Jun 09 2026
Restaurantsla MadeleineFrench Onion Recipe

French Onion Recipe

Inspired by la Madeleine
Time1h 10m
Serves8

Served in a cup, bowl or Soup for the Group.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients

Toppings

Method

Preparation

  1. 1

    Slice the Onions

    Peel and thinly slice the yellow onions. Aim for uniform slices for even cooking.

  2. 2

    Prepare the Baguette

    Slice the baguette into 1-inch thick slices and set aside for toasting later.

Cooking

  1. 3

    Caramelize the Onions

    In a large pot, melt the unsalted butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and stir to coat them in the butter and oil. Cook the onions, stirring occasionally, for about 30-40 minutes until they are deep golden brown and caramelized.

  2. 4

    Deglaze the Pot

    Once the onions are caramelized, add the dry white wine to the pot. Scrape the bottom to release any browned bits. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes until the wine reduces slightly.

  3. 5

    Add Broth and Seasonings

    Pour in the beef broth, add thyme, bay leaf, salt, and black pepper. Stir well and bring the soup to a gentle simmer. Allow it to cook for about 20-30 minutes to let the flavors meld.

Serving

  1. 6

    Toast the Baguette

    While the soup is simmering, toast the baguette slices in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes until golden and crispy.

  2. 7

    Prepare the Cheese

    In a small bowl, combine the Gruyère and Parmesan cheese.

  3. 8

    Serve the Soup

    Ladle the soup into bowls or cups. Place a toasted baguette slice on top of each serving, then generously sprinkle the cheese mixture over the bread.

  4. 9

    Broil the Cheese

    Place the bowls under a broiler for 2-3 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, watching closely to prevent burning.

  5. 10

    Enjoy!

    Serve hot and enjoy your delicious French onion soup!

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