One Pot Dutch Oven French Onion Soup

This One Pot Dutch Oven French Onion Soup is one of our favorite recipes to make. Packed with flavor and gluten free-friendly, this soup is absolutely delicious and an incredible addition to your lunch or dinner menu!

There’s nothing quite like a warm, rich, and deeply flavorful bowl of French onion soup on a chilly evening. The slow-cooked caramelized onions, the savory broth, and the golden, cheesy crust on top make it a timeless dish. Using a Dutch oven enhances the depth of flavor by evenly distributing heat and allowing the onions to caramelize beautifully. Whether you’re making this for a cozy family dinner or impressing guests, this Dutch Oven French Onion Soup recipe is a must-try!

Why Use a Dutch Oven?

A Dutch oven is ideal for making French onion soup because of its heavy construction and ability to retain heat. The process of caramelizing onions requires consistent low heat and patience, and a Dutch oven helps achieve that rich, golden-brown color without burning. Additionally, it allows you to build layers of flavor by deglazing with apple cider vinegar and dry white wine before adding the beef broth.

Ingredients:

• Unsalted butter 
• Yellow or white onions
• Apple cider vinegar
• Baguette – I used gluten-free but any works
• Dry white wine
• Beef broth
• Fresh thyme
• Shredded gruyere cheese

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Melt 8 ounces butter in dutch oven over medium heat over stove top
2. Add in the onions to coat them in the butter then add salt, pepper and apple cider vinegar and cook over medium heat 
3. Continue to cook the onions, stirring frequently for about 45 minutes or until they are completely softened and a deep brown color
4. While the onions cook, slice the baguette into one-inch slices and place them on a medium baking sheet lined with parchment paper 
5. Spread the remaining 2 tablespoons butter on top of the baguette pieces then add to oven and broil for about 3-4 minutes or until browned and toasted
6. Once onions are done cooking, add in the white wine and deglaze the pot by using a wooden spoon to scrape down the sides and bottom of the pot to loosen any stuck on browned bits
7. Stir in the broth and rest thyme (I tie it with twine!) and bring the soup to a boil over medium high heat and then lower the heat to medium low and let the soup cook for about 10 minutes
8. Add the toasted baguette pieces to the soup then sprinkle cheese on top
9. Add to oven to broil for about 3 to 4 minutes or until cheese is melted and bread is browned
10. Remove the fresh thyme and enjoy soup while warm!

Tips for the Best French Onion Soup

• Be Patient with Caramelization: Don’t rush the process! Slow cooking the onions is essential for deep, sweet, and savory flavors.

• Choose a Good Wine: A dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, or Pinot Grigio works best for balancing the richness of the soup.

• Broth Matters: Use high-quality beef broth for the best flavor. You can also mix in chicken broth for a lighter taste.

• Cheese Selection: While Gruyère is traditional, you can experiment with Swiss cheese, Comté, or even a mix of Parmesan and Mozzarella for different textures and flavors.

• Baguette Alternatives: If you want a crunchier bite, try using sourdough bread or a thick slice of country loafinstead of a baguette.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich and Savory Flavor: Slow-cooked onions create an incredible depth of flavor.

• Perfect for Cold Days: There’s nothing cozier than a hot bowl of French onion soup on a chilly night.

• Easy to Make in One Pot: Using a Dutch oven streamlines the cooking process, making cleanup a breeze.

• Great for Entertaining: Impress guests with this classic, restaurant-quality dish at home.

This Dutch Oven French Onion Soup is the ultimate comfort food that never goes out of style. The combination of slow-cooked onions, beefy broth, crispy baguette, and bubbly cheese creates an unforgettable dish that’s both elegant and satisfying. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this recipe is sure to be a favorite!

Let me know if you try this recipe! I’d love to hear how it turned out in the comments below. Happy cooking!

A Few Other Recipes for French Onion Lovers:

DELISH French Onion Soup Meatballs

The BEST Healthy French Onion Dip!

French Onion Sheet Pan Eggs (gluten-free)

The Most Cheesy French Onion Soup Pizza