French onion soup is proof that cheap ingredients can make something special. Three pounds of yellow onions cook down slowly in butter until they are sweet and deep brown, then simmer in beef broth and get topped with toasted bread and bubbling melted cheese.
It serves six for about $8.99, roughly $1.50 a bowl, and it needs no wine at all.
Bistro soup from a bag of onions
- Yellow onions are one of the cheapest vegetables in the store.
- Slow caramelizing builds deep flavor without any wine.
- Swiss cheese gives the classic melty top for less than Gruyere.
Tips for the best french onion soup
- Do not rush the onions. Turning up the heat burns them instead of caramelizing them.
- A pinch of sugar helps the onions brown more evenly.
- No oven safe bowls? Melt the cheese on the toasts on a baking sheet and float them on top.
- Use an instant read thermometer and check the USDA safe minimum internal temperature chart to know exactly when meat is done.
Ingredients for french onion soup and easy swaps
- Yellow onions: The cheapest onions are the best here. They turn sweet and jammy when caramelized.
- Beef broth: Low sodium broth lets you control the salt as the soup reduces.
- Worcestershire sauce: A spoonful adds depth in place of the usual white wine.
- Swiss cheese: It melts just like Gruyere for a fraction of the price.
What french onion soup costs to make
| Ingredient | Cost |
|---|---|
| 3 lb yellow onions | $2.40 |
| 4 tbsp butter | $0.70 |
| 1 tsp sugar | $0.01 |
| 1 tsp salt | $0.02 |
| 2 tbsp all purpose flour | $0.03 |
| 6 cups low sodium beef broth | $2.40 |
| 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce | $0.15 |
| 1 tsp dried thyme | $0.10 |
| 1 bay leaf | $0.05 |
| ½ tsp black pepper | $0.03 |
| 6 slices French bread | $1.00 |
| 1½ cups shredded Swiss cheese | $2.10 |
Prices are estimates based on average US grocery prices for the amount used. Your total will vary by store and region.
Easy French Onion Soup
Ingredients
Method
- Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onions, sugar and salt and stir to coat.
- Cook, stirring every few minutes, for 45 to 50 minutes, until the onions are soft and deep golden brown. Lower the heat if they start to scorch, and add a splash of water to loosen any brown bits.
- Sprinkle in the flour and stir for 1 minute. Add the broth, Worcestershire, thyme, bay leaf and pepper, bring to a boil and simmer for 20 minutes. Remove the bay leaf.
- Toast the bread slices under the broiler until dry and lightly golden.
- Ladle the soup into oven safe bowls on a baking sheet, top each with a toast and the Swiss cheese and broil for 2 to 3 minutes, until bubbling and browned.
Notes
How to make easy french onion soup step by step
Caramelize the onions
Cook the onions in butter for 45 to 50 minutes, stirring often, until deep golden.
Build the soup
Stir in flour, then add the broth, Worcestershire and herbs and simmer 20 minutes.
Toast the bread
Broil the bread slices until dry and lightly golden.
Broil the cheese
Top the bowls with toast and cheese and broil until bubbling.
Easy french onion soup variations
- Slow cooker onions: cook the sliced onions with butter on LOW for 10 hours, then finish the soup on the stove.
- Vegetarian: use a rich vegetable or mushroom broth.
- Provolone: swap the Swiss for sliced provolone.
More cheap dinners like this
- Creamy Crockpot Chicken and Rice: A dump-and-go dinner of tender chicken and creamy rice that feeds four for about $1.60 a serving.
- Budget Slow Cooker Beef Stew: Chuck roast, potatoes and carrots simmer all day into a rich stew that costs about $2.40 a serving.
- Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas: Juicy chicken and charred peppers roasted on one pan in 30 minutes, about $2.10 a serving.
Want more ideas? Browse all of our soups recipes.
What to serve with easy french onion soup
- A simple green salad
- Extra crusty bread
- Roasted broccoli or green beans
Storing and reheating french onion soup
In the fridge
Refrigerate the soup without the bread and cheese for 3 to 4 days.
In the freezer
Freeze the soup without toppings for up to 3 months.
Reheating
Reheat until steaming hot, then add fresh toasts and cheese and broil.
For more detail on safe storage times, see the USDA guidance on leftovers and food safety.
Frequently asked questions about french onion soup
Can I make French onion soup without wine?
Yes. This recipe uses Worcestershire sauce for depth and does not need any wine.
Why are my onions not browning?
The pot may be too crowded or the heat too low. Keep cooking and stirring. It can take close to an hour.
What cheese is best for French onion soup?
Gruyere is traditional, but Swiss and provolone melt just as well and cost much less.
Made it? Tell us how it went