Smoky French Onion Soup Recipe

Name: Smoky French Onion Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 3 tablespoons unsalted butter; 5 pounds onions, thinly sliced; 10 cups rich chicken or beef stock; 1/2 cup Madeira wine; 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce; 1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg; 2 large sprigs thyme; 1 bay leaf; Kosher salt and freshly ground white pepper; 2 cups shredded Gruyere cheese; 8 slices baguette, toasted

Servings: persons

2 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
5 pounds onions, thinly sliced
10 cups rich chicken or beef stock
1/2 cup Madeira wine
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
2 large sprigs thyme
1 bay leaf
Kosher salt and freshly ground white pepper
2 cups shredded Gruyere cheese
8 slices baguette, toasted

1
Prepare a wood-fired oven or cooker for cooking with indirect heat.
2
Heat the olive oil over medium heat in a 4-quart Dutch oven or clay pot, then add the butter to melt.
3
Add the onions and cook over indirect heat, stirring frequently, until they soften and just begin to brown, about 40 minutes.
4
Add 1/2 cup of the stock and move the pot to high heat.
5
Stir to scrape up the browned bits from the bottom of the pot and cook until the stock has completely evaporated.
6
Add the Madeira, Worcestershire sauce, and another 1/2 cup of the stock.
7
Add the nutmeg and stir.
8
Repeat, adding 1/2 cup stock and cooking until evaporated, 2 more times.
9
Add the remaining 8 cups of stock, the thyme, bay leaf, and salt and pepper to taste.
10
Simmer for 20 minutes.
11
Taste and adjust the seasoning.
12
Remove the thyme sprigs and bay leaf.
13
Bring the oven to 400F.
14
Ladle the soup into deep heat-resistant bowls or crocks.
15
Sprinkle half of the cheese over the soup and place a slice of the toast on top.
16
Sprinkle the toast with the remaining cheese.
17
Place the bowls on a baking sheet and bake until the soup bubbles and the cheese is melted and golden, 10 to 15 minutes.
18
Serve hot.

1642

kcal

Calories

Fat

Carbs

209

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.

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: 2 tablespoons olive oil, 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, 5 pounds onions, thinly sliced, 10 cups rich chicken or beef stock, and more.

Yes, Smoky 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!

Smoky French Onion Soup

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions