Jul 17 2026
RestaurantsVernon's SpeakeasyClassic French Onion Recipe

Classic French Onion Recipe

Inspired by Vernon's Speakeasy
Time1h 15m
Serves6

A timeless classic featuring slow-caramelized onions simmered in rich beef broth, topped with melted Gruyère cheese and served with a crispy baguette.

Was this page helpful?

Help improve this recipe for others.

Send this recipe to your inbox.

We'll email it straight to you - plus weekly cooking inspiration.

Ingredients

Some product links may be affiliates. If you buy through them, you're supporting the site and Pekin may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Ingredients

Method

Directions

  1. 1

    Prepare the Onions

    In a large pot, melt the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring frequently, until they are caramelized, about 25-30 minutes.

  2. 2

    Add Garlic and Deglaze

    Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes. Then, pour in the dry white wine, scraping the bottom of the pot to deglaze. Let it simmer for 5 minutes.

  3. 3

    Add Broth and Herbs

    Add the beef broth, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and black pepper to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 30 minutes.

  4. 4

    Toast the Baguette

    While the soup simmers, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet and toast them in the oven until golden brown, about 10 minutes.

  5. 5

    Serve the Soup

    Remove the bay leaf from the soup. Ladle the soup into bowls, top each with a few slices of toasted baguette, and sprinkle generously with shredded Gruyère cheese.

  6. 6

    Melt the Cheese

    Place the bowls under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve hot and enjoy!

More from Vernon's Speakeasy