Easier Than Easy French Onion Soup

Indulge in the rich, savory flavors of "Easier Than Easy French Onion Soup," a simplified take on the classic comfort dish that doesn’t skimp on taste. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe uses caramelized yellow onions, a touch of balsamic vinegar, and aromatic herbs to create a deeply flavorful broth in just under an hour. Topped with crisp baguette slices and bubbling, golden Gruyère cheese, each spoonful is a heavenly combination of textures and bold, warming flavors. With minimal prep, easy-to-find ingredients, and just the right balance of sweetness and umami, this French onion soup is a must-try for cozy dinners or an impressive starter. Ideal for fans of hearty soups, it’s an irresistible option that tastes gourmet without the fuss!

Nutriscore Rating: 66/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:55 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 medium yellow onions, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 6 cups low-sodium beef broth
• 0.5 teaspoons dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 small loaf baguette, sliced into 1/2 inch rounds
• 1.5 cups Gruyère cheese, grated
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoons black pepper

Directions

Step 1

Melt the butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.

Step 2

Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for 15-20 minutes, until they are deeply golden and caramelized. Sprinkle in the sugar halfway through to help with the caramelization process.

Step 3

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

Step 4

Deglaze the pot with balsamic vinegar, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the pot.

Step 5

Pour in the beef broth and add the dried thyme, bay leaf, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer uncovered for 20 minutes. Stir occasionally.

Step 6

While the soup is simmering, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and toast in the oven for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crisp.

Step 7

Ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls, removing the bay leaf before serving.

Step 8

Place a toasted baguette slice on top of each bowl of soup, then sprinkle generously with grated Gruyère cheese.

Step 9

Place the bowls under a broiler set on high for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbling, and golden.

Step 10

Carefully remove from the oven and serve hot.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2362.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2260.7

Total Fat 130.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 59.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 242.5mg	0%
Sodium 5767.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 188.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 16.5g	0%
Total Sugars 33.2g
Protein 94.2g	0%

Vitamin D 10.1IU	0%
Calcium 1977.9mg	0%
Iron 7.9mg	0%
Potassium 1681.6mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 51.0%

Protein: 16.3%

Carbs: 32.7%