Imagine walking into a cozy café, the aroma of caramelized onions wafting through the air, mingling with the smell of melting cheese. Your heart skips a beat as you spot a steaming bowl of French Onion Soup Gratinee, topped with golden-brown toasted bread and bubbling cheese. This dish is like a warm hug on a chilly day, promising to wrap your taste buds in a blanket of savory goodness.
Now picture yourself at home, trying to replicate that delightful experience in your kitchen. You grab your apron (and maybe a glass of wine) and prepare to dive into this culinary adventure. Trust me, your future self will thank you for mastering this classic recipe that’s just as comforting as it is impressive.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This French Onion Soup Gratinee offers unforgettable flavors that blend sweetness and savoriness perfectly
- It’s easy to prepare, making it perfect for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs alike
- The rich colors and bubbling cheese make it visually stunning at any table
- Perfect for cozy dinners or gatherings where everyone will feel like a gourmet chef!
I once made this soup for a family gathering, and my cousin declared it “life-changing.” I still haven’t let him live down that statement!

Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Onions: Use sweet onions like Vidalia or Walla Walla for the best flavor and sweetness.
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Butter: Unsalted butter works best; it allows you to control the saltiness later in the recipe.
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Beef Broth: Opt for high-quality broth; homemade is great, but store-bought works too if you’re short on time.
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White Wine: A dry white wine adds depth; choose one you would enjoy drinking.
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Thyme: Fresh thyme gives an aromatic touch; dried thyme can work in a pinch but use less.
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Baguette: A crusty baguette will hold up well against the soup’s liquid while adding texture.
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Gruyère Cheese: This melty cheese tops it off beautifully; don’t skimp on quality here!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Sauté Those Onions: Begin by melting butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add sliced onions and stir until they become translucent and fragrant, about 10 minutes.
Add Flavorful Depth: Pour in white wine to deglaze the pot. Scrape the bottom with a wooden spoon to incorporate all those delicious browned bits that add flavor.
Add Broth & Herbs: Stir in beef broth and thyme, bringing everything to a gentle simmer. Let that mixture bubble away for about 30 minutes to develop rich flavors.
Prepare the Baguette Toppings: While waiting, slice your baguette into thick pieces. Toast them lightly under the broiler until golden brown—watch carefully so they don’t burn!
Assemble & Broil Away!: Ladle hot soup into oven-safe bowls, place toasted baguette slices on top, and generously sprinkle Gruyère cheese over everything. Broil until bubbly and golden brown.
Serve & Enjoy!: Carefully pull those cheesy bowls out of the oven (they’re hot!), let them sit for a minute, then dig in while basking in your culinary triumph!
Now you’ve created an irresistible French Onion Soup Gratinee that’ll have everyone begging for seconds!
You Must Know
- French Onion Soup Gratinee is a warm hug in a bowl, perfect for chilly nights
- The rich combination of caramelized onions, broth, and gooey cheese will transport you to a cozy bistro in Paris with every spoonful
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by caramelizing your onions on low heat to develop sweetness, then add broth and seasoning for depth.

Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out Gruyère for mozzarella or add white wine for an extra flavor kick.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover soup in an airtight container. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, topping with fresh cheese before serving.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use low heat while caramelizing onions to avoid burning them; patience pays off with flavor
- Opt for homemade beef broth instead of store-bought for richer taste
- Toast your bread separately for added texture before adding it to the soup
I remember the first time I made French Onion Soup Gratinee; my friends raved about it, insisting I open a bistro!
FAQ
What type of cheese is best for French Onion Soup Gratinee?
Gruyère is traditional, but you can also use mozzarella or Swiss for a different twist.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Just substitute beef broth with vegetable broth and skip the Worcestershire sauce.
How do I prevent my onions from burning?
Cook them over low heat and stir frequently; patience will reward you with perfectly caramelized onions.
French Onion Soup Gratinee
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6 portions 1x
Description
French Onion Soup Gratinee is a heartwarming classic that combines the sweet richness of caramelized onions with savory beef broth, topped with crusty baguette slices and melted Gruyère cheese. This comforting dish is perfect for chilly nights, offering gourmet flavors right in your kitchen. With simple steps and essential ingredients, you can impress family and friends with this delightful recipe that brings the warmth of a Parisian café to your home.
Ingredients
- 4 large sweet onions (such as Vidalia or Walla Walla), sliced
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 8 cups beef broth
- 1 cup dry white wine
- 1 tsp fresh thyme (or 1/3 tsp dried thyme)
- 1 large baguette, sliced into thick pieces
- 2 cups Gruyère cheese, shredded
Instructions
- In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add sliced onions and sauté until translucent and fragrant, about 10 minutes.
- Deglaze the pot with white wine, scraping up any browned bits for added flavor.
- Stir in beef broth and thyme, then bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for about 30 minutes to develop rich flavors.
- While the soup simmers, toast baguette slices under the broiler until golden brown.
- Ladle hot soup into oven-safe bowls, place toasted baguette slices on top, and sprinkle generously with Gruyère cheese.
- Broil until cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Serve immediately.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop/Broiling
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (350g)
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 19g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: For added depth of flavor, use homemade beef broth if available. Feel free to substitute Gruyère cheese with mozzarella or Swiss for a twist on this classic recipe. To store leftovers, keep in an airtight container and reheat gently on the stove.


