Is there anything better on a chilly winter day than a bowl of hearty French Onion Soup topped with melty cheese?
I have a love/hate relationship with winter. I hate being cold. I hate walking the dogs on icy sidewalks. I hate driving in the snow. I hate how little daylight there is in winter.
But at the same time, I’d hate to live in a place that didn’t have winter. I love being home on a snow day, watching the flakes fall with a cup of hot cocoa, and a pot of soup simmering on the stove.
When my brother and I would come inside from playing in the snow, my parents would make us each a grilled cheese sandwich and a bowl of soup: chicken noodle for me; creamy tomato for my brother.
I’m picky when it comes to soup. I usually prefer creamy soup, unless it’s tomato soup. Chicken noodle is one exception; French onion soup is the other. Maybe it’s the layer of gooey, melty cheese on top.
Good French onion soup is based on well-caramelized onions. Caramelizing onions (breaking down the sugars in the onions to produce a sweeter flavor) takes time; you can’t rush the process. Some try to cheat by adding sugar to the onions as they cook, but I don’t like the flavor that gives to the soup overall.
This recipe can be made ahead of time, through Step 7, then cooled to room temperature and refrigerated for up to 3 days. Reheat the soup to about simmering before proceeding with Step 8.
Adapted from Food & Wine
More Recipes for National Soup Swap Day
- Slow Cooker Pepperoni Pizza Soup by Kate’s Recipe Box
- Beef Noodle Soup by Cindy’s Recipes and Writings
- Black Bean Soup with Bacon by Food Above Gold
- Chicken Pot Pie Soup by Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks
- Cod Chowder with Bacon by Karen’s Kitchen Stories
- German Goulash Soup by Savory Moments
- Healthy Crockpot Split Pea Soup by Kelly Lynn’s Sweets and Treats
- Herbed Chicken and Spinach Soup by Jolene’s Recipe Journal
- Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup by Palatable Pastime
- Italian Asiago Artichoke Ham & Bean Soup by Faith, Hope, Love, & Luck Survive Despite a Whiskered Accomplice
- Italian Wedding Soup by Cooking For My Soul
- Parsnip Soup by A Day in the Life on the Farm
- Slow Cooker Beef and Barley by Cheese Curd In Paradise
- Slow Cooker Creamy Potato and Ham Soup by Blogghetti
- Slow Cooker Manhattan Clam Chowder by Everyday Eileen
- Slow Cooker Tomato Basil Soup by The Spiffy Cookie
- Stuffed Pepper Meatball Soup by Tip Garden
- Vegan Thai Roasted Carrot Soup by The Baking Fairy
Amy (Savory Moments) says
01/19/2019 at 2:26 pmYum!! One of my all-time favorites! This looks delicious and I’d love a bowl on the cold day.
Cindy says
01/19/2019 at 4:08 pmThis is my guy’s favorite soup. I never make it at home. That’s going to change now!
Karen says
01/19/2019 at 4:23 pmGreat cheese pull shot! This soup sounds soooooo good. If I could pick just one soup, it would be French onion.
Val - Corn, Beans, Pigs & Kids says
01/19/2019 at 4:31 pmI love ordering French Onion Soup at restaurants but have never tried making it at home. I think that will have to change now! Thanks for sharing on the Celebrate 365 Soup Swap!
Valentina | The Baking Fairy says
01/19/2019 at 4:36 pmThis soup looks so delicious and comforting!! I love that it’s so easy to make at home, too.
Lisa says
01/19/2019 at 5:59 pmThat cheese shot!!!! I love how easy this is to make and I definitely need to make it soon.
Wendy Klik says
01/19/2019 at 6:21 pmWho can resist and ooey gooey bowl of french onion soup?
Jan Thomas says
01/19/2019 at 7:56 pmThis looks so divine and comforting!
Kate says
01/19/2019 at 8:36 pmThis is my favorite soup! I wish I had a bowl now. Thanks for celebrating National Soup Swap Day with us!
C says
01/19/2019 at 9:07 pmThis is probably one of my favorite soups…it’s just perfect!!!
Mackenzie says
01/19/2019 at 9:24 pmA rich and flavorful french onion soup is the stuff of dreams! And I love that beautiful cheesy topping! I want to reach in and eat it!
Tania Lau says
01/19/2019 at 10:42 pmThis is a classic that I will never get tired of! I absolutely love French onion soup. All that cheesy goodnesss!
Eileen Kelly says
01/19/2019 at 11:26 pmI am with you on winter, love the food but not the cold. Oh my, this French Onion Soup is fantastic. I am a huge fan of French Onion Soup and your recipe is great. I love that you used Juniper Berries, they add a great level of flavor.
Jolene says
01/20/2019 at 9:48 amThis is my husband’s favorite soup and it’s slowly disappearing from menus around here. Will be so nice to surprise him with it at home!
Cheese Curd In Paradise says
01/20/2019 at 2:34 pmI love french onion soup and this version looks incredible! I can’t wait to try!