The original French Onion Soup recipe originates in France—no surprise there—though it’s not clear exactly where. It has been a go-to choice at mealtime throughout France, dating back hundreds of years. Onions have always been easy to come by, in the fields back then, and in the produce aisle today, so all kinds of recipes with onion soup have emerged over generations.
Since it’s mostly just onions, broth, cheese, bread, and spices, it’s always been easy to make onion soup with what’s already on hand. And it’s that accessibility that has made French onion soup a consistent household staple, with ongoing popularity since it was invented.
As with any recipe that’s been around so long, this is one that gives you a good amount of space to make it exactly the way you want. Traditionally, French onion soup broths are made with beef, but you can easily substitute vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
Stocked up on beef broth and looking for more ideas? Check out Betty’s collection of Beef Soup Recipes and get inspired!
Cook Methods
So how do you get the very best French onion soup? As a general rule, French onion broths form the richest flavors when they’re allowed to sit and simmer for a long time. The onions get a chance to marinate in the broth, the herbs get the chance to saturate all the other ingredients, and everything comes together beautifully over time.
But as for how exactly to get there, you’ve got options. The Betty Crocker Kitchen has recipes from the classic to the convenient and everywhere in between. The classic French Onion Soup recipe takes only a few steps, and for the most part, only needs one pot, but French onion soup in the slow-cooker is a wonderful short-cut if you want to cut down on time spent in the kitchen.
However you make it, French onion soup is a sure-fire crowd pleaser with as many possibilities as you can imagine. Explore some of Betty’s favorites, serve it up in these adorable, oven-safe bowls, and find your new go-to!