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Family-Style French Onion Soup

Bring one of your favorite restaurant-style soups home in this less-fussy version.
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Ingredients
  

Soup

  • 4-5 Large red onions thinly sliced
  • 3 Tbsp Butter (or butter and olive oil)
  • 1 tsp Salt (plus more to taste)
  • 1/2 tsp Black pepper
  • 1-2 Cloves Garlic minced
  • 1 Tbsp Flour (optional for body)
  • 1-2 Tbsp Dark Cherry wine (can substitute another red wine)
  • 6-8 Cups Beef bone broth
  • 1 Bay Leaf or a few sprigs of thyme (optional)
  • 1 tsp Apple Cider Vinegar

Cheesy Toast

  • Hearty Bread (sourdough or farmhouse style) sliced
  • Fiesta Blend Cheese (Cheddar/Monterey Jack) Gruyère is traditional, but this is what we always have on hand
  • Optional: a little grated Parmesan

Instructions
 

How to make French Onion Soup at home

  • Slowly caramelize the onions
    Melt butter in a large, heavy pot over medium-low heat. Add the onions and salt.
    Let them cook slowly for 35–45 minutes, stirring occasionally. This is the heart of the soup. Red onions take time, but they reward patience with a deep, savory richness. If the pot dries out, add a tablespoon of water or broth and scrape up the browned bits.
    The onions are ready when they’re dark, soft, and jammy—almost silky.
  • Build depth and warmth
    Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Sprinkle in the flour if you’re using it, stirring well, and cook for another minute.
    Add 1–2 tablespoons of dark cherry wine, scraping the bottom of the pot. Let it cook down completely until the liquid is gone and the sharpness softens.
    This small step adds a quiet sweetness that balances the savory broth without overpowering it.
  • Simmer the soup
    Pour in the beef bone broth and add the bay leaf or thyme.
    Bring the soup to a gentle simmer and let it cook 20–30 minutes, uncovered. Taste and adjust seasoning. Add apple cider vinegar a little at a time until the soup tastes balanced and deeply savory rather than sweet.
    Remove herbs before serving.

Easy Family-Style Cheesy Toast

  • While the soup simmers, prepare the toast.
    Heat the oven to 425°F.
  • Arrange bread slices on a baking sheet and toast until deeply golden and dry.
  • Sprinkle each slice with a thin, even layer of Fiesta blend cheese (add Parmesan if using).
  • Broil briefly until melted and bubbling with a few browned spots. Watch closely.

How to Serve (No Broiler Bowls Needed)

  • Place one slice of cheesy toast into each bowl (Optional: slice into crouton sized squares first). Ladle the hot soup over the toast, letting it soften slightly while the cheese stays intact.
  • This method keeps dinner moving, cuts down on dishes, and still gives everyone that classic French onion soup experience- perfect for busy families and cozy nights at home.

Notes

  1. Why This Cozy French Onion Soup Works So Well for Family Dinners
Red onions create a deeper, more savory flavor
A small amount of cherry wine adds warmth and balance
Beef bone broth makes the soup nourishing and filling
Family-style serving keeps things simple and stress-free
This is comfort food meant to be eaten slowly, with warm bowls in your hands and nowhere else you need to be.