Name: Creamy French Onion Soup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 4 large onions, thinly sliced; 3 tablespoons butter; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 4 cups beef broth (or vegetable broth); ½ cup white wine (optional); 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour; 1 cup heavy cream (or milk for a lighter version); 4 slices of French bread, toasted; 1 cup shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese

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Creamy French Onion Soup is a rich and comforting twist on the classic French dish. With deeply caramelized onions, a velvety broth, and melted Gruyère cheese over toasted French bread, this soup offers a perfect balance of savory flavors and creamy texture. Whether served as an appetizer or a main course, it is a warm and satisfying dish for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Deep, Caramelized Flavor – Slowly cooked onions develop a rich and sweet taste.
Creamy and Velvety – The addition of heavy cream makes this soup extra smooth.
Comforting and Hearty – A warm and filling meal, perfect for cold days.
Elegant Yet Simple – A restaurant-quality dish made with everyday ingredients.
Easily Customizable – Adjust the creaminess, cheese, or broth to suit your preference.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Soup:

4 large onions, thinly sliced
3 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon dried thyme
4 cups beef broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
½ cup white wine (optional)
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1 cup heavy cream (or milk for a lighter version)

For the Topping:

4 slices of French bread, toasted
1 cup shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese

Directions

Caramelize the Onions: In a large pot, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions, salt, and pepper. Cook slowly, stirring often, until the onions become golden and caramelized (about 30 minutes).
Add Flour and Wine: Sprinkle the flour over the onions and stir well. Pour in the white wine and cook for 2 minutes, allowing the alcohol to evaporate.
Simmer the Soup: Add the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and thyme. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Make it Creamy: Stir in the heavy cream and cook for another 5 minutes, ensuring the soup is smooth and well combined.
Prepare the Topping: Ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls. Place a toasted slice of French bread on top of each bowl and sprinkle generously with shredded cheese.
Broil Until Golden: Place the bowls under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve hot and enjoy this rich, creamy version of French onion soup.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Calories: 320 kcal per serving

Variations

Lighter Version – Use milk instead of heavy cream for a less rich soup.
Vegetarian Option – Swap beef broth for vegetable broth and omit Worcestershire sauce.
Extra Cheesy – Add more cheese or mix different types like Parmesan and Mozzarella.
Garlic Infused – Rub garlic on the toasted bread for extra depth of flavor.
Herb Boost – Add fresh thyme, rosemary, or bay leaves for extra aroma.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Keep leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. Avoid boiling to maintain creaminess.
Freezing: Freeze the soup without cream for up to 2 months. Thaw and add cream when reheating.

FAQs

Can I make this soup without cream?

Yes! Simply omit the cream for a more traditional French onion soup.

What’s the best cheese for French onion soup?

Gruyère is the classic choice, but Swiss, Provolone, or even Mozzarella work well.

How do I prevent the onions from burning?

Cook them slowly over medium-low heat and stir frequently to ensure even caramelization.

Can I use red onions instead of yellow?

Yes, but the flavor will be slightly sweeter and deeper.

Is white wine necessary?

No, but it adds depth. You can substitute with a splash of apple cider vinegar or extra broth.

What type of bread is best?

French baguette or sourdough works best as they hold up well in the soup.

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes! Make the soup in advance and add the bread and cheese just before serving.

What can I serve with this soup?

Pair with a fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or a simple sandwich.

How do I get a perfect golden cheese topping?

Broil the soup on the top rack of your oven and watch closely to prevent burning.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes! Cook onions on low for 6-8 hours, then add broth and seasonings before stirring in the cream.

Conclusion

Creamy French Onion Soup is a rich and flavorful twist on the classic, bringing together caramelized onions, creamy broth, and melted cheese for a comforting dish. Whether served as a starter or a main course, this soup is perfect for cozy evenings. Try this recipe today and enjoy a warm, satisfying bowl of French onion goodness!