This healthy french onion soup is a cozy, rich, and deeply flavorful dish made with caramelized onions, roasted garlic, and a robust broth. It’s lighter than traditional versions but still delivers the same depth of flavor.

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Cuisine: French
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 5

Why You’ll Love It

• Restaurant-Quality at Home – Achieve a gourmet French Onion Soup without the need for complex techniques.
• High-Protein and Light – A balanced meal with 12g of protein per serving while remaining lower in fat.
• Great for Meal Prep – The flavors improve over time, making it ideal for leftovers.
• Budget-Friendly – Uses simple ingredients like onions, broth, and garlic.
• Easily Customizable – Adapt it to be vegetarian or dairy-free as needed.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (30g) – Adds richness and enhances caramelization. Use dairy-free butter if needed.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (15g) – Prevents the butter from burning and adds flavor.
• 4 large yellow onions (1112g), thinly sliced – The key ingredient for deep, sweet flavor.
• 4 cloves garlic, minced – Provides aromatic depth.
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose or gluten-free flour (22g) – Helps thicken the soup slightly.
• 2 cups beef bone broth (480g), divided – Adds protein and a rich base.
• 4 cups beef broth (960g) – Creates the signature deep flavor. Substitute with vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (15g) – Enhances umami depth. Use a gluten-free version if needed.
• 3 sprigs fresh thyme or 1 teaspoon dried thyme – Adds a subtle earthy note.
• 1 bay leaf – Infuses the broth with additional flavor.
• Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste – Adjust to preference.
• French baguette – Toasted for serving.
• Freshly shredded Gruyère cheese – The traditional topping. Substitute with dairy-free cheese if needed.

Instructions

Step 1: Caramelize the Onions

Melt the butter and olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and cook for 30 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes to prevent burning. The onions should become soft, golden brown, and deeply caramelized. Once the onions are caramelized, add the minced garlic and cook for 2 minutes, stirring frequently to avoid burning.

Step 2: Build the Broth

Sprinkle the flour and 1 teaspoon salt over the onions, stirring well to coat. Cook for 1 minute, allowing the flour to absorb any moisture. Pour in ½ cup of the beef broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan—these add a lot of flavor. Add the remaining beef broth, bone broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and bay leaf. Stir everything together and bring to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Once simmered, remove and discard the thyme sprigs and bay leaf. Taste the broth and adjust seasoning with additional salt and black pepper if needed.

Step 3: Toast the Baguette

While the soup is simmering, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Slice the baguette into 1-inch thick pieces and arrange them on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly spray both sides with olive oil spray. If desired, sprinkle with garlic powder for extra flavor. Bake for 4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crisp.

Step 4: Melt the Cheese

Remove the toasted baguette slices from the oven and sprinkle shredded Gruyère cheese evenly over them. Return to the oven and bake for another 4 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 5: Serve

Ladle the hot soup into bowls and place a cheesy baguette slice on top of each bowl. Serve immediately and enjoy!

FAQs

Can I Make This Soup in Advance?

Yes! French Onion Soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. Store it in the refrigerator for up to four days and reheat on the stovetop over medium heat.

What’s a Good Substitute for Gruyère Cheese?

If Gruyère is unavailable, Swiss, provolone, or mozzarella work well. For a dairy-free option, use a plant-based cheese that melts properly.