Mary Berry's French Onion Soup Recipe

What is Mary Berry French Onion Soup Recipe?

Mary Berry’s French onion soup is a rich, flavorful soup made by slowly caramelizing onions and simmering them in a beef broth, typically served with a slice of toasted bread and melted cheese on top.

Table of Contents

What Goes Best with Mary Berry French Onion Soup Recipe?

French onion soup pairs well with crusty baguettes, a green side salad, or a light quiche for a full meal.

Ingredients

4 large onions, thinly sliced
2 tbsp olive oil
50g butter
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp sugar
1 tbsp plain flour
1.2 liters beef stock
150ml dry white wine (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
French baguette slices
100g Gruyère or cheddar cheese, grated

How to Prepare Mary French Onion Soup Recipe

Caramelize the onions: In a large pan, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and garlic. Cook slowly, stirring frequently, until the onions are soft and caramelized (about 20–30 minutes).
Add sugar and flour: Sprinkle the sugar over the onions and stir. Add flour and mix well to thicken the soup base.
Simmer the soup: Pour in the beef stock and wine (if using). Stir well and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat and cook gently for 20-30 minutes.
Season: Add salt and pepper to taste.

Notes

For a vegetarian version, substitute beef stock with vegetable stock.
Wine adds depth to the flavor, but it can be omitted for a non-alcoholic version.

How to Serve Mary Berry French Onion Soup Recipe

Ladle the soup into ovenproof bowls, top each with a slice of toasted baguette, and sprinkle generously with grated cheese. Place the bowls under a hot grill until the cheese is melted and bubbling.

How to Reheat Mary Berry French Onion Soup Recipe

Reheat the soup gently in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it is heated through. Avoid boiling to maintain the flavor.

How to Store Leftovers of Mary Berry French Onion Soup Recipe

Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The soup can also be frozen for up to 3 months.

Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Mary Berry French Onion Soup Recipe

Can I make this soup without wine? Yes, you can omit the wine and still have a delicious soup.
Can I use a different type of cheese? Gruyère is traditional, but cheddar, Swiss, or mozzarella work well too.
How do I get the onions to caramelize properly? Cook them slowly over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, to prevent burning.
Is beef stock necessary, or can I use vegetable stock? You can use vegetable stock for a vegetarian version, though beef stock gives a deeper flavor.
Can I prepare the soup in advance? Yes, the soup tastes even better when reheated, as the flavors develop over time.