Julia Child’s French Onion Soup Recipe

Julia Child’s French Onion Soup Recipe is a classic and comforting dish. It is rich, savory and full of caramelized onion flavor.

Many people love Julia Child’s French Onion Soup Recipe for cozy dinners and special occasions. This soup looks fancy but is surprisingly simple when you follow the steps.

If you want a warm, delicious and hearty meal, this Julia Child’s French Onion Soup Recipe is perfect. Today, I will show you How to make Julia Child’s French Onion Soup with simple Ingredients for Julia Child’s French Onion Soup.

My Experience With This Recipe

The first time I made this soup, I was amazed at how fragrant it smelled while cooking. The caramelized onions gave it a deep, sweet flavor.

The beef broth made it rich and savory. Topped with toasted bread and melted cheese, it was incredible. My family loved it and asked for seconds.

Now, I make it often during cold evenings. The Ingredients for Julia Child’s French Onion Soup are simple and easy to find.

Recipe Card info

• Recipe Name: Julia Child’s French Onion Soup
• Servings: 4 servings
• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 45 mins
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Course: Soup
• Cuisine: French
• Calories: 280 kcal per serving

Equipment List

• Large heavy-bottomed saucepan or Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Whisk
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Oven-safe bowls or crocks for serving
• Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients You Need for Julia Child’s French Onion Soup

• 4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup dry white wine
• 6 cups beef broth
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 4 slices baguette, toasted
• 1 cup grated Gruyère cheese

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Prepare the Onions

Peel and thinly slice all onions. Heat butter and olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions and stir gently to coat.

2. Caramelize the Onions

Add salt and sugar to onions. Cook slowly for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Onions should become golden brown and sweet, not burnt.

3. Add Garlic and Deglaze

Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute. Pour in white wine to deglaze the pan. Stir to lift all brown bits from the bottom.

4. Add Broth and Herbs

Pour beef broth into the pot. Add bay leaf and thyme. Bring soup to a boil, then reduce heat. Simmer gently for 15 minutes to blend flavors.

5. Adjust Seasoning

Taste soup and add salt and black pepper as needed. Remove bay leaf before serving. Soup should be rich, flavorful and savory.

6. Prepare Bread and Cheese

Toast baguette slices until golden. Sprinkle grated Gruyère cheese on top of each slice. Prepare oven-safe bowls or crocks for serving.

7. Assemble and Broil

Ladle soup into bowls. Place toasted bread with cheese on top of soup. Place bowls under a broiler for 2–3 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.

8. Serve Immediately

Remove carefully from oven. Serve hot and enjoy the rich flavors of Julia Child’s French Onion Soup Recipe.

Tips to Make the Best Julia Child’s French Onion Soup

• Slice onions evenly for uniform cooking.
• Cook onions slowly for deep caramelized flavor.
• Use high-quality beef broth for richness.
• Toast bread lightly to prevent sogginess.
• Broil cheese just before serving for best texture.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Cooking onions too quickly can burn them.
• Skipping deglazing reduces flavor depth.
• Over-broiling cheese can make it hard and dry.
• Using pre-shredded cheese may affect melting.
• Not seasoning the soup at the end can make it bland.

Serving Suggestions

Julia Child’s French Onion Soup Recipe is perfect as a starter or light main dish. Serve with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables.

Add a glass of red wine for a classic French experience. This soup is great for dinner parties or cozy family meals.

Variations You Can Try

• Use vegetarian broth instead of beef for a lighter version.
• Add a splash of brandy or sherry for extra depth.
• Mix cheeses like Gruyère and Parmesan for stronger flavor.
• Add thyme sprigs for a more aromatic taste.
• Make mini servings in ramekins for individual portions.

Storage and Reheating Tips

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat gently on the stove over low heat to avoid burning.
• Assemble bread and cheese only when ready to serve.
• Do not freeze soup with cheese-topped bread; texture will change.

Nutrition Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	280 kcal
Carbohydrates	20 g
Protein	12 g
Fat	18 g
Sugar	7 g
Fiber	3 g

Health Benefits

Julia Child’s French Onion Soup Recipe provides protein from beef broth and cheese. Onions are rich in antioxidants and vitamins.

Garlic adds heart-healthy compounds. This soup is filling yet light when served without heavy sides.

FAQs about Julia Child’s French Onion Soup

1. Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare soup a day before serving. Reheat gently and assemble bread and cheese before serving.

2. Can I use other cheeses?

Yes, Swiss or Comté cheese can replace Gruyère. It will give a similar melt and flavor.

3. Can I use vegetable broth instead of beef broth?

Yes, vegetable broth makes a lighter vegetarian version. Flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.

4. How do I prevent the cheese from hardening?

Add cheese just before serving and broil briefly. Avoid overcooking to keep it soft and gooey.

5. Is this recipe suitable for beginners?

Yes, it is beginner-friendly. The key is slow caramelization of onions and careful broiling of cheese.

Final Thoughts

Julia Child’s French Onion Soup Recipe is classic, savory and comforting. The Ingredients for Julia Child’s French Onion Soup are simple and easy to find.

Following these steps, you can make it at home easily. Now you know How to make Julia Child’s French Onion Soup.

Try this recipe for cozy dinners or special occasions. Everyone will love the rich, sweet and cheesy flavors of this classic French soup.