Name: 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

There's something incredibly comforting about a bubbling bowl of French Onion Soup topped with perfectly melted cheese on golden toast. This French Onion Soup with Cheese Toast Recipe stands out with its rich broth and that irresistible cheesy crust, making it a true soul-warming classic worth every delicious bite.

A large white pot with light blue handles sits on a white marbled surface, filled about halfway with thinly sliced onions cooking in a pale yellow liquid. The onions are soft and translucent, layered loosely in the pot, with some curled and slightly separated. A medium-sized wooden spoon rests inside the pot, partially stirring the onions, with its handle extending out toward the top right. The overall colors are soft yellows and whites, with the wooden spoon adding light brown tones. 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 French Onion Soup with Cheese Toast Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve French Onion Soup with Cheese Toast Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
French Onion Soup with Cheese Toast Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I remember the first time I made this French Onion Soup with Cheese Toast Recipe on a chilly evening—it filled the kitchen with the most amazing aroma of caramelized onions and melted cheese. It’s simple, yet feels so indulgent and special without needing extravagant ingredients.

Deeply flavored broth: The slow-simmered onions combined with beef broth and a touch of sherry create a soup that’s both rich and nuanced.
Cheese toast magic: The triple cheese topping toasted to bubbly perfection adds texture and a savory finish you’ll find hard to resist.
Comfort food at its best: This soup is hearty enough for a meal but light enough to keep you feeling cozy and satisfied.
Easy entertaining: Elegant enough for guests but easy enough for busy weeknights, making it versatile to whip up anytime.

Ingredients & Why They Work

This French Onion Soup with Cheese Toast Recipe relies on classic ingredients that balance sweetness, savoriness, and richness. Each one plays an important role in creating the final cozy bowl you’ll love.

Flat lay of unsalted butter in a small white ceramic bowl, a small white bowl with golden olive oil, a mound of thinly sliced fresh yellow onions arranged neatly, a simple white bowl filled with rich beef broth, a small white bowl with amber dry sherry, a small pile of dried thyme sprigs, coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper grains side by side on the surface, four slices of rustic French bread arranged in a fan, four slices of creamy provolone cheese stacked slightly overlapping, small diced cubes of pale Swiss cheese in a white ceramic bowl, a small white bowl heaped with grated Parmesan cheese, placed 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: Adds creamy richness and helps gently soften the onions without burning.
Olive oil: Prevents sticking and adds an extra layer of flavor when caramelizing onions.
Onions: The star of the show—slow-cooked until tender and translucent, never browned, for a delicate sweetness.
Beef broth: Gives the soup a hearty, robust base that contrasts perfectly with the sweetness of the onions.
Dry sherry: Just a splash adds beautiful depth and a touch of acidity to lift the flavors.
Dried thyme: Brings subtle herbaceous notes that enhance the savory profile.
Salt and pepper: Basic but essential to balance all the flavors.
French bread: Perfectly crusty, it soaks up the soup yet crisps nicely under the broiler.
Provolone cheese: Melts smoothly and adds a mild, creamy flavor.
Swiss cheese: Its nutty, slightly sweet notes complement the provolone gorgeously.
Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, savory punch and beautiful browning when broiled.

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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 that this recipe is both straightforward and flexible. Over time, I’ve experimented a bit—sometimes swapping cheeses or adding herbs—and you can totally do the same to suit your taste.

Variation: One time, I added a splash of dry white wine alongside the sherry for a slightly different acidity that I really enjoyed, but it’s just as delicious without it.
Dairy-free option: Swap in your favorite plant-based cheeses and olive oil-based spread for butter to make this dairy-free while still enjoying the cheesy toast vibe.
Vegetarian version: Substitute vegetable broth for beef broth to keep it meat-free without losing the comforting factor.
Extra depth: Throw a clove of garlic in while simmering the broth for a subtle kick that mingles well with the thyme.

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

Three blue ceramic bowls with handles sit in a metal baking tray on a white marbled surface. Each bowl contains a layer of dark brown soup topped with a round toasted bread slice covered with melted, golden-brown cheese that has a slightly browned and bubbly texture. One bowl holds a silver spoon resting partially inside, while another bowl has a spoon placed next to it on the tray. The bowls and tray show some light drips and spots from the soup. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Gently Cook the Onions Until Tender—but Not Browned

Start by melting the butter with olive oil in a large stock pot over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and stir constantly to soften them. The key here is to let them become tender and translucent but avoid any browning, which gives a totally different flavor profile. Patience makes all the difference here—I usually spend about 10 minutes on this step, stirring carefully.

Step 2: Simmer with Broth, Sherry & Thyme

Once the onions are perfectly softened, pour in the beef broth, add the dry sherry and dried thyme, then season with salt and pepper. Let the soup simmer gently for 30 minutes to marry the flavors. I like to cover it partially and stir occasionally—you'll notice the broth becomes infused with sweet, rich onion flavor.

Step 3: Prepare the Cheese Toast Toppings

While the soup simmers, preheat your oven’s broiler. When ready, ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls, then top each bowl with a slice of French bread. If you prefer smaller bites, breaking the bread into pieces works too. Layer each with provolone, diced Swiss, and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. This triple cheese combo gives a beautiful rich crust when broiled.

Step 4: Broil Until Cheese Bubbles and Browns

Place the bowls on a rimmed sheet pan to catch any drips and slide them under the broiler. It takes just 2 to 3 minutes for the cheese to bubble and turn golden brown—keep a close eye so it doesn’t burn. Once bubbly and inviting, it’s ready to serve!

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve learned a few things that make this French Onion Soup with Cheese Toast Recipe come out perfectly every time. These are my go-to tips that I’m excited to share with you!

Constant stirring on onions: Stir the onions often to soften them evenly and prevent browning or scorching, which can make the soup taste bitter.
Don’t rush simmering: That 30-minute simmer is magic—it deepens all flavors and creates the signature richness you want in French onion soup.
Use an oven-safe bowl: This saves you the hassle of transferring soup and topping into another dish for broiling—just make sure your bowls are heatproof.
Watch the broiler closely: Cheese goes from golden brown to burnt fast, so stay close and pull the soup out the moment it bubbles and browns.

How to Serve French Onion Soup with Cheese Toast Recipe

Garnishes

I like to keep garnishes simple—just a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a few thyme leaves on top to add a bit of color and fresh herb aroma. It’s subtle but makes the bowl look inviting and vibrant.

Side Dishes

This soup shines as a standalone meal, but when I want a bit more on the side, I go for a crisp green salad with vinaigrette or a light roasted vegetable side. Something fresh cuts through the richness beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, I love serving the soup in mini cast-iron crocks topped with a single slice of a baguette and a mix of cheeses. It’s a charming way to make each bowl feel special and rustic. Plus, it’s fun seeing everyone gather around the table with their toasty bowls!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I've stored the soup in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. I usually keep the cheese toast toppings separate and only broil fresh when reheating—this keeps the toast crispy and cheese perfectly melted every time.

Freezing

This soup freezes well just as the broth and onions—skip the cheese toast topping when freezing. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge, then heat on the stove before adding freshly broiled cheese toast toppings.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the soup gently on the stovetop until hot but not boiling, then add your fresh bread and cheese, broiling until bubbly. This keeps everything tasting fresh and avoids soggy toast.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other cheeses for the cheese toast topping?

Absolutely! While provolone, Swiss, and Parmesan create a perfect melty and flavorful combo, feel free to experiment with Gruyère, mozzarella, or even cheddar depending on what you enjoy or have on hand.

Should the onions be browned for French onion soup?

This particular recipe keeps the onions tender and translucent without browning for a lighter flavor. However, traditional recipes often caramelize onions deeply for a richer, sweeter taste. If you prefer that depth, you can brown the onions slowly until golden before adding broth.

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes! Substitute the beef broth with a rich vegetable broth and skip the sherry if you prefer. The soup will still be flavorful and comforting, especially when paired with the cheesy bread topping.

How do I prevent the cheese from burning under the broiler?

Keep a close eye during broiling as cheese can brown quickly. Place the bowls on a lower rack if your broiler is very intense, and remove from heat as soon as the cheese bubbles and develops light golden spots for perfect results.

Final Thoughts

This French Onion Soup with Cheese Toast Recipe holds a special spot in my recipe collection because it’s a classic with a gentle twist—comforting and elegant without fuss. I love sharing it with friends because it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s approachable for any home cook. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do, and that it brings warmth and joy to your table like it has to mine!