Go Back
–+ servings

Easy Country Club French Onion Soup Recipe

This easy French onion soup recipe brings the comforting, caramelized flavors of a country club favorite to your kitchen.
Topped with cheesy croutons, it’s the perfect blend of savory broth and indulgent textures for any occasion.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Course Soup
Cuisine French
Servings 6

Ingredients
  

For the Soup:

  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons (¼ stick) unsalted butter
  • 6 large yellow onions about 3 pounds, halved and thinly sliced with the grain
  • ½ teaspoon sugar
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • ½ cup dry sherry wine or dry vermouth/white wine
  • 8 cups beef stock or broth
  • 3 sprigs fresh thyme or ¼ teaspoon dried, plus extra for garnish
  • 1 dried bay leaf
  • 1 teaspoon fine sea salt plus more to taste
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

For the Cheesy Crouton Topping:

  • 12 ½-inch-thick slices of baguette
  • Extra-virgin olive oil for brushing
  • 1½ cups shredded Gruyère cheese about 8 ounces

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Soup Base: In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Once the butter melts, add the sliced onions. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Caramelize the Onions: Sprinkle the onions with sugar to aid caramelization. Cook, uncovered, for 30 to 40 minutes, stirring frequently. Continue until the onions are deeply browned and soft, being careful not to scorch them.
  • Add Garlic and Deglaze the Pan: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add the sherry wine to deglaze the pot, scraping up any brown bits. Let the liquid reduce for about 3 minutes.
  • Simmer the Broth: Pour in the beef stock, add thyme sprigs, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Stir well, partially cover, and simmer for 30 minutes to let the flavors meld. Remove the thyme sprigs and bay leaf before serving.
  • Prepare the Cheesy Croutons: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Brush both sides of the baguette slices with olive oil and arrange them on a baking sheet. Bake for 6 to 8 minutes, or until golden. Remove and set aside.
  • Add Cheese and Broil: Preheat the broiler. Top each toasted baguette slice with Gruyère cheese. Broil for 2 to 3 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
  • Assemble and Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls. Divide the cheesy croutons among the bowls, and sprinkle with additional thyme leaves. Serve immediately.

Notes

Storage Tips: The soup (without croutons) can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Prepare croutons fresh for the best texture.
Wine Substitutes: Dry vermouth or white wine works well if you don’t have sherry wine.
Vegetarian Option: Substitute beef stock with vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
Keyword Cheesy crouton soup, Comfort food recipes, Easy French onion soup recipe, easy recipes, Homemade French onion soup, Simple onion soup recipe
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!