05 September 2026
· · Search
THE UNIVERSAL GASTRONOMY AUTHORITY
World Kitchen Journal
French Onion Soup
Technique

French Onion Soup

This is a classic French dish made with caramelized onions, beef broth, and seasonings, and topped with toasted bread and melted cheese. It’s a rich, savory and hearty soup and it’s a perfect choice for a chilly night.

By the Technique desk · France · 2 min ·

Enjoy this classic French onion soup recipe by Chef Giorgos Tsoulis.

Ingredients

  • 1 kg onions cut in half and then thinly sliced, lengthwise
  • 150 g butter
  • 150 ml cognac
  • 550 ml water
  • 1 beef jelly bouillon
  • 2 whole cloves
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 6 baguette slices
  • 200 g grated cheese
  • salt
  • pepper

Instructions

  • Place a wide pot over high heat, allow to get hot, then add the butter, onions, and thyme and sauté for 5 minutes until the mixture turns golden.
  • Reduce the heat to medium-low and continue cooking for 15 minutes until the onions soften.
  • Add the cognac and cook for 2 minutes.
  • Add a spice bag filled with the cloves, bay leaves, and garlic.
  • Add the beef bouillon jelly and water. Season with salt and pepper and mix. Cover the pot with a lid and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring every so often.
  • When the soup is ready, transfer to a small clay pot or to individual ramekins. Top with baguette slices, sprinkle with grated cheese and grill, until the bread is toasted and the cheese turns golden.
  • Sprinkle with parsley and serve.

Notes

Related: Veggie Cream Soup with Pesto & Dried Tomatoes Related: Roast Vegetable Soup with Basil

Related: Pork Bourguignon (French Pork Stew) Related: Mediterranean Fish Soup with Shrimp & Mussels Related: A Guide to French Bread & Baguette

Key facts
  • Who: French · Chef Giorgos Tsoulis · French Onion Soup Giorgos
  • Figures: 1 kg

More Technique