Nells Tips and Trends

Published 01/15/2020 Revised 05/14/2025

Few dishes can match the savory, soul-warming comfort of a well-made French Onion Soup. Made with caramelized onions, rich broth, and topped with toasted bread and gooey, melty cheese, it’s no wonder this soup has endured through the ages. Though commonly served as an appetizer today, its roots go far deeper than most realize.

A Brief History of Onion Soup

Onion soups date back to ancient Roman times, when onions were cheap, plentiful, and easy to grow. Seen as a “poor man’s food,” they formed the base of many humble meals. The version we know today—made with beef broth and slowly caramelized onions—originated in 18th-century Paris. According to Wikipedia, it was introduced to the United States in 1861 by Marie Julie Grandjean Mouquin, the wife of famed restaurateur Henri Marc Mouquin.

French Onion Soup saw a resurgence in popularity in the U.S. during the 1960s, when French cuisine captured the imagination of American home cooks and restaurant-goers alike.

Onion Soup Variations

There’s no single “right” way to make onion soup. Recipes vary widely depending on:

• Type of onion used (yellow, white, red, or sweet)
• Choice of liquid: beef broth is most traditional, but chicken broth, water, milk, or even wine can be used
• Cooking methods and times, especially when it comes to caramelizing the onions

Some recipes use flour or eggs to thicken the soup. Personally, I prefer mine on the lighter side—and I always add a splash of sherry or white wine as my secret ingredient. It brings a delightful depth of flavor that makes the soup extra special.

The Art of Caramelizing Onions

This step is crucial. If you want deep, rich flavor in your French Onion Soup, don’t rush the onions!

I reviewed several recipes and found a consistent truth: Onions cannot truly caramelize in just 15 or even 25 minutes. The goal is not just to brown them, but to slowly transform them into soft, sweet, golden perfection. Done right, this process takes at least an hour, and sometimes up to two.

Tips for Perfect Caramelized Onions:

• Use butter rather than oil for richer flavor
• Choose cast iron, carbon steel, or stainless steel pans
• Deglaze the pan occasionally with water to prevent sticking
• Cook low and slow—patience is key

My Favorite French Onion Soup Recipe

Ingredients for French Onion Soup:

• 3 lbs peeled onions (about one 5-lb. bag, peeled)
• 4 oz. butter or margarine
• 1 ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 2 Tbsp paprika
• 1 bay leaf
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup white wine (optional—but highly recommended!)
• 3 quarts canned beef bouillon
• Kitchen Bouquet (optional, for color)
• 2 tsp salt

Instructions for French Onion Soup:

Preparing the Onions:

1. Slice onions into 1/8-inch thick strips.
2. To reduce tears, cut off the stem end and leave the root end intact.
3. Slice the onion in half, peel off the outer layer, and cut into strips.

Caramelizing:

1. Melt the butter in a large soup pot.
2. Add the onions and sauté slowly for 1½ hours, stirring occasionally, until deeply golden brown and sweet.

Building the Soup:

1. Stir in the paprika, pepper, bay leaf, and flour.
2. Cook over low heat for 10 minutes.
3. Add the wine, then pour in the beef bouillon.
4. Simmer for 2 hours.
5. Adjust the color with Kitchen Bouquet, if desired.
6. Add salt to taste.
7. Refrigerate overnight—this improves the flavor dramatically.

Serving the French Onion Soup

1. Heat the soup thoroughly.
2. Ladle about 8 oz into fireproof individual bowls.
3. Add a thick slice of toasted French bread or croutons.
4. Top with Swiss cheese, Gruyère, or any good melting white cheese.
5. Place bowls under the broiler for about 5 minutes at 550°F, until the cheese is bubbling and browned.

This recipe yields approximately 2 quarts of deeply flavorful French Onion Soup.

Final Thoughts

With its layers of flavor and comforting warmth, French Onion Soup is worth every minute of prep. The rich, caramelized onions, the hint of wine or sherry, and that golden crust of cheese on top make this dish a true classic.

So take your time, caramelize your onions properly, and enjoy every spoonful of this delightful mouth warming French Onion Soup. Bon appétit!