French onion soup

noun

plural French onion soups

: a soup made with caramelized onions and usually beef stock or broth and topped with toasted bread and melted cheese (such as Gruyère or Swiss)

French onion soup's magical appeal is its deep, rich stock, onions that are caramelized until they're sweet and toffee-colored, a crusty crouton that floats like a raft, and a final, thick layer of molten cheese that stretches like taffy when you dig a spoon into the bowl and lift it to your mouth.

—Patricia Talorico

Word History

First Known Use

1866, in the meaning defined above