French Onion Soup

N/A (traditional dish) Soup, Main Course (with cheese)

French Onion Soup Soup, Main Course (with cheese)

At a Glance

  • Category Soup, Main Course (with cheese)

The Forktionary Angle

"The art of patience: revealing the secret to truly spectacular, deeply flavored French Onion Soup."

Definition

A classic French soup made with deeply caramelized onions, beef broth, and often topped with a crouton and melted Gruyère cheese.

Key Ingredient Slow-caramelized onions
Popularity Restaurant appetizer staple
Traditional Origin France (Soupe à l'oignon)

Flavor Profile

The primary flavor notes for French Onion Soup are:

Savory Rich Sweet (from onions) Umami

Chef’s Secret

The secret to truly outstanding French Onion Soup is patient caramelization of the onions – low and slow for at least 45 minutes, allowing their natural sugars to develop deep, complex sweetness.

Best Substitutes

Other Beef Broth-based Soups

if onion content adjusted

Homemade Onion Soup from scratch

Ratio 1:1

Leek and Potato Soup

texture, not flavor
Ratio 1:1

Buying Guide

For homemade, choose firm, unblemished yellow or sweet onions. Use a high-quality beef broth for best results.

Recipes Using French Onion Soup

Taste Mood 5 Ingredients Or Less Occasion Dietary

Crock Pot Special

This incredibly simple recipe delivers a delicious and comforting meal perfect for a busy weeknight. Fall-apart tender roast, simmered in a rich and flavorful soup base, is effortlessly delicious served over egg noodles, creamy mashed potatoes, or fluffy rice. A true crowd-pleaser!

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Poultry Chicken Breasts Main Ingredient Preparation

Apricot Noodle Chicken

Ready in under 20 minutes, this vibrant Apricot Noodle Chicken stir-fry is a family pleaser! Tender chicken, sweet apricots, and perfectly cooked noodles create a dish that's both quick and delicious. Perfect for busy weeknights!

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Crock Pot Slow Cooker Main Dish Crock Pot Slow Cooker Preparation

Bbq Beef Sandwiches

Fall-apart tender BBQ beef sandwiches, slow-cooked to perfection! This family-favorite recipe, adapted from a cherished friend's recipe, is so delicious your family will be begging for more. The rich, smoky BBQ flavor is incredible on toasted sourdough rolls, and leftovers transform easily into a hearty beef stew. Serve with your favorite coleslaw (we love the Fanny Flagg recipe!). Get ready for a flavor explosion!

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Rice Side Dishes 5 Ingredients Or Less Rice

Company's Coming Rice

This foolproof oven-baked rice recipe is a holiday game-changer! It takes just 5 minutes to prep and delivers perfectly fluffy, flavorful rice every single time. Forget fussy stovetop methods – this effortless side dish bakes to golden perfection, freeing up your oven for other dishes. Prepare it ahead and reheat, or bake alongside your other holiday favorites. Trust us, your guests will be raving!

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5 Ingredients Or Less Dips Potluck 15 Minutes Or Less

Aussie Onion Cheese Beer Dip

This Aussie Onion Cheese Beer Dip is the perfect crowd-pleaser for your next party or gathering! Quick and easy to make (prep time excludes chilling), this creamy, cheesy dip is bursting with savory onion flavor and a subtle beer tang. Serve with your favorite veggies and crackers for a delicious appetizer that will disappear in minutes!

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Time To Make Time To Make 5 Ingredients Or Less Vegetables

Beefy Steakhouse Mushrooms

Crave those decadent, savory steakhouse mushrooms? This recipe delivers! Inspired by a Food Network classic (source lost to time!), these tender, flavorful mushrooms are simmered in rich beef broth, French onion soup, and a splash of wine. Get ready for a side dish that disappears fast – double the recipe, you've been warned!

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Easy Main Ingredient Sandwiches Preparation

Au Jus Onion Burgers

Experience a flavor explosion with these juicy Au Jus Onion Burgers! This recipe features perfectly caramelized onions, savory au jus dipping sauce, and your choice of cheese, all nestled in a crispy roll or baguette. Spice things up with a touch of wasabi (optional)! Serve with a refreshing green salad for a complete and satisfying meal. Easily scalable for 4 or 6 servings.

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Pork Main Ingredient Rice Pork

1 2 3 Jambalaya

Craving authentic Louisiana flavor without the fuss? This 1-2-3 Jambalaya recipe from Southern Living (December 1997) delivers incredible taste in just 50 minutes! Perfect for busy weeknights, this easy jambalaya recipe requires minimal stovetop time and boasts a rich, savory flavor that will impress your family and friends. Get ready for a delicious, one-pot meal!

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Cuisine Dietary 5 Ingredients Or Less 60 Minutes Or Less

Arroz Con Cebolla Rice With Onions

This beloved Latin American recipe transports you straight to home with its simple yet incredibly flavorful rice dish. Perfectly seasoned rice cooked with savory onions and crispy bacon, it's the ideal side to your favorite grilled meats, especially churrasco steak! This easy-to-follow recipe will have a delicious and comforting meal on your table in under 40 minutes.

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Cuisine Dietary Inexpensive Beginner Cook

Betty Crocker Italian Sausage Soup

Craving a comforting, homemade Italian Sausage Soup but short on time? This recipe, inspired by Betty Crocker, delivers big flavor in just 30 minutes! Double the batch – it's that delicious! Fast, affordable, and incredibly satisfying, this easy recipe surpasses any other you'll find. Impress your family and friends with this quick and flavorful weeknight meal.

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