This traditional yet simple French Onion Soup balances deep, savory flavor from slowly caramelized onions, wine and rich broth. The key is the oven method for caramelizing the onions — it develops maximum sweetness and color while cutting down on stovetop babysitting and the risk of burning.
Yes, French Onion Soup can be easy and absolutely delicious.
Ingredients for this easy French Onion Soup
To make this straightforward French Onion Soup, gather the following:
- olive oil
- butter
- large yellow onions
- fresh thyme
- dry white wine
- beef broth
- Worcestershire sauce (ensure gluten-free if needed)
- Kosher salt
- French or white bread or a baguette (or gluten-free bread to keep the recipe GF)
- Gruyère cheese
This recipe is naturally gluten-free if Worcestershire sauce is GF and you use gluten-free bread for the toasts.
Caramelizing onions the easy way
Oven-caramelizing onions produces consistent, evenly browned results without constant stirring. Start by warming the olive oil and melting the butter in a large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium-low heat. Add the sliced onions, cover, and cook on the stovetop for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add a few thyme sprigs, leave the lid slightly ajar, and transfer the pot to a preheated 400°F (205°C) oven for about an hour. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and promote even caramelization. The oven does most of the work for you while yielding deeply flavored, sweet onions.
I use this oven method for caramelized onions all the time. It makes other recipes, like Caramelized Onion and Prosciutto Pizza, much easier to prepare and more reliable.
Choosing onions
Sweet onions or a mix of sweet and standard yellow onions work best for a balanced, naturally sweet soup. Any good-quality yellow onion will do. Onions are widely grown across the U.S., and when they’re in season — late spring through fall — they bring the best flavor to your soup.
Gluten-Free French Onion Soup: Oven Method
K.C. Cornwell
Pin Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ cup butter (1 stick)
- 6 large yellow onions sliced into thin half circles
- 6 sprigs fresh thyme
- 1 cup dry white wine
- 6 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce make certain it is gluten-free
- 2 teaspoon Kosher salt plus more for seasoning
- Thick sliced GF white bread or baguette
- 5-6 ounces Gruyere cheese grated
Instructions
-
Preheat the oven to 400°F (205°C).
-
Warm the oil and melt the butter in a large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium-low heat. Add the sliced onions, cover, and cook for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add three thyme sprigs, leave the lid slightly ajar, and transfer the pot to the oven. Roast for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to caramelize evenly.
-
Carefully move the pot back to the stovetop over medium heat. Scrape up any browned bits from the pot, then add the wine and 1 teaspoon of salt. Cook 5–8 minutes until the wine reduces. Remove thyme stems, then add the remaining thyme, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 40–50 minutes to meld flavors.
-
Slice the bread into rounds that fit your bowls or ramekins and toast thoroughly on both sides.
-
Ladle the hot soup into oven-safe bowls, place a toasted bread round on each, and top generously with grated Gruyère. Broil just until the cheese is melted, bubbling and golden.
-
Serve immediately and enjoy.
Notes
Paleo-friendly: use dairy-free substitutes and replace Worcestershire with coconut aminos.
Nutrition
photography by Katie Roletto
Once you’ve mastered this easy French Onion Soup, try these next:
Make this Gluten-Free French Apple Cake next
If you love apple desserts, a gluten-free French Apple Cake is a perfect follow-up bake — comforting, tender and full of fruit flavor.
Homemade Tomato Soup
A simple homemade tomato soup is another great option. Use ripe tomatoes when available; it pairs well with grilled cheese, works as a starter course, and is an easy, crowd-pleasing comfort dish.
