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Famous Barr French Onion Soup Recipe
Sophia smith

Famous Barr French Onion Soup Recipe

If you’ve ever longed for the deep, rich flavors of the iconic Famous Barr French Onion Soup, you’re in for a treat. This recipe brings the beloved department store classic right to your kitchen, capturing its velvety broth, sweet caramelized onions, and cheesy gratin topping. Perfect for cozy nights or to impress guests, it’s a warm hug in a bowl.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 35 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Soup
Cuisine: American with French Influence
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

Soup Ingredients
  • 5 large yellow onions (thinly sliced)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 8 cups beef stock (low sodium, rich quality)
  • 1 cup dry white wine
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
Bread & Cheese Topping
  • 1 baguette (sliced into ½-inch rounds)
  • 2 cups Gruyère cheese (freshly grated)
  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese (grated)

Video

Notes

Required Kitchen Tools

When making Famous Barr French Onion Soup, having the right kitchen tools makes the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable:
  1. Large Heavy-Bottom Pot or Dutch Oven – Ideal for slow, even caramelization of onions without scorching.
  2. Sharp Chef’s Knife – For uniform onion slices to ensure even cooking.
  3. Wooden Spoon – Gentle enough for stirring onions without breaking them down too much.
  4. Oven-Safe Soup Bowls or Crocks – Essential for broiling the cheesy topping directly on the soup.
  5. Ladle – For serving generous portions into your bowls.