Go Back
Homemade French Onion Soup

Homemade French Onion Soup

French onion soup is one of those timeless dishes that feels like a warm embrace in a bowl, and this homemade version takes it to another level by starting with gently smoked onions that bring a subtle depth and complexity to every spoonful. Instead of rushing the process, we lean into slow caramelisation, allowing the onions to turn soft, golden and sweet, building the foundation of flavour that makes this soup so memorable. The combination of butter and olive oil gives a rich yet balanced base, while thyme and bay leaf add a fragrant herbal note that quietly supports the sweetness of the onions. 
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients

  • Yellow or Spanish onions 5 large
  • Butter 4 tbsp
  • Olive oil 4 tbsp
  • Beef broth 6 cups
  • Dry white wine ½ cup
  • Flour 2 tbsp
  • Salt 1 tbsp
  • Pepper 1 tbsp
  • Fresh thyme 1 bundle
  • Bay leaf 1
  • French baguette sliced ½ inch thick
  • Gruyère cheese 1 cup shredded

Instructions
 

  • Smoke peeled onions at 180°F for 2 hours until lightly fragrant and tender
  • Slice smoked onions ⅛ inch thick for even caramelisation
  • Heat 2 tbsp butter and 4 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium‑low heat
  • Add sliced onions, thyme, bay leaf, salt and pepper and cook slowly until soft and golden brown
  • Remove thyme and bay leaf once onions are fully caramelised
  • Sprinkle flour over onions and stir to incorporate, cooking briefly to remove raw taste
  • Increase heat to medium‑high, deglaze with dry white wine and scrape the pan thoroughly
  • Add beef broth, bring to a boil, then reduce to medium‑low and simmer for 30 minutes
  • Slice baguette ½ inch thick, toast until crisp and brush with remaining butter
  • Ladle hot soup into oven‑safe bowls, add a little Gruyère, top with toasted baguette and more Gruyère
  • Place bowls under the grill and broil 1–2 minutes until cheese is melted, bubbly and browned
  • Let bowls cool slightly and serve hot

Notes

Homemade French onion soup with smoked onions and Gruyère crust is the kind of dish that rewards patience with extraordinary flavour, turning simple ingredients into something truly special. The gentle smoking and slow caramelisation of the onions create a sweet, savoury base that feels both rustic and refined, while the beef broth and white wine bring depth and brightness. Toasted baguette slices and a generous layer of Gruyère cheese add texture and richness, giving you that classic, irresistible crust that makes French onion soup so iconic.

Nutrition

Serving: 380gCalories: 420kcalCarbohydrates: 39gProtein: 18gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 7.5gCholesterol: 55mgSodium: 980mgPotassium: 520mgFiber: 4.5gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 520IUVitamin C: 11mgCalcium: 260mgIron: 2.4mg