Classic French Onion Soup

French onion soup is the ultimate cozy comfort food that never goes out of style. This french onion soup recipe skips the wine but keeps every bit of the classic depth, sweetness, and savory warmth you expect. Perfect for chilly nights or an elegant starter, it’s a timeless dish you’ll want to make again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• No wine required – All the traditional flavor, none of the alcohol.
• Incredibly rich flavor – Slow-cooked onions bring natural sweetness and depth.
• Simple ingredients – Made with pantry staples, no need for specialty items.
• Elegant but easy – Ideal for a weeknight dinner or an impressive dinner party starter.
• Customizable – Easy swaps to make it vegetarian, gluten-free, or use different cheeses.

Ingredients

• 4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 6 cups beef broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian)
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 French baguette, sliced into ½-inch pieces
• 1½ cups shredded Gruyère cheese (or Swiss, mozzarella)

Instructions

1. Caramelize the Onions
   In a large pot over medium-low heat, melt butter with olive oil. Add sliced onions and stir to coat. Cook for 10 minutes, then sprinkle in sugar and a pinch of salt.
   Stir occasionally and cook for 30–40 minutes, until onions are golden and deeply caramelized.
2. Build the Broth
   Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute. Stir in Worcestershire sauce, scraping up browned bits. Add broth, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Simmer uncovered for 20–25 minutes.
3. Toast the Bread
   Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange baguette slices on a baking sheet and toast for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crisp.
4. Assemble and Broil
   Remove bay leaf. Ladle soup into oven-safe bowls, top with a toasted baguette slice, and sprinkle generously with cheese.
   Place bowls on a baking sheet and broil for 3–5 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
5. Serve and Enjoy
   Let bowls cool slightly. The cheese will be gooey, the bread will be soaked, and the broth rich and savory. Enjoy every spoonful!

Recipe Details

this recipe

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Servings: 4

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – Approximate)

• Calories: 350
• Protein: 15g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fat: 15g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sodium: 900mg

Tips & Variations

• Vegetarian? Use vegetable broth and vegan Worcestershire sauce.
• No Gruyère? Try Swiss, mozzarella, or even sharp cheddar.
• Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free baguette and check sauce and broth labels.
• No oven-safe bowls? Melt cheese on the toasted bread under the broiler, then float on hot soup.
• Storage: Keep leftover soup (without bread and cheese) refrigerated for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Related Recipes You’ll Love

If you’re in the mood for more cozy, comforting meals, you’ll love these recipes from Follow Recipes:

• 🥣 Ultimate Chili Recipe: Hearty Comfort in Every Bite – Packed with flavor and warmth, this chili is the perfect companion for a chilly night.
• 🥔 Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup – Rich, creamy, and loaded with cheesy goodness, it’s comfort food in a bowl. (Add direct link if you want it featured!)
• 🧅 Potato Leek Soup – A simple yet satisfying classic that pairs perfectly with crusty bread and cozy evenings. (Add direct link if needed.)

These make the perfect follow-up to a bowl of warm french onion soup — hearty, nostalgic, and delicious.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! The soup base can be made ahead and stored in the fridge. Just reheat and top with fresh toast and cheese before serving.

Can I freeze this soup?
Absolutely. Freeze the soup base only (no bread or cheese). Thaw overnight and reheat gently.

What’s a good substitute for Gruyère?
Swiss, mozzarella, or cheddar all work well.

How do I reheat leftovers?
Warm soup on the stovetop over low heat. Toast bread and melt cheese separately, then assemble.

French Onion Soup Without Wine

A rich, cozy soup made without wine. Caramelized onions, savory broth, and gooey cheese—perfect for comforting meals.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins

Servings: 4

Course: Soup

Cuisine: French

Calories: 350

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• – 4 large yellow onions thinly sliced
• – 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• – 1 tablespoon olive oil
• – 2 cloves garlic minced
• – 1 teaspoon sugar
• – 6 cups beef or vegetable broth
• – 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• – 1 teaspoon salt
• – ½ teaspoon black pepper
• – ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• – 1 bay leaf
• – 1 French baguette sliced
• – 1½ cups shredded Gruyère cheese

Equipment

• – Large pot
• – Oven-safe soup bowls
• Baking sheet
• – Broiler or oven

Method

 

1. In a pot, melt butter with oil. Add onions and cook for 10 minutes. Add sugar and salt. Cook 30–40 mins until golden brown.
2. Stir in garlic and Worcestershire. Add broth, thyme, pepper, bay leaf. Simmer 20–25 mins.
3. Toast baguette slices in a 375°F oven for 8–10 mins.
4. Ladle soup into bowls, top with toast and cheese. Broil until bubbly.
5. Let cool slightly and enjoy.

Notes

Swap broth for vegetarian version. Use Swiss or cheddar if Gruyère is unavailable. Freeze soup base without toppings.

Conclusion

This alcohol-free french onion soup is proof that classic dishes can be just as rich and satisfying with a simplified approach. Caramelized onions, a savory broth, and melty cheese make every spoonful something special. Whether you’re cooking for comfort or company, this soup always delivers.