This French onion soup is rich, cozy, and deeply flavorful, built from slowly caramelized onions simmered in a savory broth. Finished with toasted bread and melted cheese (with a dairy-free option), it’s a classic comfort dish that feels restaurant-quality but is made simply at home.

🛒 Ingredients (For 2 People)

Soup Base

• 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
• 2 tbsp butter
  • Dairy-free option: vegan butter
• 1 tsp sugar (optional, helps caramelization)
• ½ tsp salt (plus more to taste)
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp all-purpose flour (optional, for slight body)
• ½ cup dry white wine (Cabernet sauvignon)
  • Sub: additional broth if skipping alcohol
• 3 cups beef broth
  • Vegetarian option: rich vegetable broth
• 2–3 sprigs fresh thyme (or ½ tsp dried thyme)
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

Toasted Topping

• 2 slices baguette or crusty bread
• ½–¾ cup shredded Gruyère cheese
  • Dairy-free option: vegan mozzarella or vegan Gruyère-style shreds

🔪 Preparation

1. Slice onions thin and evenly.
2. Mince garlic.
3. Preheat oven broiler (if using cheese topping).

🔥 How to Make French Onion Soup

1. Melt butter in a pot over medium heat.
2. Add onions, salt and pepper. Cook 25–35 minutes, stirring often, until onions are deeply golden and caramelized.
3. Add Sugar half way through caramelizing the onions
4. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Sprinkle in flour (if using) and stir 1 minute.
6. Deglaze with white wine, scraping up browned bits. Simmer 2–3 minutes.
7. Add broth, thyme, and bay leaf.
8. Add balsamic vinegar
9. Simmer uncovered 15–20 minutes. Remove bay and thyme stems. Taste and adjust seasoning.

🧀  Cheesy Toasted Finish

1. Ladle soup into oven-safe bowls.
2. Top each with toasted bread and cheese.
3. Broil 1–3 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
   • If dairy-free: melt vegan cheese gently or serve with toasted bread on the side.

🧠 Tips

• Low and slow onions = depth of flavor. Don’t rush this step.

• If soup tastes flat, add a splash of vinegar or lemon to brighten it.

• For deeper flavor, use a mix of yellow and sweet onions.