This French Onion Ale Soup takes the classic bistro favorite and gives it a bold, malty twist with the addition of ale.

Caramelized onions simmered in beef broth and beer form a savory, slightly sweet base, topped with crusty bread and molten cheese.

It’s everything you want from comfort food: warm, gooey, toasty, and full of flavor.

Ingredients

For the Soup:

• 4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
• 3 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp sugar (helps caramelize)
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 12 oz ale (brown ale, amber ale, or Belgian dubbel work best)
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp fresh thyme (or ½ tsp dried)
• Salt and pepper to taste

For Topping:

• Baguette slices, toasted
• 1½ cups shredded Gruyère (or Swiss, provolone, or mozzarella)

Beer Tip: Use a malty ale for a sweet-savory base. Avoid hoppy IPAs — too bitter for the slow, caramel sweetness of the onions.

Instructions

Step 1: Caramelize the Onions

In a large Dutch oven or soup pot, melt butter with olive oil over medium-low heat.
Add onions, salt, and sugar.

Cook slowly for 35–45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until deeply golden and soft.

Don’t rush this step — the rich flavor of the soup comes from these caramelized onions.

Step 2: Add Garlic, Flour & Ale

• Add garlic and cook 1 minute more.
• Stir in flour and cook for another 1–2 minutes to thicken slightly.
• Pour in the beer, scraping up any browned bits. Simmer 5 minutes.

Step 3: Add Broth & Simmer

• Stir in beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and pepper.
• Bring to a simmer and cook uncovered for 20–25 minutes.
• Taste and adjust seasoning.

Step 4: Assemble & Broil

Preheat broiler. Ladle soup into oven-safe bowls. Top each with a toasted baguette slice and a generous handful of shredded cheese.

Place under the broiler for 2–4 minutes, until bubbly and browned.

No broiler? Melt cheese with a kitchen torch or toast separately and place on top.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair With:
  • Brown ale or Belgian dubbel
  • Crisp side salad with vinaigrette
  • Beer bread or a sharp mustard dipping sauce
• Make It a Meal:
  • Serve with a grilled cheese, steak sandwich, or smoked sausage platter

Final Thoughts

French Onion Ale Soup is cozy, crave-worthy, and totally next-level with the depth that only a good ale can bring.

It’s the kind of soup that simmers slow and hits hard — rich, cheesy, and perfect for cold nights, beer lovers, and anyone who thinks soup should be hearty enough to count as a meal.

Cheers to comfort in a crock! 🧅🍺🧀

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