Classic French Onion Soup Recipe
Published December 14, 2022. This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.
This delicious classic French Onion Soup recipe with slowly caramelized onions is served with Crostini’s and Gruyere cheese. You will love the depth of flavors in this soup.
Not much out there that makes me happier than a delicious warm pot of soup. It’s one of my favorite things to make and eat. If you love it as much as I do, then try my Lentil Soup or Avgolemono.
French Onion Soup
French onion soup is a simple-to-prepare soup consisting of slow-cooked onions that are then simmered in a rich broth and served in a bowl with crostini and melted cheese. There are a few variations, including the herbs used, wine, broth, and toppings. This is a very classical soup served throughout France during the winter months.
Different onion soups have been made since the Roman times and were often regarded as peasant food since onions were so easy to come by. It was made popular in the 19th century in Les Halles, the largest open-air market in Paris.
Ingredients and Substitutions
- Butter – I always use unsalted butter in my cooking and baking.
- Onions – I use yellow and white onions and garlic, but you can also use sweet onions.
- Wine – Cabernet sauvignon is a great deglazing wine for this. However, you can substitute with merlot or shiraz.
- Stock – I used to use a combination of beef stock and chicken stock, but now I exclusively use beef stock.
- Herbs – fresh thyme adds some great flavor to this onion soup.
- Vinegar – This may be controversial, but the vinegar will bring out amazing flavors in this soup. In addition, I also add sugar for a touch of sweetness.
- Crostini – These are placed on the soup before serving it. You can also use croutons.
- Cheese – Classically comté or gruyere are used.
How to Make French Onion Soup
Start by cutting the onions into thick slices.
In a large rondeau over medium-low heat, melt the butter and caramelize the onions very well while occasionally stirring, which can take up to an hour.
Halfway through the cooking process, you can add in some sugar to help brown and add more sweetness. This will be heavily scrutinized. Sugar makes caramel, so it’s the same thing in this soup. Sometimes you may find that your onions aren’t getting sweet, maybe because of the way that specific batch is, and you may need some sugar.
Once caramelized, add in the garlic and sweat for 3 to 4 minutes.
Next, de-glaze with red wine and cook the liquid until it is mostly absorbed into the onions. This process is known as “au sec.”
Next, add the beef stock and simmer for at least 20 minutes.
Finish with fresh thyme, salt, and pepper, and adjust with balsamic vinegar.
Pour the soup into an oven-safe bowl, top off with a few crostini, and add at least ½ cup to 1 cup of shredded gruyere cheese.
Place the soup on a sheet tray and cook it under the broiler for 3 to 4 minutes or until the cheese is browned and melted.
Make-Ahead and Storage
Make-Ahead: You can make this French onion soup up to 1 day ahead of time. Follow the reheating instructions below.
How to Store: You can store this covered in the refrigerator for 4 to 5 days. This will also freeze covered for up to 6 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating and serving.
How to Reheat: Add the desired amount of onion soup to a medium-sized saucepot and cook over low heat until hot. Adjust the seasonings with salt and pepper and serve.
Chef Notes + Tips
- If you are finding that your onions are not browning, you can turn the heat up slightly while frequently stirring.
- We used to make a 5-onion soup at a different restaurant I worked at where we used white, yellow, red, leeks and garlic and then topped off with a bleu cheese crouton. In addition, we would add cream to this soup during the wintertime. Feel free to get creative.
- Feel free to add more cheese to the crostini before baking.
More Soup Recipes
- Clam Chowder
- Pork Confit and Split Pea Soup
- Broccoli Cheddar Soup
- Zuppa Toscana
- Chicken Dumpling Soup Recipe
Video
Classic French Onion Soup Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 ounces unsalted butter
- 4 peeled and thickly sliced yellow onions
- 4 peeled and thickly sliced white onions
- 1 ½ tablespoons sugar
- 6 finely minced cloves of garlic
- 2 cups of red wine
- 12 cups beef stock
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 16 crostinis
- 4 cups shredded gruyere cheese
- sea salt and fresh cracked pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat the butter over low heat in a large pot until melted.
- Add the onions and caramelize them very well while occasionally stirring, which can take up to an hour.
- Halfway through the cooking process, you can add in some sugar to help brown and add more sweetness. This will be heavily scrutinized. Sugar makes caramel, so it’s kind of the same thing in this soup. Sometimes you may find that your onions aren’t getting sweet maybe because of the way that specific batch is and you may need some sugar.
- Once caramelized, add in the garlic and sweat for 3 to 4 minutes.
- Next, de-glaze with red wine and cook the liquid until it is mostly absorbed into the onions. This process is known as “au sec.”
- Next, add the beef stock and simmer for at least 20 minutes.
- Finish with fresh thyme, salt, and pepper, and adjust with balsamic vinegar.
- Pour the soup into an oven-safe bowl and top off with a few crostini’s and add at least ½ cup to 1 cup of shredded gruyere cheese.
- Place the soup on a sheet tray and cook it under the broiler on high for 3 to 4 minutes or until the cheese is browned and melted.
As always, delightful!
Many thanks!
Made this last night and it was great. Even my wife ate it and she doesn’t like French onion soup.
I used both tablespoons of the vinegar but preferred the taste after only one. Next time.
Thanks for the recipe, Chef.
My pleasure. Thanks for giving it a shot!
I have not made these recipes yet, however I fully intend to do so. Chef Billy Parisi is by far the best chef in the business! I use all of his recipes and have done so far a long while!
I served this at a dinner party and everyone raved about it. When anyone asks for the recipe then you know. But I already knew it was fabulous. Thank you for the goodness.
Awesome! Thanks for trying it!
I’ve made many versions of the onion soup. This one is amazing, full of flavor, everyone in my family love it. Thks Billy
My pleasure!
I love everyone of your recipes✅
Thank you kindly!
This recipe is so delicious Chef Billy, my wife & I really enjoyed this ❤️😊🙏
French onion soup is one of my favorites and this recipe is outstanding! You won’t regret it.
many thanks!
This was the best onion soup recipe that I have ever made.. Thank you
Excellent!
So so sooooo good !! 😊
Yes indeed!
This was not your ordinary french onion soup!!
Looks fantastic!
Thank you! This recipe and your lessons on cutting onions has been a wonderful kitchen addition!
Delicious
Love this recipe and many more. Your recipes are one of my favorites! Keep up the good work, Chef! Be Blessed! 🌹🥰
Cut recipe in 1/2. I took my time caramelizing the onions. Followed the recipe exactly as the Chef suggested. The result was a delicious soup. I had leftovers for the next day and I think it was better. Easy to make and delicious!
Amazing!
very good
Looks so darn good!
I’ve made onion soup for years and have loved it. Tried this recipe and made it even better!!
One of our favorite soups!
I have made Chef Billy Parisi’s French Onion Soup and OH My Goodness, how spot on delicious. His web site has specific recipes and step by step how to. He also has info..this does not freeze well or , this will freeze and how to hold for reheatin. Best Chef I have seen. 5 Star Chef. Thank you Chef Billy Parisi. I would recommend him to every novice.
This recipe takes a little bit, but is absolutely worth the effort. Very tasty.
Yummy! One of my favorite soups!
My husband loves French onion soup. I’ve never had it, so I made a big pot of it. Still not a fan but he said “just like I remembered…delicious!”
I made this for dinner last night and my husband said it was the best French onion soup he’d ever had. He orders it at restaurants all the time, so that’s a big compliment.
Wonderful!
Awesome just awesome
Absolutely deelish!!
Highly recommend.
You are the best !!!
It’s the best, so rich and delicious…..🤗
Soooo good!! Best I’ve ever had!
Love this so much such a rich flavor!
Wonderful
I have made this several times. Love it!
Perfect directions. We loved it! TY
Excellent recipe! Made it three times so far! YUM!
ALL of your recipes are spot on and foolproof! BRAVO BILLY!
This was SO good. I highly recommend it.
Every recipe I try of Billy’s is WONDERFUL!! I especially like his videos which explains the steps perfectly.
many thanks!
Fantastic!!!!!
thanks for giving it a shot!!
I’ve made this a few times & I have to double the recipe because we like to have some the next night. Perfect for a cold night . Delicious!
appreciate you trying it
Love all your recipes. Greating from South Africa Jeffreysbay.
I can’t say enough!! Make it!! It is amazing!!!
Delicious, making it again soon
Absolutely delicious. Directions so clear. Family in heaven
Best French onion soup I ever made love this recipe.
I made a huge pot for 7 of us hoping to freeze the left overs. I left the small bowl for my oldest grandson to eat. The entire soup, homemade bread and all were devoured!
I have always used my mother’s recipe to make French Onion Soup. Interesting your recipe and instruction was very similar to hers, so this time I followed yours to a T. Took it to a new level! Thx Chef!
Nice
Best French Onion soup I’ve ever had.
I love how easy your recipes are to follow. I really enjoy you are cooking style and descriptions.
An excellent easy supper meal. Thank you
Very simple and delicious!
Great recipe, my family loves French onion soup.
Absolutely wonderful recipe!!
Very good it made the meal!
great job abd easy to follow instructions
The rich and complex flavors come together to make this soup really spectacular. And thankfully for me, it wasn’t that hard to make!! Thank you Chef Billy!
5star recipes
This is so good. Thanks for the recipe..
Made this for the family and it was devine. They said, “Restaurant standard or maybe better!”. I was really pleased with the outcome. You won’t regret making this. Thank you Billy ☺️
Absolutely the best French onion soup ever.
As described, the vinegar adds flavor and depth.
I used homemade beef stock, and has planned on freezing half of this batch, however it was devoured.
Finally found how to give stars Bm
Absolutely the best I’ve ever made! But not surprised, Chef Billy nails it everytime!
Just scrumptious!
Thank you Chef!
Amazing!
Chef,
DO you have a recipe for soup D’ Napoleon? It was the style the emperor preferred when he had onion soup. I had a copy back in the late 70s, early 80s; but lost it in one of my military moves. I know it is a long shot; but never hurts to ask.
I made a huge batch of this & everyone loved it. One said it is the best French onion soup he has ever had, & he orders it whenever he sees it on a menu. My husband loved it, daughter texted me saying it was incredible, the fiancé said it was so delicious, a neighbor that is in recovery from a fall said it was outstanding. This is a keeper!
Your recipes and content are amazing so easy to fallow and fun to watch
Great taste. Thanks!
This recipe is very easy to make and full of flavor!
Excellent results!
This is by far the best French Onion soup I’ve ever tasted. It is a little work, but I think it will be easier after making it once. The flavor is unbelievable.
This soup recipe was a huge hit with my guests. 100% spot on about adding vinegar. Helped balance the sweetness of the onions. Thank you!
The best soup EVER!
I’ve made French Onion before, but your recipe kicked it up a few notches. Thank you! Hubby loved it too!
This soup is epic!!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I made this soup just for me one evening and my only regret is that I didn’t have anyone to share it with. Loved it and can’t wait to make it again for friends and family.
it is great soup
Very good! Easy to follow recipe. Thanks, Chef!
My better half made this and it was amazing. Thanks for the recipe.
Haven’t made it yet, but soon. God bless.
So dang tasty!!!!
Made this over Christmas break. It was fantastic. Family loved it and so did I.
The best recipe for French onion soup !
Delicious! My granddaughter fell in love with her favorite soup!
I love your French onion soup recipe and I love the format of the recipe site. It’s easy to maneuver, you let us see you actually cooking thru the steps and you have the grocery list right there for us. Thank you Chef Billy, there’s a lot of great cooks in the making with your recipes and expert guidance. I appreciate your hard work for getting all these recipes online and videoed. I know it’s a lot of work. Have a wonderful week.
This French onion soup recipe is spectacular! Easy. Step-by-step directions that made an amazingly delicious soup – so memorable I bought the soup tureens for the next time.
Fabolous dish!
The directions were very simple to follow, and the taste was straight out of a French restaurant
Thank you, Chef!
Excellent Recipe
Simply the BEST chef with the BEST recipes!!
This one is beyond any dreams of what I used to love about French onion soup!
Chef Parisi, thank you so much❣️
As good as our local 5 star restaurant/bistro!
Oh! Boy! It looks so good, I will sure try it…🤩😋😋😋
Unctuously superb recipe that works well in the colder months and it is hit everytime it is made…. and devoured….. really appreciated it. Keith
Love this soup!
One of my favorite soups of all time and this recipe is perfect!
Easy to make, delicious soup, it’s perfect with a salad.
many thanks!
Delicious! Made this last night to start this seasons family tradition of Soup Sunday.
Yum! So easy and so good.
thank you!
Another brilliant recipe…. Chef Billy this was so good. I did follow your suggestion for a little Cream and WOW what a difference. This was a BIG hit at our Dinner Party!
my pleasure
Best recipe ever. My friends think I’m the best chef. It’s only when I cook your recipes. You’re the best.
my pleasure!
I made this soup as it’s one of my favorites. I’ve made it many times before but never tried yours. Instead of the crostinis I served the soup in bread bowls and toasted the tops with roasted garlic butter. Served with a side salad. This was hands down delicious. Thanks for sharing your recipes.
It sure took a long time to caramelize those onions!
It was worth it!
Fabulous recipe! Great depth of flavor, easy to prepare, it was a hit.
The best recipe ever I have tried so many and this is the one we all loved it.
Thanks Billy Love all your recipes!!!!!
Soooo good and my guests thought I’d turned into some amazing chef. Definitely on my repeat list!
Great chef
I’ve been trying Onion Soup recipes for years and haven’t been satisfied. This one knocked it out of the park. I loved this recipe and will make this one over and over. thanks Chef!
My husband loves this recipe! I’ve made it twice and it’s the best! Such wonderful flavors!
excellent!
So fabulous! Take your time with the onions. It’s more than worth the time. Such depth of flavor. All time favorite!
awesome!
Best French onion soup ever!
love it!
Ridiculously Good! I cooked for 30 years before I found Chef Billy, and his videos and recipes have taken my technique to a whole new level, so grateful for the extra tips the techniques and knowledge he adds.
many thanks!
I have made French Onion Soup for years, but never used balsamic vinegar. It is even better now. As I like onions, but the raw ones don’t like me, I always have caramelized onions on hand in the freezer. It is a great timesaver. Thanks for the great recipe!
love it!
Always the best instructions.
If I follow them step by step-line by line I cannot fail. The instructions also contain the history of the ingredients which I love to present when I am serving the prepared recipe meals.
many thanks!
This was so delicious! My husband loves it. The Gryere cheese & homemade crostini put it over the top.
Excellent!
This is my favorite soup! It is amazing and it was way easier than I thought. Chef Billy is the Best! I’ve tried several of his recipes and they have all turned out beautifully!
it’s a good one.
This soup is absolutely amazing. French onion soup is my favorite, and I won’t use any other recipe but this one!
thanks for giving it a shot!!
Flavorful! Loved this recipe. Followed it exactly!
Perfect!
This recipe is east to follow and TO DIE FOR!!! Absolutely a must for anyone loving French onion soup!
thanks for giving it a shot!!
This recipe is amazing! My husband ate at a nice French restaurant on a work trip and he said my French onion soup was much better!
WOW!
Served this to some friends.. they said it was the best they ever had. I agree
That’s awesome!
The soup was a huge hit. It was so flavorful and my family loved it!
Perfect!
Hands down, The Best Onion Soup ever!
Thanks for giving it a shot!!
I made this soup 🥣 it was delicious 😋
Thank you 🙏🏼
My pleasure.
The best Onion Soup recipe ever.
so good!!
This has been a favorite soup of mine for ions but making Chef Parisi’s recipe last night will be my go to recipe from now on. You do have to baby sit the onions for awhile…mine took about 45 minutes–but it was worth it. Deglazed with Snoop’s Cali Red was an added bonus. Rich, flavorful, delicious soup. Make sure to get a good baguette for your crostini, and Swiss gruyere not domestic (it’s crap). Enjoy! 🇫🇷
Amazing! Thank you!
I have made this soup and it was THE BEST onion soup I have ever had. The flavors just melt in your mouth.
Thank you. I love your videos. Keep them coming!!
Made for some friends..said it was the best onion soup they had
Perfect balance of flavors!
Okay, so this is absolutely delicious and easy to make. The Balsamic sends it over the top. I will definitely be making this a lot more often. Thank you Chef!
Made it using Billy’s beef stock recipe. EXCELLENT.
Delicious and well worth the effort!
Love the recipe. Easy and do tasty.
I love French onion soup and this was the best recipe I have tried. The depth of flavor is amazing. It’s so easy to have all the ingredients on hand. Another winner 🏆
Made this last night and it was fantastic. Y stove must not be as hot as yours but to caramelize the onions it took well over an hour, but result was well worth it. I also used the balsamic vinegar which was a great suggestion
Balsamic Vinegar is perfect in this recipe. I never thought of that. Great Recipe and very delicious.
The recipe calls for 8 onions. It states 4 each of yellow and white. I think you made a boo boo 🙂
Billy’s technique for cutting onions is so excellent it was a hundred proof perfect. Breathe through the mouth not your nose! I didn’t have a single tear.
My.son thought it was a riot when he came across ski goggles in my kitchen cabinets… FRENCH ONION SOUP ❤️
Made this tonight. It was delish! easy to follow and all explained nicely. Thank you so much.
Can you tell me how to make beef stock. I’m not that fond of the boxed stuff. Love your recipes.
Going to be making that in a few months.
Who needs to go out for dinner? This looks like a cozy French bistro dinner. Give me a salad and a creme brulee and I’d be very happy!
Haha I agree! Thanks for the kind words!
I had to reply after reading about Crying over onions! I stumbled on THE solution to not be in misery while peeling and slicing them. One hot summer day I was prepping and chopping some onions with a fan blowing in my face. The Cutting Board was slightly downwind and don’t you know I never shed a tear or felt that stinging sensation. It seemed too good to be true but I’ve used the same set up every time I do onions and have never suffered with crying onion syndrome since!
This was delicious!!! I made it exactly as posted and can’t wait to make it again!