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French Onion Soup with Cheese Toast

By: Author Andrew Gray

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A pot of French Onion Soup bubbling on the stove fills the air with a rich, caramelized aroma that promises deep, comforting flavors.

This rustic version keeps things simple yet delivers an authentic depth of flavor. Slow-cooked onions, a flavorful broth, and perfectly toasted cheese bread make this a timeless dish.

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The magic lies in the onions. Caramelizing them slowly unlocks their natural sweetness, blending with the broth to create a rich, savory base. A splash of wine enhances the depth, while a crisp, cheesy slice of toasted bread turns it into a full meal.

This isn’t just soup—it’s an experience. Each spoonful brings together velvety onions, golden broth, and gooey, bubbly cheese toast. Serve it as a main course or pair it with a fresh salad for a well-rounded, comforting meal.

What You Need for This Recipe

Each ingredient plays an important role in achieving the perfect balance of richness and depth.

  • Onions – Yellow or sweet onions work best. Caramelizing them properly builds the deep, signature flavor.
  • Beef Broth – A good-quality broth is key. Homemade or low-sodium store-bought options work best.
  • White Wine – Adds acidity and complexity. A dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay is ideal.
  • Gruyère Cheese – Melts beautifully and has a slightly nutty flavor. Swiss or Comté can be used as alternatives.
  • Baguette or Rustic Bread – Forms the crispy base for the cheese toast. A day-old baguette holds up best in the soup.
  • Butter & Olive Oil – Help caramelize the onions evenly while adding richness.

How to Make Rustic French Onion Soup with Cheese Toast

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A few simple steps ensure deep, well-developed flavors.

  • Caramelize the Onions – Heat butter and olive oil in a pot. Add thinly sliced onions and cook slowly until deeply golden, stirring occasionally.
  • Deglaze the Pot – Pour in white wine and scrape up any bits from the bottom. Let it reduce slightly to concentrate the flavor.
  • Simmer the Broth – Add beef broth, bay leaf, and thyme. Let it simmer for about 20 minutes.
  • Prepare the Cheese Toast – Toast slices of baguette, then top with grated Gruyère. Broil until melted and bubbly.
  • Assemble & Serve – Ladle soup into bowls, top with cheese toast, and enjoy.

Why This Recipe Works

This soup stands out because of its carefully layered flavors and textures.

  • Slow-Caramelized Onions – Taking the time to cook onions low and slow ensures a naturally sweet, deep flavor.
  • Balanced Depth & Acidity – A splash of white wine adds a touch of brightness to balance the richness.
  • Crunchy & Cheesy Contrast – The crisp, golden bread contrasts perfectly with the velvety broth.
  • One-Pot Simplicity – While it takes time, the process is straightforward with minimal dishes to clean.

This soup is a testament to the power of simple ingredients coming together perfectly. A few staple pantry items transform into something elegant, rich, and deeply satisfying.

Ways to Customize This Soup

French Onion Soup has a strong foundation, but you can tweak it based on personal preference or available ingredients.

  • Make It Vegetarian – Swap beef broth for a rich vegetable broth and add a splash of soy sauce for depth.
  • Boost the Flavor – A dash of Worcestershire sauce or balsamic vinegar intensifies the umami notes.
  • Try a Different Cheese – Swap Gruyère for sharp cheddar, Emmental, or even smoked provolone for a twist.
  • Add More Herbs – Fresh thyme, bay leaves, or even a sprig of rosemary bring extra depth.
  • Use Red Wine Instead of White – Red wine adds a deeper, bolder flavor and pairs well with beef broth.

This soup is versatile while maintaining its rich, comforting essence. Small adjustments can personalize it without taking away from its classic appeal.

Best Side Dishes for Rustic French Onion Soup with Cheese Toast

This soup is satisfying on its own, but pairing it with the right side dish makes it even better.

  • Fresh Green Salad – A light salad with vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the soup.
  • Roasted Vegetables – A side of balsamic-glazed Brussels sprouts or roasted carrots adds balance.
  • Garlic Butter Mushrooms – Sautéed mushrooms with herbs bring extra umami that complements the soup’s depth.
  • Charcuterie Board – A mix of cured meats, cheeses, and pickled vegetables pairs well with the soup’s richness.
  • Herbed Mashed Potatoes – Creamy potatoes provide a hearty, comforting side.
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Rustic French Onion Soup with Cheese Toast

Rustic French Onion Soup with Cheese Toast is a deeply flavorful dish made with slow-caramelized onions, a rich broth, and crispy, cheesy bread. Simple ingredients create a bold, comforting meal perfect for any occasion.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 minute
Course Main Course, Soup
Cuisine French
Servings 4 serving

Equipment

  • Large pot For cooking the soup
  • Baking sheet For broiling the cheese toast
  • Ladle For serving

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 large yellow onions thinly sliced
  • 1 teaspoon salt adjust to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper adjust to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon sugar helps caramelize the onions
  • 1/2 cup white wine dry, such as Sauvignon Blanc
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 baguette sliced into rounds
  • 1.5 cups Gruyère cheese grated

Instructions
 

  • Heat butter and olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add sliced onions, salt, black pepper, and sugar. Cook, stirring occasionally, until caramelized and golden brown, about 30 minutes.
  • Pour in white wine and stir, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until reduced.
  • Add beef broth, bay leaf, and thyme. Bring to a simmer and cook for another 20 minutes to blend the flavors.
  • Meanwhile, preheat the broiler. Arrange baguette slices on a baking sheet and toast until lightly golden. Sprinkle with grated Gruyère and broil until bubbly and melted.
  • Remove the bay leaf from the soup and adjust seasoning as needed. Ladle into bowls, top with cheese toast, and serve warm.

Notes

  • For a deeper flavor, use a mix of beef and chicken broth.
  • Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • Serve with a fresh salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.
Keyword caramelized onion soup, cheese toast soup, French onion soup
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