Ina Garten French Onion Soup

Ina Garten’s French Onion Soup is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring slow-caramelized onions, a rich beef broth, and a crispy, cheesy topping of toasted baguette and melted Gruyère. This classic French soup is hearty, deeply savory, and perfect for a cozy dinner or an elegant appetizer. The secret to its incredible depth of flavor lies in slow-cooking the onions until golden and sweet, creating a luxurious broth that is both rich and satisfying.

What Is Ina Garten French Onion Soup?

Ina Garten’s French Onion Soup is a traditional French bistro-style soup made by slowly caramelizing onions and deglazing them with white wine before simmering them in a rich beef broth. The soup is then topped with toasted baguette slices and a thick layer of melted Gruyère cheese for the ultimate comfort dish.

Other Ina Garten Recipes

• Ina Garten Beef Stew
• Ina Garten Pot Roast
• Ina Garten Lamb Chops in Oven
• Ina Garten Lamb Rack
• Ina Garten Roasted Eggplant Parmesan

Reasons to Try Ina Garten French Onion Soup

• Rich and flavorful broth – Slow-cooked onions create a deep umami taste.
• Golden, caramelized onions – Brings out natural sweetness and complexity.
• Crispy, cheesy topping – The broiled Gruyère makes this dish irresistible.
• Perfect for cold weather – A warm and hearty soup that feels like a hug in a bowl.
• Great for entertaining – An elegant starter for dinner parties.

Ingredients Needed to Make Ina Garten French Onion Soup

For the Soup:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to enhance caramelization)
• ½ cup dry white wine (such as Sauvignon Blanc)
• 8 cups beef broth (homemade or high-quality store-bought)
• 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
• 1 bay leaf

For the Topping:

• 1 French baguette, sliced into ½-inch rounds
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cups shredded Gruyère cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions to Prepare Ina Garten French Onion Soup

Step 1: Caramelize the Onions

• Melt butter and oil – In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, melt butter and olive oil over medium-low heat.
• Cook the onions – Add sliced onions, salt, and pepper. Stir occasionally and cook for 30-40 minutes until deep golden brown. Add sugar to help with caramelization if desired.
• Deglaze the pan – Pour in the white wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until mostly evaporated.

Step 2: Simmer the Broth

• Add beef broth – Pour in the broth, then add thyme and bay leaf.
• Simmer gently – Bring to a simmer and cook uncovered for 30 minutes to develop flavor. Remove the bay leaf before serving.

Step 3: Prepare the Baguette Croutons

• Toast the bread – Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange baguette slices on a baking sheet, brush with olive oil, and toast for 10 minutes until crisp.

Step 4: Assemble and Broil

• Ladle soup into oven-safe bowls – Fill each bowl with hot soup.
• Top with croutons – Place a toasted baguette slice on top of each bowl.
• Add cheese – Sprinkle generously with Gruyère and Parmesan cheese.
• Broil until bubbly – Place under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown.

What Goes Well With Ina Garten French Onion Soup?

• Serve with a green salad – A simple arugula or mixed greens salad balances the richness.
• Pair with a glass of white wine – A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay complements the flavors.
• Enjoy with extra baguette slices – Perfect for dipping into the broth.
• Serve alongside a roast chicken – A great starter for a classic French meal.
• Pair with charcuterie – A board with meats, cheeses, and olives makes a great side.

Key Tips for Making Ina Garten French Onion Soup

• Caramelize the onions slowly – This step is crucial for developing deep flavor.
• Use high-quality beef broth – Homemade or store-bought, choose one with a rich flavor.
• Don’t skip the wine – It adds acidity and balances the sweetness of the onions.
• Broil just before serving – This keeps the cheese gooey and the croutons crisp.
• Let the soup rest before serving – This helps the flavors meld together.

Creative Variations of Ina Garten French Onion Soup

• Make it vegetarian – Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
• Add a splash of brandy – A small amount before simmering enhances the depth of flavor.
• Try different cheeses – Swap Gruyère for Swiss, Comté, or even sharp cheddar.
• Use a sourdough baguette – Adds extra tang and texture.
• Make it extra creamy – Stir in a splash of heavy cream for a richer broth.

Storage Guidelines for Ina Garten French Onion Soup

• Refrigerate leftovers – Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freeze for longer storage – Freeze the soup without the croutons for up to 3 months.
• Reheat gently – Warm over low heat on the stove, adding a splash of broth if needed.

Reheating Tips for Ina Garten French Onion Soup

• Stovetop method – Simmer over low heat, stirring occasionally.
• Microwave for quick reheating – Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between.
• Re-toast the croutons separately – Keep them crisp before assembling again.

FAQs

How do I prevent my onions from burning while caramelizing?

Cook on medium-low heat, stirring frequently, and add a splash of water or broth if they start to stick.

Can I make French onion soup ahead of time?

Yes! The soup can be made 2-3 days in advance and reheated before serving. Add croutons and cheese just before broiling.

What is the best cheese for French onion soup?

Gruyère cheese is traditional, but Swiss, Comté, or Provolone also work well.

Can I use chicken broth instead of beef broth?

Yes, but beef broth gives a richer, more traditional flavor. If using chicken broth, try adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce for depth.

Wrapping Up

Ina Garten’s French Onion Soup is the perfect balance of sweet caramelized onions, rich broth, and crispy, cheesy bread. Whether enjoyed as an appetizer or a main course, this dish is a timeless comfort food that always impresses. Try this recipe today for a warm, satisfying meal with incredible depth of flavor!

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