French Onion Soup with Cheese Crisp (So Good!)
There’s just something special about French Onion Soup. It’s the aroma of slowly caramelised onions. The warm buttery richness delights. That deep golden broth warms you right through. This version takes a tiny detour from the classic by topping the soup with a baked cheese crisp. It’s simple, delicious and gives the most beautiful crunchy-gooey finish when it hits the hot soup.
This recipe is featured in my first eBook Soups for Every Season. It is a collection of homestyle soups designed to carry you through the whole year.
You can grab your copy of Soups for Every Season with this link.
Before we dive into the recipe below, you can also watch me make this French Onion Soup over on my YouTube channel:
French Onion Soup with Cheese Crisp ( so good!)
And if you enjoy this comforting bowl, here are a few more recipes from the blog you might love:
- Minestrone Soup | Easy One-Pot Family Favourite
- Hearty Potato, Bacon & Onion Soup | Comfort Food In A Bowl
- Beginner-Friendly Focaccia Bread | Step-by-Step Homemade Recipe
About Soups for Every Season
I created Soups for Every Season as a go-to guide. It offers wholesome and easy soups. These recipes use simple ingredients and taste like home. Whether you’re craving something light or hearty, this eBook has you covered. It also features budget-friendly and freezer-ready recipes. You can turn to it again and again.
Inside you’ll find:
- Five comforting classics and a bonus bread roll recipe
- simple soups that use pantry staples
- soups that you can make any season
- tips for toppings, sides, storage and make-ahead meals
It’s perfect for busy families. It’s great for meal-preppers. It suits anyone who loves a bowl of warm goodness at the end of a long day.
French Onion Soup
Deep, caramelised onion in a rich broth, topped with gooey melted cheese — a French classic with a twist
Serves: 4–6 Time: 40 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 kg brown onions, thinly sliced
- 75 g butter
- 4 garlic cloves, finely diced (optional)
- 5 Tbsp beef stock powder (if using water)
- 3 Tbsp plain flour
- 2 tsp onion powder
- 8 cups water or beef stock
- 4 sprigs fresh thyme (or ¼ tsp dried)
- 1 tsp salt
- pepper, to taste
- grated cheese (mild, parmesan or cheddar all work)
Directions
- Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions and cook slowly, stirring often. This should take around 20 minutes. The onions should be nice and soft and starting to caramelise.
- Stir in garlic (if using), salt, pepper, and onion powder.
- Add flour, stir to coat onions, and cook for 2 minutes.
- Slowly pour in water or stock, stirring constantly. Add stock powder (if using water). Add thyme.
- Simmer uncovered for a further 10 minutes. Remove thyme sprigs.
- To make the crispy cheese topping: Put ¼ cup mounds of grated cheese on a baking tray. Line the tray with baking paper. Cook the cheese until it is melted. The cheese will crisp up on cooling.
- Ladle soup into bowls, top with a cheese crisp and a little fresh thyme.
Notes
- Brown onions are best for this recipe.
- Use olive oil and vegetable stock for a vegan-friendly option.
- Gruyère is traditional, but mild or cheddar cheese works beautifully for making the cheese crisps.
Stacey’s Kitchen Tips
- Don’t rush the caramelising. Slow cooking the onions gives all the depth and sweetness.
- Make it ahead: The flavour gets even better by the next day, making this a great prep-ahead meal.
- Budget swap: I use mild cheese — it still gives that perfect crispy topper.
- Extra richness: Add a splash of cream just before serving for a creamy twist.
Variations
- Vegetarian: Use vegetable stock.
- Gluten-free: Swap the flour for a GF thickener or omit (the soup will still thicken slightly). Grated potato is also a great way to thicken soups.
- Extra flavour: Add a splash of Worcestershire for more depth.
Final Thoughts
This French Onion Soup with its gorgeous golden cheese crisp is a comforting, homestyle dish. It is perfect for chilly evenings. You can also make it when you want something simple yet deeply flavourful. It’s a recipe the whole family will love, and one I’m so proud to include in Soups for Every Season.
If you’re looking for more cosy ideas, here are a few recipes from the website that pair perfectly with soup nights:
