French Onion Soup

French Onion Soup is a classic comfort food. In this recipe, we take the time to caramelize the onions. Adding a bit of sugar and salt at the end of caramelizing really enhances the flavor of the onions! Then, adding bay leaves and sage to the rich beef broth compliments the savory onion flavor in this french onion soup recipe.

The toasted french sourdough bread with mozzarella, parmesan, and provolone cheeses totally completes french onion soup recipe. I also add a bit of cheese to the bottom of the french onion soup crocks. This ensures gooey cheesey goodness right to the last bite!

French Onion Soup is totally a warm hug for a cold day. If you can get past crying while slicing the onions (which I do, as a labour of love) you will have the best classic comfort food ready in a couple of hours.

This post may contain affiliate links, please read my privacy policy.

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Homemade French Onion Soup recipe does take some patience. There is no rushing the caramelizing of the onions:-) But, do forbear, as it will totally be worth it when you savor the final product!

History of French Onion Soup

The french onion soup recipe that we now know was introduced in the 18th Century in Paris, France. There are two different theories as to who actually invented this simple but scrumptious soup. One theory says that King Louis XV was hungry late at night while at his hunting lodge. All he could find in the pantry were onions, butter, and champagne. The other theory is that Stanislas Leszczynski tasted onion soup at a Champagne Inn and later made this soup famous at the Palace of Versailles. In the U.S. French Onion Soup was introduced by Henri Mouquin in 1861 at a New York restaurant.

Ingredients for Homemade French Onion Soup

• Yellow onions, you can use white or red onions instead, but, honestly, the yellow have the best flavor.
• Butter, to saute the onions in.
• Sugar and salt, added at the end of the caramelization for extra sweet and salty savor.
• Flour, this will slightly thicken the broth for a richer soup.
• Water and beef bouillon for the broth, or if you have homemade beef broth, that is great!
• Bay leaves and sage, more flavor!
• Cheese, which can include parmesan, mozzarella, gouda, gruyere and provolone.
• French bread, toasted for extra flavor, if you can get it, sourdough french bread is absolutely fantastic for french onion soup!

How To Make French Onion Soup

1. Thinly slice the onions by cutting in half, then slicing.

2. Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat.

3. Add the onions and cook until turning brown, stirring occasionally. This will take about 40-50 minutes.

4. Add the sugar and salt and continue to cook, uncovered, until a nice rich brown color. Add the flour and stir.

5. Gradually add the water, while stirring. Add the beef bouillon, bay leaves, and sage. Simmer for at least 30 minutes.

6. Toast the french bread slices in the toaster while the soup is simmering.

7. In each soup crock, place 1 Tbsp of grated mozzarella and 2 tsp of parmesan.

8. Remove the bay leaves from the soup and place about 1 cup of soup in each crock.

9. Place a slice of toasted french bread, grated mozzarella and provolone cheeses on top of the soup. About 1/3 cup of mozza and provolone and 1 Tbsp parmesan, according to preference.

10. Place crocks on a large cookie sheet. Broil for 5-7 minutes, until the tops are a rich brown color!

For recommended items to help you make this recipe, see my Amazon Shop.

Other Delicious and Comforting Soups to Try

Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup

Asian Pork and Noodle Soup

Homemade Cream of Broccoli Soup

Classic Homemade Chili Recipe