YT Recipe

French Onion Soup with Grilled Cheese

French Onion Soup with Grilled Cheese is a medium French recipe that serves 4. 320 calories per serving. Recipe by everydayisfeastday on YouTube.

Prep: 15 min | Cook: 1 hr 35 min | Total: 2 hrs 5 min

Cost: $9.65 total, $2.41 per serving

Ingredients

  • 4 medium Onion (thinly sliced)
  • 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (cut into pieces)
  • 4 tablespoons Water (for deglazing)
  • 2 sprigs Fresh Thyme (leaves only)
  • 5 cloves Garlic Clove (minced)
  • 2 tablespoons Balsamic Vinegar (adds sweet depth)
  • 1 cup Red Wine (dry red, can substitute brandy or cherry wine)
  • 2 quarts Beef Broth (low‑sodium)
  • 2 slices Bread (sturdy bread such as sourdough or baguette)
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon Mustard (light spread on bread)
  • 2 slices Swiss Cheese (or provolone, Gruyère)
  • 2 tablespoons Chives (thinly sliced)

Instructions

  1. Slice the Onions

    Trim the ends, halve the onions, and thinly slice them into uniform strips.

    Time: PT10M

  2. Caramelize the Onions

    Heat 2 tbsp butter in the pot over low to medium heat. Add all sliced onions and a splash (2‑4 tbsp) of water. Cook, stirring occasionally, until deep golden brown, adding a small splash of water whenever fond sticks to the bottom and scraping it up.

    Time: PT40M

  3. Add Aromatics

    Stir in the thyme leaves and minced garlic. Cook for about 5 minutes until fragrant.

    Time: PT5M

  4. Incorporate Balsamic Vinegar

    Add 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar and sauté for 30‑60 seconds until the sweet aroma develops.

    Time: PT2M

  5. Add and Reduce Red Wine

    Pour in 1 cup red wine, increase heat to bring to a simmer, and reduce the liquid by half (about 10 minutes).

    Time: PT10M

  6. Simmer with Beef Broth

    Add 2 quarts beef broth, return to a gentle simmer, and cook for 20‑30 minutes to meld flavors.

    Time: PT25M

  7. Prepare Grilled Cheese

    Butter one side of each bread slice, spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard on the unbuttered side, layer Swiss cheese and sliced chives, then top with the second slice (buttered side out). Grill in a skillet over medium heat until golden brown and cheese is melted, about 4‑5 minutes per side.

    Time: PT8M

  8. Serve

    Ladle hot soup into bowls, place the grilled cheese on top or on the side, and garnish with extra chives if desired.

    Time: PT5M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
320
Protein
15 g
Carbohydrates
30 g
Fat
14 g
Fiber
3 g

Dietary info: Contains dairy, Contains gluten, Non‑vegetarian

Allergens: Dairy, Gluten

Last updated: April 7, 2026

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French Onion Soup with Grilled Cheese

Recipe by everydayisfeastday

A comforting French onion soup made by slowly caramelizing onions, deglazing with balsamic and red wine, and simmering in beef broth. Served with a crispy grilled cheese sandwich topped with Swiss cheese, Dijon mustard, and chives for a hearty, satisfying meal.

MediumFrenchServes 4

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Source Video
10m
Prep
1h 35m
Cook
13m
Cleanup
1h 58m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$9.65
Total cost
$2.41
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • • Caramelizing the onions slowly and deglazing with water to develop deep flavor.
  • • Reducing the red wine by half to concentrate its taste.
  • • Grilling the cheese sandwich on medium heat to avoid soggy bread and ensure melted cheese.

Safety Warnings

  • • Handle hot oil and boiling broth with care to avoid burns.
  • • Use oven mitts when moving the skillet with the grilled cheese.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of French Onion Soup in French cuisine?

A

French Onion Soup, or soupe à l'oignon, originated in medieval France as a peasant dish that used cheap ingredients like onions and stale bread. Over time it became a classic of French bistro cooking, celebrated for its deep caramelized flavor and comforting warmth.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of French Onion Soup in France?

A

In the Lyonnaise tradition, the soup is topped with croutons and grated Gruyère, while in Parisian bistros it often features a thick slice of baguette and melted cheese broiled on top. Some Alpine versions add a splash of brandy for extra depth.

cultural
Q

How is French Onion Soup traditionally served in French restaurants?

A

It is usually served in a shallow, oven‑safe bowl, topped with a toasted baguette slice and a generous layer of melted cheese that is browned under a broiler just before serving. The soup is presented hot and bubbling.

cultural
Q

During which occasions is French Onion Soup traditionally enjoyed in French culture?

A

French Onion Soup is a popular starter during the colder months, especially in winter holidays and after‑work gatherings. It is also a comforting dish for family meals and brunches in French households.

cultural
Q

What makes French Onion Soup special in French cuisine?

A

The soup showcases the French technique of caramelizing onions to develop sweet, umami‑rich fond, combined with a wine‑infused broth and a cheesy, toasted bread topping that creates a perfect balance of textures and flavors.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making French Onion Soup?

A

Common errors include cooking the onions over too high heat, which burns them; skipping the deglazing steps, which loses the fond; and reducing the wine too quickly, which can make the broth bitter. Follow low‑heat caramelization and gradual reduction for best results.

technical
Q

Why does this French Onion Soup recipe use water to deglaze instead of wine or broth?

A

Water is used early to lift the browned bits without adding extra acidity or sweetness, preserving the pure onion flavor. The wine is added later for depth, and the broth finishes the soup, allowing each liquid to contribute at the optimal stage.

technical
Q

Can I make French Onion Soup ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, the soup can be prepared a day ahead. Cool it quickly, store in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, and reheat gently on the stove. Add fresh toasted bread and cheese just before serving.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when caramelizing the onions for French Onion Soup?

A

The onions should turn a deep, uniform golden‑brown color and become very soft, with a sweet aroma. The fond should be visible at the bottom of the pot and be regularly deglazed with water to incorporate into the soup.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel everydayisfeastday specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel everydayisfeastday focuses on approachable, home‑cooked comfort food recipes that blend classic techniques with modern twists, often featuring step‑by‑step guidance for everyday cooks.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel everydayisfeastday's approach to French cooking differ from other French cooking channels?

A

Everydayisfeastday emphasizes simplicity and speed, using readily available ingredients and minimal equipment while still honoring traditional French flavors, whereas many French cooking channels may focus on more elaborate techniques or specialty ingredients.

channel
More like this:French RecipesMain Course RecipesMore by everydayisfeastday

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