How to Make Lazy French Onion Soup?

Just follow these steps: bake onions in olive oil and thyme until deeply golden, deglaze with sherry, simmer in broth with Worcestershire, then broil with bread and Gruyère. The oven does most of the work, letting you relax while the flavors develop.

What’s the Secret to Good French Onion Soup?

It’s all about caramelization and balance. Using the oven lets you caramelize slowly and evenly. A splash of sherry and vinegar sharpens the broth, and Gruyère brings richness. Lazy French onion soup achieves this harmony effortlessly.

What Is the Secret Ingredient in French Onion Soup?

Dry sherry. It adds complexity and a subtle sweetness that makes the onion flavor shine. Also, don’t underestimate the vinegar—it brightens the whole dish at the end. You’ll find the same clever additions in dishes like easy stuffed peppers .

What Is the Difference Between Onion Soup and French Onion Soup?

Basic onion soup often uses mixed onions, lighter broths, and skips the cheesy topping. French onion soup uses beef broth, caramelized yellow onions, toasted bread, and melted cheese—essentially everything in this lazy version, just simplified. Need more comforting ideas? Try this quick 5-ingredient French onion base to add rich flavor to other dishes.

Lazy French Onion Soup – Easy 1-Pot Recipe With Rich Flavor

Name: Lazy French Onion Soup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 1 h 30 min
Total time: 1 h 40 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 3 yellow onions, thinly sliced; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 3 thyme sprigs, plus leaves for garnish; 1/4 cup dry sherry; 6 cups beef broth; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; 1 bay leaf; 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar; 12 slices French bread, toasted; 8 ounces Gruyère cheese, shredded

Description

This lazy French onion soup brings bold, rich flavor using a simple oven method—no constant stirring required.

Ingredients

Scale

3 yellow onions, thinly sliced

2 tablespoons olive oil

3 thyme sprigs, plus leaves for garnish

1/4 cup dry sherry

6 cups beef broth

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

1 bay leaf

2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar

12 slices French bread, toasted

8 ounces Gruyère cheese, shredded

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 425°F.

2. In a Dutch oven, combine onions, oil, and thyme sprigs.

3. Bake covered for 40 minutes, stirring once halfway.

4. Uncover and continue baking for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

5. Remove from oven; stir in sherry and cook 3 minutes.

6. Add broth, Worcestershire, salt, pepper, bay leaf; simmer 15 minutes.

7. Remove from heat, stir in cider vinegar; discard thyme and bay leaf.

8. Preheat broiler. Ladle soup into 6 bowls.

9. Top each with bread and Gruyère.

10. Broil until bubbly and golden, 3–5 minutes.

11. Garnish with thyme leaves and serve hot.

Notes

Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.

Dry white wine can substitute sherry.

Prep bread in advance for easier serving.

Prep Time: 10
Cook Time: 90
Category: Soup
Method: Baking & Broiling
Cuisine: French

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl
Calories: 375
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 710mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 18g
Cholesterol: 40mg

Keywords: lazy French onion soup, easy French soup, cheesy soup, Apple cider vinegar, french bread loaf, beef broth