Rather French Onion Soup Recipe

Name: Rather French Onion Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: ¼ cup butter; 1 tablespoon rendered bacon fat (or canola oil); 8 large onions, thinly sliced into half-moons (approx 3 lbs); ½ teaspoon kosher salt; ½ teaspoon brown sugar; 1 tablespoon flour (you can use rice flour for GF); 8 cups low sodium beef broth, hot; 1 sprig fresh thyme (or 1 tsp dried); ¼ cup cognac; 1 cup dry white wine (we used a French Sauvignon Blanc); 6 thick slices French bread, cut to the size of the serving bowls and toasted; 1 ½ cups coarsely grated gruyere (for a true French soup, use Comte)

Servings: persons

¼ cup butter
1 tablespoon rendered bacon fat (or canola oil)
8 large onions, thinly sliced into half-moons (approx 3 lbs)
½ teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon brown sugar
1 tablespoon flour (you can use rice flour for GF)
8 cups low sodium beef broth, hot
1 sprig fresh thyme (or 1 tsp dried)
¼ cup cognac
1 cup dry white wine (we used a French Sauvignon Blanc)
6 thick slices French bread, cut to the size of the serving bowls and toasted
1 ½ cups coarsely grated gruyere (for a true French soup, use Comte)

1
Heat a heavy saucepan over medium-low heat with the butter and bacon fat.
2
Stir in the onions and cover.
3
Cook slowly, stirring once or twice, until onions are tender and translucent, about 12 minutes.
4
Stir in the salt and sugar, increase the heat to medium, and let the onions cook, stirring just enough to prevent burning, until brown (25 to 30 minutes).
5
Sprinkle the flour and cook slowly, stirring constantly, for another 3 to 4 minutes.
6
Remove from heat and whisk in 2 cups of hot stock.
7
Return to the heat and bring to a simmer, adding the rest of the stock, thyme, Cognac, and wine.
8
Cover and simmer over low heat for 1 1/2 hours.
9
Remove thyme sprig and simmer a further 15 minutes, adding a little water if the liquid reduces too much.
10
Taste for seasoning.
11
Divide the soup between 6 ovenproof bowls.
12
Arrange toast on top of soup and sprinkle 1/4 cup of grated cheese on top of each croute.
13
Place bowls on a baking sheet and place under a preheated broiler until cheese melts and forms a crust over the tops of the bowls.
14
Serve immediately.

248

kcal

Calories

Fat

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Use a neutral oil or a plant-based spread in place of butter for a dairy-free version.
Brown sugar instead of white sugar adds a deeper, more caramel-like flavor.
A good 1:1 gluten-free flour blend works well if you need a gluten-free version.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 12 ingredients. The key ingredients include: ¼ cup butter, 1 tablespoon rendered bacon fat (or canola oil), 8 large onions, thinly sliced into half-moons (approx 3 lbs), ½ teaspoon kosher salt, and more.

Yes, Rather French Onion Soup falls under the Soups & Stews category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Rather French Onion Soup

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions