This French Onion Soup recipe from Famous-Barr involves slowly caramelizing thinly sliced onions in butter for about 1½ hours until they become sweet and mellow. After adding pepper, paprika, and bay leaf for an extra 10 minutes of cooking, a blend of broth and wine is brought to a boil. Flour is then dissolved in additional broth and mixed in, and the soup is simmered slowly for 2 hours to develop a deep, rich flavor and color (enhanced with caramel coloring). The soup is refrigerated overnight to meld the flavors further. When ready to serve, reheat the soup and optionally top it with a slice of bread and grated cheese, then broil until the cheese melts and bubbles. Leftovers can be frozen for later enjoyment.
We’ve seen plenty of feedback from home cooks and foodies who have tried this French onion soup recipe, and it’s always glowing. People love that the slow-caramelized onions give the soup a deep, rich flavor that feels both sweet and savory. One of the best compliments is how the long cooking time really brings out the natural sweetness of the onions, making every spoonful comforting and satisfying.
Many say this soup is the perfect blend of tradition and modern taste—a classic dish that still feels approachable. The robust broth, tender onions, and that irresistible finish of crusty bread with melted cheese evoke memories of home-cooked meals and cozy evenings.
What’s really great is that the recipe is versatile enough for everyone. Whether you like your soup on the lighter side or prefer a richer, more intense flavor, you can easily tweak it to match your taste. Overall, it’s become a favorite for chilly nights and family dinners, proving that sometimes the simplest recipes are the most memorable.
Feel free to share your own experiences with this recipe—we’d love to hear how it warms your heart (and your stomach)!
Famous-Barr’s French Onion Soup
Equipment
- 1 Cutting Tool chef's knife, mandolin, or food processor to slice the onions thinly
- Measuring Cups & Spoons For the spices, broth, wine, and flour
- 1 Large Stockpot A 6-quart (or larger) pot to cook the soup
- 1 Stirring Utensil A long spoon or spatula for stirring.
- 8 Oven-Safe Bowls or Crocks To finish the soup under the broiler with bread and cheese
- 1 Ladle For serving the soup
Ingredients
Instructions
- Slice onions 1/8" thick
- Melt butter, place onions in it, saute slowly for 1½ hours in a large soup pot
- Add all other ingredients except bouillon, saute over low heat 10minutes more
- Add bouillon and simmer for 2 hours
- Adjust color to a rich brown with caramel coloring or kitchen bouquet
- Season with salt to taste
- Put in icebox overnight
Notes
Nutrition
The calorie count can vary based on the exact ingredients and portion sizes, but a typical serving of French onion soup with a slice of bread and melted cheese is roughly 350–400 calories. If you enjoy the soup without the bread and cheese topping, it might be closer to 150–200 calories per serving. Keep in mind that these are estimates and can change based on your specific recipe adjustments.
While prices can vary by region and store, a rough estimate for a full batch of this French onion soup is about $15 to $25 total. This estimate includes basic ingredients like onions, butter, canned broth (and a bit of wine), along with spices, flour, and the finishing touches of bread and cheese. For an 8-serving batch, that comes out to roughly $2 to $3 per serving.
About French Onion Soup
French onion soup is a traditional French dish. While many cultures have their own versions of onion-based soups, the classic recipe—with its slow-caramelized onions, rich broth, and signature crusty bread topped with melted cheese—originated in France and has been a staple of French cuisine for centuries.
