Dutch Oven French Onion Soup (Printable View)

Caramelized onions simmered in rich broth, topped with toasted bread and melted cheese for ultimate comfort.

# What You'll Need:

→ Onions

01 - 5 large yellow onions, thinly sliced

→ Aromatics

02 - 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
03 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
04 - 2 garlic cloves, minced
05 - 1 teaspoon sugar

→ Broth & Flavorings

06 - 8 cups beef broth
07 - 1/2 cup dry white wine
08 - 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves
09 - 2 bay leaves
10 - 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
11 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

→ Topping

12 - 1 baguette, sliced into 1/2-inch thick rounds
13 - 2 cups Gruyère cheese, grated
14 - 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

# How To Make It:

01 - In a large Dutch oven over medium heat, melt the butter with olive oil. Add the sliced onions and sugar. Cook, stirring frequently, until onions are very soft and deeply caramelized, approximately 40 to 45 minutes.
02 - Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - Pour in the dry white wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the Dutch oven. Simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until slightly reduced.
04 - Add the beef broth, thyme, bay leaves, and Worcestershire sauce. Bring to a simmer, reduce heat, and cook uncovered for 20 to 30 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove bay leaves.
05 - While soup simmers, preheat oven broiler. Arrange baguette slices on a baking sheet and toast under the broiler until golden, approximately 1 to 2 minutes per side.
06 - Ladle soup into oven-safe bowls. Top each with a toasted baguette slice and a generous handful of Gruyère cheese.
07 - Place bowls on a baking sheet and broil until cheese is melted and bubbling, 2 to 4 minutes.
08 - Serve immediately, garnished with fresh thyme if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Simple one-pot method using a Dutch oven for even cooking.
  • Rich, complex flavors developed through patient caramelization.
  • The perfect balance of savory beef broth and sweet onions.
  • Indulgent, bubbling cheese topping that defines the classic experience.
02 -
  • Deglaze the Dutch oven thoroughly with wine to incorporate all the caramelized bits into the broth.
  • Use oven-safe bowls specifically designed to withstand high broiler temperatures.
  • Grate your own cheese for a better melt than pre-shredded varieties.
  • Don't rush the onions; low and slow is the key to perfect caramelization without burning.
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