This Old Fashioned French Onion Soup with Homemade Croutons is deceptively simple to make, but the rich, caramelized flavors tell a different story.

It’s a dish that transcends seasons, perfect for a light lunch on a crisp autumn day or a soul-warming centerpiece for a cozy winter dinner. But there’s something undeniably special about diving into a bowl of this French classic on a chilly night.

The deep, savory broth and the golden, melted cheese blanketing toasted homemade croutons will chase away the cold and leave you feeling warm and comforted from the inside out.

Why You’ll Love This Old Fashioned French Onion Soup

Here are a few reasons why you’ll love this recipe:

Flavorful and Comforting: The caramelized onions are the star of the show, bringing a deep, rich sweetness that pairs perfectly with the savory broth. Topped with melted cheese and toasted croutons, it’s a flavor and textural explosion in every bite.
Easy to Make: Don’t be fooled by the restaurant-worthy taste! This recipe comes together with minimal effort.
Versatile: It’s perfect any time of year. Enjoy it as a light lunch on a warm day or a hearty and comforting dinner on a chilly night.
Customizable: Feel free to add your own spin! Play with different cheeses, herbs, or even incorporate leftover vegetables for a unique twist.
Budget-Friendly: French Onion Soup is a fantastic way to elevate simple ingredients into a satisfying and impressive meal.

There is nothing very hearty about French Onion Soup… that is until you add the Homemade Croutons full of flavor and texture and … mmm… goodness. Soups are wonderful this time of year. I love a big bowl when it’s freezing outside, the heartier the better.

This recipe came from one of those cookbooks from the 70’s that was put together by a school or junior league or something. The cookbook isn’t here anymore, but I still have the index card I wrote it all down on. I don’t need that to make it because this recipe for French Onion Soup is just that easy. This is one of the best onion soup recipes I’ve ever had.

Storage Tips and Reheating French Onion Soup

In the Fridge:

Cooling: Don’t let leftover soup sit out at room temperature for more than two hours. This is a prime breeding ground for bacteria. Let it cool down quickly by placing the pot in a shallow pan filled with ice water, stirring occasionally. Alternatively, divide the soup into smaller containers for faster cooling.
Container: Once cool, transfer the leftover soup to an airtight container. This will prevent absorption of fridge odors and potential contamination. You can use the original pot if it has a tight-fitting lid.

Storage Time: Properly stored in the fridge, leftover French onion soup will be safe to eat for 3-4 days.

In the Freezer:

Container: For longer storage, freezing is a great option. Transfer the cooled soup to a freezer-safe soup container with a headspace of at least 1 inch to allow for expansion during freezing.
Freezing Time: French onion soup will stay good in the freezer for up to 4 months.

Tips for Reheating:

Thaw in Fridge: If frozen, thaw the soup completely in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat the soup gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.
Freshness: Since reheating can affect the texture of the croutons, consider adding fresh croutons on top before serving.

Making the Recipe