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Best French Onion Soup Recipe

106 Comments

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The best French Onion Soup Recipe starts with the right onions and develops a hearty broth. Topped with cheesy toast.

I recently ordered a bowl of French Onion Soup at a favorite local pub that for years has been known for theirs. What I got was a thick layer of melted cheese on a slice of bread that had soaked up most of the broth underneath with a scant serving of onions. Maybe it was just a bad night, but I was left unsatisfied… and this experience sent me on a mission: Find the best French onion soup recipe that I can make at home. After some trial, error, and disappointment, success is mine. Also,French Onion Soup is an excellent recipe to master, being one of the classics for a pleasing meal.

French onion soup in bowls with sliced bread on top

This recipe comes from America’s Test Kitchen and I should have just gone there first. They do all the research; testing several types of onions as well as coming up with the best cooking methods. I mean, they are the TEST kitchen. The success of this recipe is based on creating a deep, crusty caramelization with the onions, also known as fond. After following this recipe (courtesy of Christopher Kimball’s house guest from France), this is the best French onion soup I’ve tasted.

How to make French Onion Soup-

The recipe requires a bit of pre-planning but it’s extremely easy. You do need to start early, and monitor it periodically until the active hands-on portion during step three of the printable recipe.Sliced raw onions
Start with about six large yellow onions, sliced pole to pole. See note below on crying over your onions. Do not use sweet, white or red onions. They each have less than stellar results. So, nice round yellow onions it is for this recipe. After the onions are sliced (not too thinly), spray a heavy bottomed pot (at least a 7 quart size) with cooking spray (cast iron is what I use), place butter in the bottom and fill it with your onions. You will add a bit of salt here to help sweat the onions. Cover and cook in a 400 degree oven for an hour. Your house will start to smell amazing right about now.

Cooked onions in pot
Here they are after the first hour in the oven. Those onions that totally filled your pot have started to sweat down and are beginning to caramelize to the sides of the pan. Give them a good stir, crack the lid about an inch, and put them back in for another 1 1/2 to 1 3/4 hours, stirring again after one hour.

Caramelized onions
Now there is a heavy crust (the fond I mentioned earlier) that is starting to form and your onions are totally reduced. At this point, you’re going to cook them on the stove top, to draw out more of the moisture and deglaze the fond from the pan.

Carmalized onions in a pot
You will add water and deglaze at least three times as the onions continue to brown. The crust is THE flavor that makes this French onion soup recipe stand out, and you have perfectly caramelized onions. The crust also helps create a thick broth that doesn’t require the use of flour.

Bouquet of thyme
The deglazing portion was really the only active part of this recipe. Now you need a little bouquet of thyme sprigs and a bay leaf. Add this with your cooking sherry, chicken broth*, beef broth and water. Simmer on the stove top for 30 minutes. Finish off under the broiler with toasted, sliced baguette and shredded Gruyère.
This soup is super hearty and flavorful.
My quest is complete. I hope you agree.

What type of broth to use in French Onion Soup-

I’ve had people ask me why not just use beef broth here, assuming the beef broth will give deeper flavor. But that is not the case. This is French ONION Soup. Using chicken broth allows for the onions to shine in this soup. Trust me, the soup will have the perfect depth of hearty flavor. That being said, this makes a fine soup if you want a vegetarian option. Substitute in good vegetable broth.

 French Onion Soup close up of onions on spoon

What type of onions are best in French Onion Soup-

Yellow onions are most often recommended for French Onion Soup. They provide the perfect flavor that isn’t too sweet (white and red are both sweeter than yellow). Also, besides being too sweet, red onions really don’t look appealing in an onion soup such as this. The color turns to a purple-y grey.

A little note on “crying over your onions”. Many of us cry when slicing onions. It just happens. And the reason it happens is there are certain enzymes in onions that, when cut, release a sulphuric acid which irritates your eyes. There are many supposed remedies to prevent crying (light a candle, bite on a wooden spoon, freeze the onions). But the simple method that is tried and true: Protect your eyes. There are actually “onion goggles” out there you could buy, but just put on a pair of safety goggles or even swim goggles if you want ultra protection. Then you’ll look like you really mean business and you’ll stay dry-eyed through all 6 onions! 🙂

Best Cheese for French Onion Soup-

Gruyère cheese is not only a good classic cheese for French Onion Soup, it’s so rich in flavor that I think it makes the soup. But mozzarella, Swiss cheese, and provolone are adequate substitutes. If not using the strong Gruyère cheese, I recommend sprinkling Parmesan cheese over any of the other options to bump up the salty flavor of the cheese.

French Onion Soup
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4.86 from 7 votes

French Onion Soup

This is a delicious French Onion Soup. It's not difficult to make and the hands on process is mostly during the last hour of the recipe. The onions do require a lot of time in the oven to caramelize. But well worth it.
Course Soup
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 10 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 103
Author Good Dinner Mom

Ingredients 

For the Soup:

  • 3 Tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into 6 pieces
  • 6 large yellow onions, about 4 pounds, halved and cut pole to pole into generous ¼-inch-thick slices. Be sure to weigh the onions to get the right amount.
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup dry sherry
  • 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 3 cups beef broth
  • 2 cups water, plus extra for deglazing
  • 4-6 sprigs fresh thyme, tied with kitchen twine (Don't overdo it here)
  • 1 bay leaf
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt
  • Ground black pepper

For the Cheese Croutons:

  • 1 small baguette, cut into ½-inch slices (If making gluten free, omit bread or better yet, use a hearty gluten free bread, like Udi's)
  • 8 ounces shredded Gruyère cheese, about 1 cup. Mozzarella can be substituted.

Instructions

  • For the soup:
  • Adjust oven rack to lower middle position and heat oven to 400 degrees. Generously spray inside of heavy-bottomed large (at least 5-quart) Dutch oven with nonstick cooking spray. Place 3 Tablespoons butter in pot and add 6 cut onions and 1 teaspoon salt. Cook, covered, 1 hour (onions will be moist and slightly reduced in volume). Remove pot from oven and stir onions, scraping bottom and sides of pot. Return pot to oven with lid slightly ajar (only about ½-inch open) and continue to cook until onions are very soft and golden brown, 1 ½ to 1 ¾ hours longer, stirring onions and scraping bottom and sides of pot after 1 hour.
  • Carefully remove pot from oven and place over medium-high heat. Using oven mitts to handle the pot, cook onions, stirring frequently and scraping bottom and sides of pot, until liquid evaporates and onions brown, 15 to 20 minutes, reducing heat to medium if onions are browning too quickly. Continue to cook, stirring frequently, until pot bottom is coated with dark crust, 6 to 8 minutes, adjusting heat as necessary. (Scrape any fond that collects on spoon back into onions.) Stir in ¼ cup water, scraping pot bottom to loosen crust, and cook until water evaporates and pot bottom has formed another dark crust, another 6 to 8 minutes. Repeat process of deglazing with water 2 or 3 more times, until onions are very dark brown (very). Stir in ½ cup sherry and cook, stirring frequently, until sherry evaporates, about 5 minutes.
  • Stir in 3 cups chicken broth and 3 cups beef broth, 2 cups water, 4-6 sprigs of thyme, 1 bay leaf, and ½ teaspoon salt, scraping up any final bits of browned crust on bottom and sides of pot. Increase heat to high and barely bring to boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer 30 minutes. Remove and discard herbs, then season with salt and pepper.
  • For the croutons:
  • While soup simmers, arrange baguette slices in single layer on baking sheet and bake in 400-degree oven until bread is dry, crisp, and golden at edges, about 10 minutes. Set aside.
  • To serve:
  • Adjust oven rack 6 inches from broiler element and heat broiler. Set individual broiler- and oven-safe bowls on a baking sheet and fill each with about 1 ¾ cups soup. Top each bowl with 1 or 2 baguette slices (do not overlap slices) and sprinkle evenly with 8 oz Gruyère. Broil until cheese begins to melt and is bubbly around edges, 3 to 5 minutes. Let cool 5 minutes before serving.
Nutrition Facts
French Onion Soup
Amount Per Serving
Calories 103 Calories from Fat 45
% Daily Value*
Fat 5g8%
Saturated Fat 2g13%
Cholesterol 11mg4%
Sodium 805mg35%
Potassium 255mg7%
Carbohydrates 9g3%
Fiber 1g4%
Sugar 3g3%
Protein 3g6%
Vitamin A 130IU3%
Vitamin C 6.1mg7%
Calcium 32mg3%
Iron 0.6mg3%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Recipe adapted from America’s Test Kitchen.

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Published on November 14, 2013

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    Recipe Rating




  1. Marguerite says

    May 10, 2022 at 8:57 PM

    5 stars
    Third time making this today. I love that it’s done in a more traditional way. Adding sugar is such a crime when you can coax it out of the onions with baking. This recipe is as good as all the French onion soup I ate in Paris in 12/19. And we ate it everyday! Using medium high stove top is the way to go if you’re making a large batch, which I always do. I usually finish with cognac but only had brandy and sherry on hand today. And if anyone is interested, it freezes really well. I store it in quart containers in the fridge overnight then into the freezer in the morning. I like having about 6 quarts on hand ready to go. Thanks for the recipe.

    Reply
  2. Rose says

    May 2, 2020 at 7:38 PM

    I’m making this soup tomorrow. Can you tell me
    How much dried thyme I should use to replace
    The fresh sprigs? Can’t wait to taste this!!
    Thank You!

    Reply
    • Sally Humeniuk says

      May 2, 2020 at 7:43 PM

      Hi Rose, use less thyme when replacing fresh with dried. I’d only add 1/2 teaspoon since the fresh thyme is removed after simmering (it’s meant to add just a little flavor). Thanks for making the recipe, I hope you like it!

      Reply
  3. Rowy says

    April 18, 2020 at 3:06 PM

    5 stars
    Ummmm, this IS the best French onion soup I’ve ever had. Yes, the fond is everything and really gives the soup depth. I had no sherry or fresh thyme. I used rice wine vinegar and dried thyme with no hiccup! Thanks, will definitely be making this again

    Reply
    • Sally Humeniuk says

      April 21, 2020 at 12:22 PM

      Thanks, Rowy! I’m glad you agree with me and that it turned out so well for you.

      Reply
      • Bernice Guthrie says

        October 4, 2020 at 7:06 PM

        5 stars
        Excellent! Used cognac to deglaze since I use it for all deglazing. I can’t sat it added anything to the recipe, but we loved the soup!

        Reply
        • Sally Humeniuk says

          October 5, 2020 at 7:33 AM

          Hi Bernice! Thanks for taking the time to comment, and adding a little cognac seems like it would add some nice depth to the soup. Pretty clever idea!

          Reply
  4. Rebecca Anne Harvey Mailloux says

    November 24, 2019 at 5:24 PM

    The recipe ingredients call for both Cheese Croutons and 1 am baguette. I bought both. But the directions #5 just says Cheese Croutons in bold with no directions.
    After reading through your comments to others I think the baguette slices with the cheese on top are meant to be the “Cheese Croutons”. Am I correct? Numbering the bold in directions and bulleting croutons in the ingredients is confusing.

    Reply
    • Sally Humeniuk says

      November 24, 2019 at 6:31 PM

      Hi Rebecca, Sorry about that. I just updated my recipe cards to a new format and am slowly working out the kinks. I’ve corrected the recipe to put the Cheese Croutons in bold as a second piece of the recipe. Hope this helps and thanks for calling it to my attention.

      Reply
  5. Barb D'Angelo says

    June 30, 2019 at 4:17 PM

    4 stars
    There was just something missing when I made this. I used my home canned chicken and beef broth, but usually I put some red wine in my soup, that was the missing ingredient, makes it taste more full bodied, and brings out the onion flavor. The onions browned up nicely, and I like the end to end slicing much better then then slicing sideways, gives it more even pieces. I also added some fresh parsley in my herb bundle, mostly because it is my usual addition to onion soup along with the thyme and bay leaf.

    Reply
  6. Penny at Enjoying The Simple Things says

    December 22, 2017 at 8:38 PM

    5 stars
    Making this again today. I made it a year ago. It is a wonderful French Onion Soup. The only thing I do different is I don’t put my soup bowls with the croutons under the broiler. I am afraid someone will try to touch the sides of the hot bowl. So I place the croutons on a baking sheet, sprinkle the cheese on top of the croutons and put the baking sheet under the broiler. When the cheese has melting I top the soup with them .

    Reply
  7. RaeAnn says

    December 9, 2017 at 11:00 PM

    You mention using “mostly” chicken broth and add “barely” beef broth yet recipe calls for equal parts chicken and beef.

    Reply
    • Sally Humeniuk says

      December 9, 2017 at 11:59 PM

      Hi RaeAnn, the recipe of half and half is correct. I meant that using chicken broth at all is a good move. I’ve edited that statement to alleviate confusion. Thanks for the heads up.

      Reply
      • Simon says

        February 10, 2019 at 9:05 PM

        5 stars
        Great recipe.
        A suggestion for chopping onions I’ve been using for years without fail.
        Place the choping board on your cook top under the extractor fan with the fan on full and chip away. I guarantee no tears ever again.
        Cheers
        Simon

        Reply
  8. Tiana says

    May 4, 2017 at 4:52 PM

    Hi Sally! This recipe is amazing and I’m planning on making a ton of it for a mother’s day bash. I need to make about 16-18 servings, but I only have two cast iron dutch ovens to try and pull it off. Do you suggest I do this think in batches, or do you think I could increase the recipe to get all the servings in those two pots?

    Reply
  9. Aly says

    May 3, 2017 at 3:29 PM

    There is an ingredient listed as “soup”. I don’t understand what that’s supposed to be.

    Reply
    • Sally says

      May 3, 2017 at 4:34 PM

      Hi Aly, that’s not an ingredient. It’s a heading in bold, showing everything below it is for the soup. Then you’ll see a bolded item for Cheesy Croutons and those ingredients are used in making the croutons.

      Reply
  10. Janis says

    February 10, 2017 at 9:00 PM

    LOVE THE RECIPE! However, I had the reverse problem of many people above: I bought a new non-stick pot because everything I had was not oven-proof, or was too small, and the onions never browned sufficiently. No fond! :- Any suggestions? (besides buying another pot, lol!)

    Reply
    • Sally says

      February 11, 2017 at 3:00 PM

      Hi Janice, Even though I sent you an email direct when my admin site was down, I’ll also reply here in case anyone else has the same issue. First of all, make sure to cook on the second lowest level in your oven. I don’t know if you did that but it makes a difference. I know you don’t want me to tell you to get another pan, but I’ve only made this recipe (many many times) with a cast iron, heavy dutch oven pot. The non-stick pan you used may prevent a proper fond from forming. Sorry if this isn’t the answer you wanted but I’m glad you liked the recipe anyway.

      Reply
  11. Jeannette says

    October 11, 2016 at 5:38 PM

    This was indeed very very good! Thank you!

    Reply
    • Sally says

      October 11, 2016 at 8:08 PM

      Jeannette, I’m glad I could help and happy it turned out for you. 🙂

      Reply
  12. Jeannette says

    October 11, 2016 at 5:34 PM

    Thank you very much for the quick reply (I didn’t see it until tonight) and the excellent soup! I just made it and am eating it now. I was going to give some to friends, but after tasting it, I think I’ll just make them a separate batch!!
    Thank you again!

    Reply
  13. Jeannette says

    September 18, 2016 at 12:05 PM

    This looks and sounds delicious! I ask for this when it is on the restaurant menu. Since the restaurant only offers 1 cup, it’s no big deal,but for my own self, I use the gluten free broths and cheddar cheese that’s been aged (for some reason I don’t know, the “aged” part is better for my digestive system because I’m dairy intolerant too.)
    My only question is: What is a frond??? Thanks!

    Reply
  14. Leslie Bennett says

    July 4, 2016 at 6:53 AM

    This sounds like the BEST! But, I don’t get what you do with the croutons, did I miss something? I understand the baguette slices, where do croutons come in here?

    Reply
    • Sally says

      July 4, 2016 at 9:23 AM

      Leslie, the croutons can be served however you like. My pictures show them sitting on the soup but you can also serve them on the side for dunking.

      Reply
  15. Candy says

    May 26, 2016 at 1:31 PM

    This is the ULTIMATE French Onion Soup. I have made it several times and it’s perfect each and every time. Thanks for a great “keeper” recipe!

    Reply
  16. Dani says

    May 22, 2016 at 4:28 PM

    This is my go to French Onion Soup recipe. I’ve made it numerous times and it never disappoints.

    Reply
    • Sally says

      May 22, 2016 at 7:27 PM

      Dani, You just made my weekend! 🙂

      Reply
  17. Charmaigne says

    April 5, 2016 at 9:08 AM

    Hello, I made this wonderful soup yesterday. I will most certainly make it again. I did make a few slight changes as I do with most recipes. After the oven cooking, I did not cook on the stove tope for 20 min. I merely turned the oven off and let the pot sit in there to continue browning. I do use a cast iron pot so that holds the heat. I cooked at375 as my oven runs hot and I used a little dried thyme as I did not have fresh. Lovely recipe if you are around the house to monitor. Thank you

    Reply
  18. Pam says

    February 12, 2016 at 6:20 PM

    I just made this today. It was delicious. I follow the recipe as written. This is a keeper.

    Thank you!

    Reply
  19. Lori says

    February 10, 2016 at 2:51 PM

    My friend’s daughter is having a bridal shower and one of the things they have asked for is for us to bring one of our favorite recipes and I am happy to share this one with her. I have never tasted a recipe as wonderful as this one!

    Reply
    • Sally says

      February 10, 2016 at 3:14 PM

      Lori, Thanks so much for telling me this and I’m honored that it’ll be passed to your friend’s daughter. You’ve picked a good one as this is my son’s favorite recipe as well.Thanks again, you really made my day.:)

      Reply
  20. Viki says

    February 6, 2016 at 2:15 PM

    I loved this soup. I have never attempted anything like this so I followed the instructions exactly. My husband even liked it and that’s a plus.

    Reply
    • Sally says

      February 6, 2016 at 2:39 PM

      Viki, I’m so glad it turned out well for you and your husband. Thanks for taking the time to stop by and comment. It means a lot! 🙂

      Reply
  21. Claudia S. says

    January 27, 2016 at 6:58 PM

    There is the easiest remedy for crying over sliced onions! All you have to do is put your onions in the freezer, with skins on, for about 20 minutes before you slice them. This prevents the onion ‘fumes’ from rising up into your eyes! I read this many years ago, and have no problems, as long as I remember to put the onions in the freezer ahead of time.

    Reply
    • Sally says

      January 27, 2016 at 8:37 PM

      Thank you Claudia! I’ve heard of this method and keep meaning to try it but then forget to get my onions in the freezer in time. Good tip.

      Reply
  22. Lynne says

    January 27, 2016 at 1:48 PM

    I’ve make F.O. soup with a brown ale-works well. Our local pub uses a hardy dark rye with the cheese topping.

    Reply
    • Sally says

      January 27, 2016 at 2:50 PM

      Lynne, wow a brown dark rye ale sounds very interesting. I must try it. Thanks for sharing.

      Reply
  23. D'Evereaux Baum-Moore says

    January 26, 2016 at 7:13 PM

    I have always wanted to make this soup and tried your recipe today from an email from Yummly. My husband and I LOVVVVVED IT!!! It turned out perfect the way you described – I did not have a cast iron skillet but used another old heavy duty pan for the oven and the onions were perfect but then again I added a little olive oil to the butter when first in the pan before the oven. Absolutely AWESOME!!! Will make it over and over!! Thank you!

    Reply
    • Sally says

      January 26, 2016 at 8:43 PM

      D’Evereaux, Thanks for your comment and I’m so glad you both loved it. I’m glad it worked for you in the pot you used and adding a touch of olive oil is a good idea. Thanks again!

      Reply
  24. Dawn says

    December 18, 2015 at 11:12 AM

    I’ve been looking for a go-to healthy french onion soup recipe and this is it. This soup is delicious with or without the cheese and bread, making it GAPS friendly!!! (Note: I used all beef broth (no chicken broth) and substituted cabernet wine for the sherry (it was all I had on hand).

    Don’t let the time deter you. Roasting the onions was well worth it! I think it makes the difference, too. I cooked them for 1 hour @ 400F. Then, I tilted the lid and cooked them for 30 min @ 375F. I was afraid they would burn, but they didn’t. (My oven cooks hot.)

    Reply
    • Sally says

      December 18, 2015 at 11:59 PM

      Dawn, Thanks so much for your comments! They will help other visitors for sure. We too love it with no bread or cheese and I’ve made it several times with only beef broth, depending on what I have. Thanks again and have a great week.

      Reply
  25. Judith Newman says

    November 15, 2015 at 1:21 PM

    I made this Onion Soup To Die For! We loved it! However, I did not put thyme in it as I didn’t have any. The Onion Soup was the best we’ve had. We had a bit left over and it was just as good if not better in taste! Thanks for this delicious recipe!

    Reply
    • Sally says

      November 15, 2015 at 1:30 PM

      Judith, I’m so glad you all liked it! We feel the same way. I think it’s definitely fine without the thyme or you could even add just a 1/2 teaspoon of dried. I think less is better with the thyme anyway. Thanks for commenting.

      Reply
  26. Don says

    November 15, 2015 at 8:30 AM

    Can this be made ahead of holiday meal and froze?

    Reply
    • Sally says

      November 15, 2015 at 10:04 AM

      Hi Don, I’ve made it a few days ahead and refrigerated it but I’m not sure how well the onions will hold up if you freeze it. Sorry I’m not more helpful here, but the best I can recommend from experience is to keep it in the refrigerator a few days before serving.

      Reply
  27. wendy Katz says

    November 10, 2015 at 7:24 PM

    I was wondering what are crocks and what size are they that you use?Your recipe sound wonderful.My BF loves french onion soup but I have been intimated to try making it.I really want to try making it.When you make it ,do you make it as a main dish.If so or even if not,what do you serve with it,if anything.Thank you for the wonderful sounding and I’m sure tasting recipe.

    Reply
    • Sally says

      November 10, 2015 at 8:35 PM

      Hi Wendy, I should change the wording from “crocks” on the recipe… that’s just a term for oven-proof soup bowls. Most standard stoneware bowls will say they’re oven safe on the bottom, so use anything like that. I usually serve it as the main dish with plenty of the bread toasted with cheese on it and then add a tossed green salad. The soup with the onions and toasted breads is pretty filling. Please don’t be intimidated by the recipe! I’d love for you to try it. Just take your time and I highly recommend using a heavy bottomed pot like the dutch oven shown in my photos. That really is the key to success. I promise, it’s super easy! The only trouble a few people have mentioned in some comments here is they think the onions burn. If this happens, they surely couldn’t have used a heavy bottomed pot. Good luck. I’m sending positive vibes your way! Hope this helps. Let me know if you have any other questions. I’m here to help. 🙂

      Reply
  28. Aubrey says

    April 1, 2015 at 5:55 AM

    I tried making this today, but my onions burned. They looked good after the first hour. But thirty minutes into the second hour, I checked on them and they were almost all totally black. I used a Le Creuset pot which I thought would’ve been perfect. Anyway, I think I will try this recipe again, but I will have to make some adjustments for cooking the onions. I’ll let you know how it goes the second time around.

    Reply
    • Sally says

      April 1, 2015 at 6:33 AM

      Hi Aubrey, I agree, your pot is perfect for this recipe. The onions do get very dark but if yours were totally burnt, maybe your oven runs hotter? You could lower the oven temp by 25F degrees, or raise the rack in the oven up one spot. Thanks for your willingness to try it again.

      Reply
  29. Elizabeth says

    March 31, 2015 at 1:29 PM

    I love this recipe! I’ve made it several times and it’s amazing. I will be making it again as a tasting course at easter dinner. Have you ever made it in advance and frozen it? I’d like to prepare as much as I can in advance, so day of, I’m not overwhelmed. Does it freeze well or how far in advance is it safe to make and keep in the fridge?
    Thanks!!!

    Reply
    • Sally says

      March 31, 2015 at 3:42 PM

      Hi Elizabeth! First of all, I’m so glad you love the recipe (so do we!). I have made it up to 2 days ahead and just refrigerated it. I’m not sure how the onions would do in the freezer. Happy Easter to you and yours and thanks for making this recipe a part of your celebration. I’m humbled and honored.

      Reply
  30. Rose says

    March 6, 2015 at 4:36 PM

    I am wondering if those that ended up with burnt onions used margarine or a poor quality butter. Anything that has water added to it may cause burning as it evaporates as it cooks, leaving less fat and liquid than may be needed. Just a thought.
    You can rarely go wrong with a recipe from America’s Test Kitchen.

    Reply
  31. Daphne says

    February 26, 2015 at 1:52 PM

    So I’m dying to try this, but don’t haVe a dutch oVen. Any recommendations or any other type oF pan that may work?

    Thank you!

    Reply
    • Sally says

      February 26, 2015 at 4:10 PM

      Hi Daphne, any large heavy bottom pan will work. I hope you like the soup and thanks for stopping by! 🙂

      Reply
  32. Rebecca says

    February 15, 2015 at 11:43 PM

    I made this recipe today. I love French onion soup but have never attempted to make it myself. I never think about it until it is too late. Knowing we have snow on the way in these freezing temperatures I decided to make soup. This was my first and last French onion soup recipe. Rarely do I get a recipe that I love the first time I make it. This was perfect. Everyone (even my daughter who doesn’t care for onions) loved it. I have leftover for my honey to bring to work. I used pre-made crostini’s from The Fresh Market and nice aged Gruyere cheese. Perfect! Thank you for sharing this recipe!

    Reply
    • Sally says

      February 16, 2015 at 8:05 AM

      Rebecca, I’m so happy this recipe as your first French Onion Soup recipe became THE recipe for you. Thanks for your comments. 🙂

      Reply
  33. Cari S. says

    February 9, 2015 at 5:09 PM

    Thank you for the pictures… I wasn’t sure my onions looked right until I looked at yours 🙂

    Reply
    • Sally says

      February 9, 2015 at 5:35 PM

      Cari, I’m so glad the pictures helped you! Thank you for taking the time to comment, you made my day.

      Reply
  34. Kristin says

    February 7, 2015 at 3:17 PM

    I’ve made this recipe twice in the last month, and it is incredible. While it takes some work, the results are delicious and impossible to beat. I followed your instructions exactly, and the pictures were so helpful during some of the scary steps where the onions get dark and look not quite edible. Thank you so much for sharing.

    Reply
    • Sally says

      February 7, 2015 at 3:40 PM

      Kristin, I am honored that you’ve made this TWICE in a month. Thanks so much for your kind words and I’m glad the photos help because I agree, when you first see the nearly black onions, it’s hard to imagine this is exactly what you want at this point in the recipe. Thanks again for taking the time to comment.

      Reply
  35. CeeCee says

    February 3, 2015 at 10:36 AM

    Do you have a favorite dry sherry for this recipe?

    Reply
    • Sally says

      February 3, 2015 at 2:20 PM

      Hi CeeCee, Honestly, I buy whatever is on sale and have never been disappointed. So, just shop within your price range and it should work great. Thanks for stopping by!

      Reply
  36. kayla says

    January 17, 2015 at 4:13 PM

    I tried to make this recipe today and I couldn’t finish it. I did exactly what the website said and my onions got burnt black and there wasn’t a fond that formed. After reading some comments I realized Im using an aluminum dutch oven not a cast iron so I’m not sure if that made a difference. I was so upset too. I will try making it again another time. I just don’t know what went wrong

    Reply
    • Sally says

      January 17, 2015 at 4:36 PM

      Hi Kayla, I have always made this with a cast iron pot. I know others have used other types of pans, but as long as it’s a heavy-bottom pot, it should absolutely work fine. I have made this soup dozens of times with never a problem so I appreciate that you say you’ll try it again and I’m sorry to hear it didn’t work out for you. Try with a heavy bottomed pan next time and let me know how it turns out. Thanks for commenting.

      Reply
  37. Jerry Pooler says

    January 4, 2015 at 7:32 AM

    I think I like my recipe better. I slowly Carmelise my onions on the stovetop. I use a large heavy bottomed stockpot. I add a small amount of butter and olive oil to the pan, fill it completely with thinly sliced onions (8 or 9 large onions) and slowly cook them for about 2 hours with a small amount of sea salt. This sounds like a big hassle but while it’s cooking I get a chance to do some other things around my house and it’s worth the time because of the depth of flavor. You only need to stir it about every 15 to 20 minutes. Remember you need to cook this over very low heat. When the onions are a deep rich caramel color I deglaze the pan with about a cup of a dry red wine add thyme and a bay leaf and allow the alcohol to cook off. Here’s where my recipe changes. I don’t use chicken stock. I add about 10 cups of beef stock and let it simmer a while longer. Friends that don’t like onions request this soup all the time and swear it’s the best soup they ever had. I live in Minnesota and right now the wind chill outside is about 20 below. Luckily I have everything in my kitchen to make this soup. I know what I’ll be doing this afternoon.

    Reply
    • Sally says

      January 4, 2015 at 8:00 AM

      Jerry, thanks for sharing your recipe! With my method, the chicken stock/beef broth combo let’s the onions and thyme shine through and the onion fond adds so much beefy flavor on it’s own, that the chicken broth really works. But it sounds like based on your friends comments, yours is a definite winner! I’ll try your recipe next week since I just happen to have a bunch of onions in the house right now. Thanks again for taking the time to write. 🙂

      Reply
  38. nadine says

    December 2, 2014 at 12:56 PM

    I made this yesterday didn’t have a Dutch oven so I used a basic stock pot was worried that the pot was too thin, but nope it worked fine and OMG was it ever delicious there will never be another recipe I will use again for this soup. Doing another batch today so I can freeze ahead for some cold winters nights when I work too many hours in the day.

    Reply
    • Sally says

      December 2, 2014 at 1:22 PM

      Wow Nadine, that is good to know and will be helpful for others who might not have a heavy pot. I make this regularly and I’m so glad you liked it. Thanks for posting!

      Reply
  39. Norma Baker says

    November 16, 2014 at 6:08 AM

    Are most cooktop pots safe to use in the oven? All of my pans are fairly old so have no directions left for them.

    Reply
    • Sally says

      November 16, 2014 at 6:24 AM

      Norma, for a cooktop pot to be oven safe, the handles cannot be plastic and for this recipe, the bottom should be thick/heavy. A cast iron or ceramic coated pan is ideal. Don’t know if this helps, but not all pans are dual purpose.

      Reply
  40. Andrea says

    November 6, 2014 at 6:54 PM

    I made this today and did it ever satisfy my craving! There’s such depth in the flavors! I only had red wine on hand so I used that instead of sherry. I had to put the oven rack really low to fit my pot in the oven so I think the onions may have got a little burnt. I added some honey to the soup and it cut the bitter favour. I would definitely make this again!

    Reply
    • Sally says

      November 6, 2014 at 9:05 PM

      Andrea, Thanks for commenting and I’m glad you liked the soup. I think I’m going to lower the temp on the recipe here because you aren’t the first person to mention the onions got a little overcooked. Thanks for your input and I like the idea of the wine substitution when necessary and the honey is a great tough. Thanks again.

      Reply
  41. Arden says

    October 15, 2014 at 12:35 PM

    I tried this in a cast iron dutch oven and the onions were burnt black after the first hour. Wondering what I did wrong?

    Reply
    • Sally says

      October 15, 2014 at 10:13 PM

      Arden, I have never had this happen and I make this soup in a cast iron dutch oven as well. My oven is spot-on for reaching the indicated temperature. I’m wondering if your oven runs hot. Even then, it should not make them “burnt black” after only an hour. Do you know if the onions seemed very fresh? I hope you’ll give it a try again and have better luck.

      Reply
  42. Sarah says

    April 8, 2014 at 12:54 PM

    can this be made in a slow cooker?

    Reply
  43. Sara says

    March 30, 2014 at 12:41 PM

    I love this recipe! I make it all the time. I double the recipe and freeze it in a few batches for my husband and I. It is just as good reheated.

    Reply
    • Sally says

      March 30, 2014 at 1:53 PM

      Sara, I love that idea! I’m going to double this the next time I make it for freezing. Thanks for your comment.

      Reply
  44. Sheila says

    March 23, 2014 at 2:15 PM

    How brown is the pot suppose to look on the second baking time? Mine smelled burnt and was pretty dark. I through it away. Darn. Will try again next weekend.

    Reply
    • Sally says

      March 23, 2014 at 8:25 PM

      Sheila,
      As you can see in my photos, my pan got pretty dark. They didn’t smell burnt but were quite dark. That dark “stuff” on the pan is pure flavor. I hope it turns out for you next time!

      Reply
      • Reb says

        March 23, 2014 at 8:31 PM

        I made this for the second time, it turned out beautifully. The bottom of my pan got quite dark and brown this time, it made the soup taste even better. I was worried that I burned it but that was not the case, it was pure flavor. The other thing I learned was that it must be made with a wooden spoon. The silicon spoon just doesn’t have enough strength to scrape up all the good bits. This recipe is absolutely delicious. Instead of broiling the cheese in the oven, I made the croutons in the oven, and broiled the cheese on the crouton. A few minutes in the soup made them soft and gooey.

        Reply
  45. Reb says

    January 13, 2014 at 5:43 PM

    This is the third recipe I tried for French onion soup and the best. The addition of the fond made all the difference to develop the depth of flavor. I’ll make this again! Using a mandoline to cut the onions made it easy and quick. I think there’s an error: “Increase heat to high and bring to simmer. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer 30 minutes.” Should it be “bring to boil?”

    Reply
    • Sally says

      January 13, 2014 at 6:11 PM

      Thanks Reb! Glad you liked it and I’ve modified the instructions to “barely bring to boil”, rather than bring to simmer. 🙂 Thanks again for your input.

      Reply
  46. Barb says

    November 29, 2013 at 3:00 PM

    I found this EXACT recipe August 19, 2011. It came from cookography.com
    2008!
    Have made it several times.
    Nothing even comes close. It’s the very best!

    Reply
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