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 and pepper to taste; 4 slices French bread; 4 slices provolone cheese; 2 slices Swiss cheese, diced; 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese

There’s something utterly comforting about a warm bowl of French onion soup topped with golden, bubbling cheese toast. This Easy French Onion Soup with Cheese Toast Recipe is simple, rich, and perfect for those cozy nights when you want a little indulgence without fuss. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become your go-to comfort meal.

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

I’ve made French onion soup plenty of times, but this version stands out because it’s fuss-free yet deeply flavorful. It hits that perfect balance of sweet caramelized onions in a savory broth and the irresistible cheesy toast on top. Honestly, it feels like restaurant-quality soup right at home.

Simple Ingredients: You don’t need fancy or hard-to-find items to make this delicious soup.
Perfect Cheese Toast: Three different cheeses melt beautifully over crusty bread for a gooey topping you’ll crave.
Rich, Deep Flavors: Slow-simmered onions and a touch of sherry bring out the best classic French onion soup taste.
Easy to Make: The clear steps and minimal active cooking make this recipe approachable for all skill levels.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient plays its part to create that iconic French onion soup flavor and texture. Choosing good-quality onions and a hearty beef broth makes a big difference. And those cheeses? They all bring a unique melt and flavor harmony that takes the toast to the next level.

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: Provides a rich base for gently cooking the onions without adding extra salt.
Olive oil: Helps balance the butter’s richness and prevents burning as you caramelize onions slowly.
Sliced onions: The heart of the soup—sweet and tender when cooked slowly but not browned.
Beef broth: Adds deep, savory flavor that’s essential to authentic French onion soup.
Dry sherry: Brings a subtle, mellow acidity and depth that lifts the soup’s flavor.
Dried thyme: Gives an herby aroma without overwhelming the soup.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning to taste after the broth has reduced.
French bread: Thick slices create the perfect base for cheese toast—sturdy and flavorful.
Provolone cheese: Melts beautifully with a mild, slightly tangy flavor that complements the soup.
Swiss cheese: Adds a nutty richness, diced to scatter evenly across the toast.
Parmesan cheese: A sharp, salty kick that finishes the cheese topping with finesse.

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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 how flexible this soup recipe is. Whether you want to swap out cheeses or tweak the broth, it’s easy to customize to your taste or dietary needs. Plus, it holds up well to small changes without losing its soul.

Vegetarian Variation: I’ve tried this with vegetable broth instead of beef, adding a splash of soy sauce to deepen the umami—it’s a lovely twist that still feels cozy.
Cheese Swap: If you want a sharper flavor, using Gruyere instead of provolone can make your cheese toast even more luxurious.
Extra Herbs: Adding a sprig of fresh thyme or rosemary during simmering can really lift the aroma if you’re feeling fancy.

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: Gently cook those onions until tender and translucent

Start by melting your butter with olive oil in a large stockpot over medium heat. Add all your sliced onions and be patient—stir them continuously but don’t rush to brown. The goal here is to soften them fully and coax out their sweetness without darkening the color. This usually takes around 15 minutes, and it’s key for that sweet, mellow flavor. Keep an eye so they don’t stick or burn, adjusting heat as needed.

Step 2: Add broth, sherry, thyme, and season

Pour in the beef broth, then add in the dry sherry and dried thyme. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Let this soup simmer gently for 30 minutes so all those beautiful flavors come together. I usually keep my stockpot partially covered to avoid too much evaporation but still let the soup thicken nicely.

Step 3: Make the cheese toast topping

While the soup simmers, set your oven’s broiler to preheat. Ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls—this little step makes all the difference—and place a slice of French bread on top of each. You can break the bread if you prefer, but I love it whole because it soaks up just the right amount of soup.

Now, layer your slices of provolone on the bread, sprinkle diced Swiss cheese evenly, and top with a generous spoonful of grated Parmesan. This trio makes the cheese toast so flavorful with the perfect gooey texture when broiled.

Step 4: Broil until bubbly and golden

Place the bowls on a rimmed baking sheet (to catch any drips) and slide them under the broiler. Watch carefully as the cheese melts, bubbles, and browns slightly—about 2 to 3 minutes. It’s a quick step, and those few seconds make the soup truly irresistible.

Step 5: Serve immediately and enjoy

Carefully take your piping hot bowls out of the oven using oven mitts, and serve right away. I love how the savory broth and sweet onions complement that toasty, cheesy crust—it’s perfect spoonful after spoonful.

Top Tip

One of the biggest lessons I've learned making this Easy French Onion Soup with Cheese Toast Recipe is the power of patience with the onions. Rushing or skipping the slow softening step never gives that classic sweet, silky texture that defines a great French onion soup.

Low and Slow Cooking: Stir your onions often to avoid browning or burning; you want soft, translucent, and sweet, not caramelized dark.
Broiler Watch: Keep a close eye on the cheese in the broiler—two minutes can turn from perfect to burnt fast.
Oven-Safe Bowls: Using these lets you assemble and broil in the same dish, making cleanup easier and keeping the presentation classic.
Cheese Layering: Don’t skip the Parmesan on top—it's what gives that lovely golden crust and sharp flavor finish.

How to Serve Easy French Onion Soup with Cheese Toast Recipe

Garnishes

I typically keep garnishes simple—fresh thyme springs add a pretty touch and boost aroma without overpowering. Sometimes a crack of extra black pepper on top gives just enough bite. A sprinkle of chopped chives can add a nice pop of color and mild onion flavor too.

Side Dishes

This soup is hearty on its own, but I like pairing it with a crisp green salad or a side of roasted vegetables to round out the meal. A light Pinot Noir or a buttery Chardonnay also complements the rich soup beautifully, if you’re sipping something with dinner.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this soup in mini cast iron skillets or rustic stoneware bowls that go right from oven to table—it ups the cozy vibe and impresses guests. You can also toast the bread with cheese on a baking sheet separately and float the toasts atop the soup at serving time if you want to keep the soup pot intact.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover soup keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I usually store the broth and onions separately from the bread and cheese to keep that toast crisp until ready to eat. When reheating, heat the soup gently on the stove before adding fresh toast or broiling anew.

Freezing

French onion soup freezes beautifully without the bread topping—just freeze the cooled soup in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. When thawed, stir gently and reheat on the stove. Add fresh bread and cheese toast just before serving for best results.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers slowly on the stove over low heat to avoid breaking the broth’s flavor balance. Once hot, ladle it into oven-safe bowls, top with fresh bread and cheese, then broil until bubbly and golden, just like the original first bake.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other types of cheese for the toast?

Absolutely! While this recipe uses provolone, Swiss, and Parmesan for a balanced melt and flavor, Gruyere, Mozzarella, or even a sharp Cheddar can work well depending on your taste preferences.

Why shouldn’t I brown the onions when cooking?

The goal is to soften and sweeten the onions without caramelizing. Browning changes the flavor profile, making it more roasted and less sweet, which shifts the classic French onion soup taste this recipe aims for.

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes! Swap the beef broth for a rich vegetable broth and add a splash of soy sauce or tamari for umami depth. The soup won’t taste exactly the same but will still be delicious and satisfying.

What’s the best way to serve leftover soup with cheese toast?

Reheat the soup gently on the stove, then add fresh toasted bread and cheese to each bowl and broil until melted again. This keeps the toast from getting soggy and revives the deliciously crispy topping.

Final Thoughts

Making this Easy French Onion Soup with Cheese Toast Recipe always brings me back to cozy evenings with friends and family. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug—simple, satisfying, and a little special. I encourage you to try it out, share it, and maybe even make it your own with your favorite twists. You won’t regret having this classic in your recipe rotation.