Toronto French Onion Soup
A rich and savory French Onion Soup featuring caramelized onions, flavorful beef broth, and melted cheese on toasted bread, perfect for comfort food lovers and entertaining guests.
Ingredients
- 4 to 5 medium onions, thinly sliced ⓘ
- 1/4 cup butter ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons flour ⓘ
- 3/4 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon ground pepper ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, minced or pressed ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon dried leaf thyme ⓘ
- 1 quart beef stock ⓘ
- 1 cup dry white wine ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon cognac or brandy
- 6 slices French bread, 1/4-inch thick ⓘ
- Mozzarella cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- In a 3 to 4-quart pot, sauté onions in 1/4 cup butter until onion slices are limp.
- Add more butter if needed to prevent sticking.
- Stir in flour, salt, pepper, garlic, and sugar.
- Cook over medium heat until the mixture turns golden brown.
- Stir in parsley, thyme, beef stock, and white wine.
- Stir in cognac or brandy.
- Toast French bread slices.
- Pour soup into six ovenproof bowls.
- Place French bread slices on top of the soup in each bowl.
- Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.
- Place under broiler until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using a mix of onions, such as yellow and sweet onions. If you prefer a healthier option, swap out the butter for olive oil. To enhance the soup's depth, use homemade beef stock or a high-quality store-bought one. If you don't have cognac, brandy or even a splash of sherry can work as a substitute.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the soup piping hot with a crisp green salad or a side of roasted vegetables for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Borscht (Russian Beef, Vegetable Soup) for a comforting dinner. For a heartier option, consider serving alongside a slice of grilled steak or a rich beef dish like Filet Au Poivre.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of beef stock to prevent the soup from thickening too much. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, and toast fresh bread and cheese to top it off before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Toronto French Onion Soup contains roughly 871 calories, with 57g protein, 114g carbohydrates, and 36g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (263% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (245% of the Daily Value), and iron (222% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1038mg per serving (45% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the soup a day in advance. Allow it to cool, then store it in the fridge. Reheat before serving and add the toasted bread and cheese just before broiling to achieve that perfect bubbly topping.
What kind of cheese can I use besides mozzarella?
While mozzarella is traditional for its meltability, you can also use Gruyère or Swiss cheese for a stronger flavor. Both will give you that delicious, gooey topping that complements the onion soup beautifully.
Is there a vegetarian version of this soup?
Absolutely! Swap the beef stock for vegetable stock, and use olive oil instead of butter. You can also add a splash of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce for a deeper flavor, ensuring it remains satisfying without the meat.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).