Budget-friendly: onions + stock + bread + cheese. Yet technique creates luxury through browning (caramelization + Maillard) and careful deglazing.
Nutrition edge: a bowl can be protein-forward (good stock + cheese) with fiber (whole-grain bread) and less sodium if you season smartly (see tips below).
- Best onions for French onion soup: yellow (all-purpose, balanced sweetness), with 20–30% sweet (Vidalia/Walla Walla) for complexity.
- Slice pole-to-pole (root to tip) 3–4 mm thick—these hold their shape better during long cooking.
- Use a heavy pot (enameled Dutch oven).
- Add 2 tbsp butter + 1 tbsp olive oil per 1 kg onions (2.2 lb). The oil raises the smoke point; butter adds flavor.
- Start medium heat 10–12 min to wilt, then medium-low 35–45 min, stirring every 5–8 min.
- If fond threatens to burn, splash 15–30 ml water and scrape. Aim for deep walnut-brown, not black.
- Pinch of baking soda (⅛ tsp per kg) speeds browning—optional; watch closely.
- Salt late (after browning) to avoid pulling too much water early.
- For extra depth, stir in 1 tsp tomato paste during the last 2 minutes of browning.
- Classic deglaze: dry white wine (120–180 ml / ½–¾ cup) or dry sherry; reduce by half to cook off sharpness.
- No alcohol? Use apple cider (not too sweet) or extra stock + 1 tsp sherry vinegar.
- Stock matters most. Use 1.2–1.5 L good beef stock for classic depth (or a 50/50 beef-chicken blend).
- For vegetarian French onion soup, use umami stock (see Recipe 3).
- Add 1 bay leaf + a few thyme sprigs, simmer 25–30 min. Season to taste (see sodium tips below).
- Ladle soup into broiler-safe bowls.
- Top with toasted baguette rounds (ideally dried in a 150 °C/300 °F oven 15 min so they don’t disintegrate).
- Blanket with Gruyère or Comté (60–90 g per bowl), optionally a little Parmesan for browning.
- Broil on the top rack 2–4 min until bubbling and spotted brown.
Serves 4
You need:
- 1.2–1.5 kg yellow onions, thin-sliced
- 2 tbsp butter + 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp tomato paste (optional)
- 150 ml dry white wine (or dry sherry)
- 1.2–1.5 L rich beef stock (or 50/50 beef-chicken)
- 1 bay leaf, 4 thyme sprigs, black pepper
- Baguette slices, toasted
- 300–360 g Gruyère (plus 40 g Parmesan, optional)
Method: Caramelize → deglaze and reduce by half → add stock + herbs; simmer 25–30 min → season → broil with toast + cheese.
Why it works: Beef gelatin + browned onions create body; Gruyère locks in aroma under the cheese cap.
Serves 4
You need: As above, plus 1 tbsp Cognac or brandy added right before ladling into bowls.
Method: Classic build; stir in Cognac off heat.
Why it works: A small Cognac finish adds floral depth and a subtle sweetness without extra sugar.
Serves 4 (veggie)
You need:
- Onions, fat, and wine as in Classic (or use cider)
- 1.2–1.5 L umami stock: simmer dried porcini (10 g) + kombu (5 cm strip) + soy sauce (1–2 tsp); discard kombu before boil; strain
- 1–2 tsp white or red miso, whisked in off heat
Toast + cheese: Gruyère or smoked provolone (or vegan melt if needed)
Why it works: Porcini + kombu + miso replace beef-stock savoriness with layered plant umami.
Serves 4
You need:
- Replace wine with dry apple cider (200 ml)
- Use chicken stock to keep flavors light
- Finish with 1 tsp Calvados (optional)
Cheese: Comté or Gruyère
Why it works: Crisp cider acidity brightens caramel notes; Comté complements apple aromatics.
Serves 4–6
You need:
- 1.2 kg onions, 2 tbsp butter + 1 tbsp oil
- 100 ml wine (or stock + 1 tsp sherry vinegar)
- 1.2 L beef or veggie stock, bay, thyme
- Baguette + Gruyère
Method: Sauté (IP “Sauté” 15–20 min) until deeply browned → deglaze → add stock + herbs → Pressure Cook 5 min, natural release 10 min → season → broil with toast + cheese.
Why it works: Pressure amplifies aromatics and shortens simmer time without sacrificing depth.
1) What are the best onions for French onion soup?
Mostly yellow onions for balance, plus 20–30% sweet onions for roundness. Red onions darken faster and can skew fruity; use sparingly.
2) Can I make French onion soup without wine?
Yes—use stock + 1 tsp sherry or red-wine vinegar, or dry apple cider. Reduce briefly to avoid sharp acidity.
3) How do I avoid burning while caramelizing onions without babysitting?
Lower the heat after the initial wilt; stir every 5–8 min; add small water splashes to lift fond.
4) What’s the best cheese for French onion soup?
Gruyère (nutty, melts perfectly). Comté is an excellent alternative; Emmental/Fontina add stretch; a bit of Parmesan boosts browning.
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