Name: Easy French Onion Soup with Cheese Toast Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 0.5 cup unsalted butter; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 4 cups sliced onions; 5 cups beef broth; 2 tablespoons dry sherry; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 pinch salt; 1 pinch pepper; 4 slices French bread; 4 slices provolone cheese; 2 slices Swiss cheese, diced; 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Imagine sinking your spoon into a bowl of golden, caramelized onions swimming in savory beef broth, topped with melty, bubbly cheese on crisp toast—pure comfort in every bite. That’s the magic of this Easy French Onion Soup with Cheese Toast Recipe, a classic made simple and absolutely crave-worthy.

A light blue pot with a white inside surface is filled with thin slices of yellowish white onions. The onions are being mixed with melted butter or oil, which pools slightly on one side of the pot. A wooden spoon with a smooth texture is stirring the onions from the right side of the pot. The pot sits on a flat, white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Easy French Onion Soup with Cheese Toast Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Easy French Onion Soup with Cheese Toast Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Easy French Onion Soup with Cheese Toast Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

French onion soup can sometimes feel intimidating, but this recipe keeps it easy and approachable without sacrificing any of that rich, classic flavor. I’ve made this multiple times, and it always feels like a little luxury at home.

Simple Ingredients: You probably have most of these staples in your kitchen already, making it super accessible.
Rich and Comforting: The blend of three cheeses melted on top delivers a perfect cheesy crust that's just heavenly.
Quick Prep & Cooking: Under an hour from start to finish, so it’s perfect for cozy weeknight dinners.
Customizable: Easy to tweak depending on your pantry or dietary needs without losing its signature charm.

Ingredients & Why They Work

This Easy French Onion Soup with Cheese Toast Recipe relies on classic ingredients that sing together beautifully. Each one adds a layer of flavor or texture that makes the soup unforgettable.

Flat lay of a large white ceramic bowl filled with thinly sliced fresh yellow onions, a small white bowl with pale golden unsalted butter, a small white bowl with clear green olive oil, a large white ceramic bowl containing rich dark beef broth, a small white bowl with amber dry sherry, a small white bowl with dried thyme sprigs, a small white bowl with coarse salt and cracked black peppercorns, four rustic slices of crusty French bread, four slices of creamy white provolone cheese, a small pile of diced pale yellow Swiss cheese, and a small mound of finely grated white Parmesan cheese, all arranged in perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Unsalted butter: Rich and creamy, it helps soften the onions without adding salt, so you control seasoning perfectly.
Olive oil: Adds a subtle fruitiness and prevents the butter from browning too quickly.
Sliced onions: The star of the show—cooked low and slow until translucent for that sweet depth.
Beef broth: Gives the soup its hearty, savory base—choose a quality one for best taste.
Dry sherry: A splash lifts the flavors with a hint of acidity and complexity.
Dried thyme: Earthy and aromatic, it enhances the overall profile.
Salt and pepper: Season to balance and bring everything together.
French bread: Crusty and sturdy to hold up under the bubbling cheese.
Provolone cheese: Mild and melty, perfect for a gooey cheese layer.
Swiss cheese: Adds nuttiness and gooey texture in diced form for little pockets of flavor.
Parmesan cheese: The salty kick that crisps up on top, sealing the deal.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love putting my own spin on this Easy French Onion Soup with Cheese Toast Recipe depending on the occasion. You can easily swap out cheeses or add herbs to suit your mood or pantry.

Variation: Sometimes I add a splash of white wine instead of sherry, which gives a lighter twist but keeps that inviting depth.
Vegetarian swap: Using a vegetable broth instead of beef broth works surprisingly well if you want to keep it meat-free.
Cheese adjustments: I’ve tried gruyère or mozzarella for a different melt and flavor profile—both delicious results!

Step-by-Step: How I Make Easy French Onion Soup with Cheese Toast Recipe

There are three white ceramic pots with turquoise handles, each filled with dark brown onion soup topped with a single toasted round bread slice covered in melted, browned cheese. The pots are placed on a silver metal tray with a textured surface, and two silver spoons rest on the tray, one inside a pot and one beside the pots. The background is a white marbled texture photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Soften the Onions Gently

Start by melting the butter with the olive oil over medium heat in a large pot. Add the sliced onions and stir them frequently while cooking—they shouldn’t brown, just get tender and translucent. This step builds the soup’s sweetness and softness, which is key. It can take around 10-15 minutes, so be patient and keep the heat moderate.

Step 2: Simmer with Broth and Herbs

Once the onions are soft, pour in the beef broth, the dry sherry, and sprinkle in the thyme. Season gently with salt and pepper. Bring it all to a gentle simmer and let it cook uncovered for about 30 minutes. This is where the flavors meld into a rich, layered broth perfect for warming up on chilly days.

Step 3: Prepare Your Cheese Toast

While the soup simmers, preheat your oven’s broiler. Ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls, then add a slice of French bread on top of each. Layer each with a slice of provolone, some diced Swiss cheese, and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan. Place the bowls on a rimmed baking sheet to catch any bubbly drips.

Step 4: Broil Until Golden and Bubbling

Pop the baking sheet under the broiler for 2-3 minutes. Watch carefully—the cheese should bubble and turn lightly golden, creating an irresistible crust. Don't walk away though; it can go from perfect to burnt fast! Once bubbly and browned, remove carefully and let it cool just a moment before digging in.

Top Tip

From my experience, nailing that sweet onion base without burning is what makes or breaks this soup. It’s worth taking the time to stir often and keep your heat medium-low. This patience truly transforms the dish.

Low and Slow Cooking: Sticking with medium heat for the onions prevents bitter flavors and creates natural sweetness.
Layer Your Cheeses: Mixing provolone, Swiss, and Parmesan creates a complex, melty, crispy topping that's way tastier than only one cheese.
Use Oven-Safe Bowls: I learned the hard way using regular bowls—they cracked or melted. Invest in heatproof soup crocks for safety.
Watch Closely When Broiling: Cheese can burn fast; your eyes are your best tool here to catch it right at the golden bubble stage.

How to Serve Easy French Onion Soup with Cheese Toast Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple with a sprinkle of fresh thyme or parsley on top, which brightens up the rich soup just a bit. Sometimes a dash of cracked black pepper or a tiny drizzle of good olive oil adds that final flourish I love.

Side Dishes

Given how hearty and filling this soup is, I often serve it with a crisp green salad or some roasted veggies. On cooler days, a piece of crusty bread alongside is all you need to soak up every last bit.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to serve this in mini, individual crocks on a wooden board, alongside small charcuterie bites and a glass of red wine. It makes the whole experience feel cozy and upscale without extra fuss.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover soup stores beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I keep the cheese toast separate and reheat that briefly under the broiler again to bring back the crispiness before serving.

Freezing

I freeze just the soup base in portions, without the bread or cheese. When you’re ready, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove. Then, prepare fresh cheese toast toppings – it honestly tastes best that way.

Reheating

Reheat leftover soup gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth or water if it’s too thick. For the cheese toast, a quick broil or toaster oven run brings back that gooey, golden magic you fell in love with.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of broth for this Easy French Onion Soup with Cheese Toast Recipe?

Absolutely! While beef broth gives the richest flavor, you can use vegetable broth for a lighter or vegetarian-friendly version. Just be aware that the flavor will be a little different but still delicious.

What type of cheese is best for topping French onion soup?

I recommend using a combination like provolone, Swiss, and Parmesan. Provolone melts nicely, Swiss adds a nutty flavor, and Parmesan crisps up beautifully under the broiler. You can experiment with gruyère or mozzarella too, depending on what you like.

How do I prevent the onions from browning too much?

Keep the heat at medium or slightly below and stir frequently. The goal is to soften and caramelize the onions gently without burning them. Using both butter and olive oil helps regulate the heat and prevent browning too fast.

Can I make the soup entirely in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the soup base a day ahead and refrigerate. If you’re planning to assemble the cheese toast, it’s best to broil just before serving to keep the cheese bubbly and fresh.

Final Thoughts

This Easy French Onion Soup with Cheese Toast Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Every time I make it, I’m reminded how a few simple ingredients and a little patience turn into a comforting meal that's perfect for sharing. I hope you enjoy making — and devouring — it as much as I do!