Nothing captures winter comfort quite like this French onion soup recipe — rich with slow-cooked onions, topped with crusty bread and bubbling cheese. This version, inspired by Julia Child, is a love letter to traditional French cooking: slow, simple, and deeply rewarding.
Perfect for cold nights, family meals, or an elegant starter, it’s a dish that never goes out of style.
Ingredients (serves 4–6)
1 kg yellow onions, thinly sliced
60 g unsalted butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon sugar
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 litre beef stock (preferably homemade or low-sodium)
250 ml dry white wine
2 tablespoons cognac or brandy (optional)
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 baguette, sliced into 1.5 cm rounds
150–200 g Gruyère cheese, grated
Method
1. Caramelise the Onions
In a heavy-bottomed pot, melt butter with olive oil. Add onions and stir to coat. Cook over low to medium heat for 30–40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are deeply golden and soft.
Add salt and sugar after the first 10 minutes to encourage caramelisation.
2. Add Flour and Deglaze
Sprinkle in the flour and stir well, cooking for another 2 minutes. Pour in white wine and cognac (if using) and scrape up any browned bits from the pot.
Add beef stock and bring to a gentle simmer. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer uncovered for 30 more minutes.
3. Prepare the Bread and Cheese
While the soup simmers, toast the baguette slices until golden and firm. Set aside. Preheat your oven’s grill function.
4. Serve and Broil
Ladle the hot soup into oven-safe bowls, place one or two slices of toasted baguette on top, and cover generously with grated Gruyère.
Place the bowls under the grill for a few minutes until the cheese is melted and golden.
Why This French Onion Soup Recipe Works
This French onion soup recipe is all about building layers of flavour — from the deeply caramelised onions to the fortified broth and sharp Gruyère crust. Using your Wiggo induction hob ensures even, controlled heat throughout the slow cooking process, while the Wiggo oven delivers perfect melted cheese every time.
Want more cozy dishes like this French onion soup recipe? Explore more seasonal dishes here.
