth

Once the onions are golden and soft:

1. Pour in the broth and add soy sauce or herbs if using.

2. Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15–20 minutes.

3. Add black pepper to taste and remove herbs before serving.

This creates a deeply flavored broth that complements the sweetness of the onions.

Step 3: Prepare the Toast

While the soup simmers, toast a few slices of baguette until they're crispy.

Sprinkle grated cheese on top and place under the broiler (or in a toaster oven) for a few minutes until melted and bubbly.

If you want the traditional finish, place the toasted cheese bread on top of the soup bowl and broil everything together until golden.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the hot soup into bowls and top each with a cheesy toast slice. If not broiling directly in the bowl, we can place the toast on top just before serving.

The bread soaks up the rich broth, and the cheese adds that perfect final touch — stretchy, golden, and delicious.

Tips to Make It Better Every Time

• Slice the onions evenly for even cooking.

• Be patient with the caramelizing — low heat works best.

• Use a mix of oils (butter for flavor, olive oil to prevent burning).

• For added depth, a splash of non-alcoholic balsamic vinegar or miso paste can replace meat-based flavor.

Let's Warm Up with Homemade Soup

French onion soup may seem simple, but it's full of character and comfort. Every spoonful feels like a reward for the care we've put into making it. And once we try it, it might just become our go-to soup for rainy days, cozy nights, or anytime we need something warm and soothing.

Lykkers, are you ready to stir those onions and watch the magic happen? Give this recipe a try and let us know how yours turns out. Happy cooking!