french onion soup

French Onion Soup is the kind of soul-warming classic that turns a cold day into something cozy. Rich, savory, and deeply comforting, this timeless dish features caramelized onions slowly simmered in a flavorful broth and finished with a bubbling layer of melted cheese. Whether you’ve enjoyed it in a quaint French bistro or only admired it from afar, making this dish at home is simpler than you think. With just a few quality ingredients—including a splash of Marsala wine—you can bring restaurant-level comfort to your kitchen. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s both elegant and effortless.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bold, Deep Flavor – The secret? A splash of Marsala wine. It adds earthy depth that elevates this French Onion Soup from good to unforgettable.
• Three-Cheese Finish – Provolone, Swiss, and Parmesan come together for a golden, gooey topping that’s irresistibly satisfying.
• Quick Comfort – Ready in just 25 minutes, this recipe proves comfort food doesn’t have to take all day.
• Beginner-Friendly – You don’t need fancy tools or advanced skills—just a pot, a pan, and oven-safe bowls.
• Crowd Favorite – Whether you’re serving a dinner party or cozying up solo, this soup gets rave reviews every time.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this rich and comforting French Onion Soup:

• ¼ cup butter
• 2 large onions, thinly sliced
• 6 cups beef broth (preferably low sodium)
• ½ cup Marsala wine
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or ½ tsp dried thyme)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons sugar (heaping)
• 2 tablespoons malt vinegar
• 5 oz Caesar-style croutons
• 6 slices provolone cheese
• 2 slices Swiss cheese, chopped
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

🔪 Optional for garnish: fresh thyme sprigs or chopped parsley

Instructions

1. Sauté the Onions
   In a large skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add sliced onions and thyme. Cook, stirring occasionally, until onions are deeply caramelized—about 5 minutes. Adjust heat as needed to avoid burning.
2. Prepare the Broth
   In a large pot, bring beef broth to a boil. Add sugar and malt vinegar. Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
3. Deglaze the Skillet
   Once onions are done, pour Marsala wine into the same skillet. Bring to a boil, scraping up any browned bits. This adds deep flavor. Pour this mixture into the broth pot.
4. Combine and Season
   Add caramelized onions to the broth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let it all simmer together for another 3–5 minutes.
5. Assemble the Bowls
   Preheat your broiler. Ladle hot soup into oven-safe ramekins or bowls. Add a generous handful of croutons to each bowl.
6. Add the Cheeses
   Sprinkle Swiss cheese and Parmesan over the croutons, then lay two slices of provolone on top.
7. Broil Until Golden
   Place ramekins on a baking sheet. Broil on low until cheese is bubbly and golden brown—about 5–7 minutes.
8. Serve Immediately
   Carefully remove from oven. Garnish with thyme or parsley if desired. Serve piping hot and enjoy!

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Yield: Approximately 8 cups
• Skill Level: Easy
• Cuisine: French
• Course: Lunch or Dinner

Nutrition Facts

Per serving (based on 4 servings)

• Calories: 547 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 47g
• Protein: 24g
• Fat: 26g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Cholesterol: 63mg
• Sodium: 1428mg
• Potassium: 878mg
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 13g
• Vitamin A: 755 IU
• Vitamin C: 5mg
• Calcium: 429mg
• Iron: 3mg

Note: Nutrition values are approximate and will vary based on ingredients and portion sizes.

Tips & Variations

🔥 Expert Tips

• Caramelize, Don’t Burn
  Cook onions slowly over medium heat. Stir regularly to develop deep flavor without scorching. They should be golden brown and translucent.
• Deglaze for Flavor
  Don’t skip deglazing the skillet with Marsala wine—it adds layers of richness and captures every bit of caramelized goodness.
• Use Oven-Safe Bowls
  For that golden, melty cheese topping, ramekins or any broiler-safe bowls are a must.
• Toast Croutons for Extra Crunch
  If your croutons are soft, toast them for a few minutes before adding to bowls to prevent sogginess.

🧀 Variations

• Swap the Wine
  No Marsala? Try dry sherry or white wine. Each brings a unique depth.
• Different Cheeses
  Gruyère, mozzarella, or even smoked gouda can work beautifully in place of—or alongside—the classic trio.
• Make it Vegetarian
  Replace beef broth with a rich vegetable stock. Use umami-rich mushrooms for added depth.

French Onion Soup

French Onion Soup is a timeless comfort food featuring caramelized onions in rich beef broth, topped with melty cheese and crunchy croutons. This quick version uses Marsala wine for deep flavor, and it’s ready in just 25 minutes.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 545 kcal

Equipment

• – Large skillet
• – Large pot
• – Oven-safe ramekins
• Baking sheet
• – Broiler

Ingredients

  

• – ¼ cup butter
• – 2 large onions thinly sliced
• – 6 cups beef broth
• – ½ cup Marsala wine
• – 1 teaspoon fresh thyme
• – Salt and black pepper to taste
• – 2 tablespoons sugar heaping
• – 2 tablespoons malt vinegar
• – 5 oz Caesar-style croutons
• – 6 slices provolone cheese
• – 2 slices Swiss cheese chopped
• – ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

 

• In a skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add onions and thyme. Cook until caramelized, about 5 minutes.
• In a large pot, bring beef broth to a boil. Add sugar and malt vinegar. Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
• Deglaze skillet with Marsala wine, bring to a boil, scraping up browned bits. Pour into broth.
• Add onions to broth, season with salt and pepper. Simmer for 3–5 minutes.
• Ladle soup into oven-safe ramekins. Top with croutons, Swiss and Parmesan cheese, then two slices of provolone.
• Broil on low for 5–7 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
• Garnish with fresh herbs and serve hot.

Notes

– Caramelize onions slowly for best flavor.
– Marsala wine adds unique depth; sherry or white wine can be substituted.
– Add croutons and cheese only before serving to prevent sogginess.

Keyword French Onion Soup

FAQs

❓ Do I really need to bake the soup?

Yes! That signature golden, melty cheese topping is what sets French Onion Soup apart. Broiling the assembled bowls allows the cheese to bubble and brown perfectly. Just be sure to use oven-safe ramekins or bowls.

❓ Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can prepare the broth and onions in advance and store them in the fridge for up to 5 days. When ready to serve, reheat the soup, assemble in bowls with fresh croutons and cheese, then broil.

❓ I don’t have Marsala wine. What can I use instead?

You can substitute with dry sherry or a dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc. While the flavor profile will change slightly, these alternatives still offer excellent depth and complexity.

❓ What’s the best onion to use?

Yellow onions are ideal for caramelizing—they strike the perfect balance of sweetness and bite. Sweet onions like Vidalia can also work if you prefer a milder taste.

❓ Can I freeze French Onion Soup?

You can freeze just the soup portion (without croutons or cheese). Let it cool, portion into freezer-safe containers, and store for up to 2 months. When reheating, add fresh toppings and broil as usual.

Conclusion

Whether you’re looking for a comforting lunch or a show-stopping starter for dinner, French Onion Soup is a dish that always delivers. With caramelized onions, a flavorful broth, and a trio of cheeses bubbling on top, every spoonful is rich and satisfying. This version, enhanced with Marsala wine, brings out deep savory notes you’ll crave again and again. Best of all, it’s easy enough for weeknights and impressive enough for guests. So grab those ramekins and let the cheese-melting magic begin!