French Onion Short Rib Soup with Cheesy Gruyère Toast (No Wine)

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Slow-simmered, deeply savory, and irresistibly cheesy, this French Onion Short Rib Soup with Cheesy Gruyère Toast (no wine) is the ultimate cold-weather comfort. It combines the richness of tender short ribs with the sweet, caramelized depth of onions, all topped with bubbly, golden Gruyère over crusty toast. You get the restaurant-quality flavor without needing a drop of wine.

This recipe is perfect for cozy nights, hearty family dinners, or when you want to impress with a warm, soul-satisfying dish. The no-wine version keeps things family-friendly and lets the natural richness of the beef and onions shine. It’s elegant, comforting, and exactly the kind of dish that makes people feel at home.

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Why You’ll Love This French Onion Short Rib Soup

• Hearty and Filling: With short ribs and melted cheese, this isn’t your average onion soup. It eats like a meal.
• No Alcohol Needed: Perfect for those avoiding wine or alcohol altogether.
• Deep Flavor: Slow-cooked onions and beef create rich, complex flavors naturally.
• Comfort in a Bowl: Ideal for cold evenings, it’s the kind of meal that warms you to the core.
• Cheesy Toast Heaven: The Gruyère toast topping adds a decadent, crispy, melty finish.

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What Cut of Beef Should I Use for French Onion Soup?

For this version, bone-in beef short ribs are the star. They bring a depth of flavor that elevates the soup to something unforgettable. The bones add richness to the broth, while the meat becomes incredibly tender after a slow braise. You can use boneless, but bone-in is highly recommended for maximum flavor.

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Ingredients for the French Onion Short Rib Soup with Cheesy Gruyère Toast

Every ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and comfort.

• Beef Short Ribs (bone-in): The heart of the soup, these add deep beefy richness and fall-apart tenderness.
• Yellow Onions: Slowly caramelized to bring out their natural sweetness and depth.
• Garlic: Adds aromatic flavor to enhance the broth.
• Carrots: Offer a subtle sweetness and a hearty texture.
• Beef Broth: Forms the base of the soup—use high-quality for best results.
• Thyme: Fresh or dried, it brings an earthy herbal note that balances the richness.
• Bay Leaves: Add complexity and enhance the savory profile.
• Salt and Pepper: To season everything perfectly.
• Olive Oil: Used for browning the short ribs and caramelizing the onions.
• Gruyère Cheese: Melts beautifully and adds a nutty, creamy flavor to the toast.
• Baguette or Rustic Bread: Sliced and toasted to hold the cheese and float atop the soup.

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How To Make the French Onion Short Rib Soup with Cheesy Gruyère Toast

Step 1: Brown the Short Ribs

Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season short ribs with salt and pepper, then sear until all sides are deeply browned. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Caramelize the Onions

In the same pot, add sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook, stirring often, until deeply golden and soft—about 30-40 minutes.

Step 3: Build the Flavor

Add garlic and carrots to the caramelized onions, cook for a few minutes until fragrant. Return the short ribs to the pot, pour in beef broth, and add thyme and bay leaves.

Step 4: Simmer Low and Slow

Bring to a gentle boil, then cover and reduce heat. Simmer for 2.5 to 3 hours, or until the meat is fall-off-the-bone tender.

Step 5: Remove Bones and Shred the Meat

Take out the short ribs, remove the bones and excess fat, and shred the meat. Return the shredded beef to the soup.

Step 6: Toast the Bread and Melt the Cheese

Preheat the broiler. Slice the baguette and toast lightly. Top with shredded Gruyère and broil until melted and bubbly.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle soup into bowls, top each with cheesy toast, and garnish with fresh thyme if desired.

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Serving and Storing This French Onion Short Rib Soup

This soup is a meal in itself. It’s perfect for serving 4 to 6 people, depending on portion sizes. The Gruyère toast makes it a hearty dish that doesn’t require much else. Serve it hot, right after topping with the broiled cheese bread.

To store leftovers, let the soup cool completely. Place in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen over time. Reheat on the stovetop until warm. Store the bread and cheese separately to avoid sogginess—just toast and broil again before serving.

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What to Serve With French Onion Short Rib Soup?

Fresh Green Salad

A crisp, simple salad with vinaigrette adds a refreshing balance to the rich soup.

Roasted Vegetables

Try roasted Brussels sprouts or green beans for a hearty side.

Garlic Mashed Potatoes

If you’re craving comfort on comfort, this combo hits the spot.

Baked Sweet Potatoes

The slight sweetness of baked sweet potatoes complements the savory soup.

Apple and Walnut Salad

The crunch and freshness contrast beautifully with the soft, rich texture of the soup.

Crusty Bread with Herb Butter

Because one can never have too much bread, especially with cheesy soup.

A Glass of Sparkling Water with Lemon

Keeps the palate refreshed and cleansed.

Pickled Vegetables

Add a tangy bite to contrast the deep umami of the soup.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, the flavor improves after a day. Just store the soup in the fridge and reheat gently before serving. Make the Gruyère toast fresh for the best texture.

Is it possible to make this recipe without short ribs?
Yes, you can substitute with chuck roast or stewing beef, though short ribs add the most flavor and tenderness. For a vegetarian version, try caramelized onions with mushroom broth.

What type of onions should I use?
Yellow onions are best due to their balance of sweetness and savory flavor when caramelized. Avoid red onions for this recipe.

Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, but without the bread and cheese topping. Freeze the soup base in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Reheat and then top with fresh broiled Gruyère toast before serving.

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Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you use short ribs or another cut? Did you add a twist of your own?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too, let’s help each other make magic in the kitchen.

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Conclusion

This French Onion Short Rib Soup with Cheesy Gruyère Toast (No Wine) is what cozy dreams are made of. It blends rustic ingredients, classic technique, and a cheesy finish into one deeply satisfying bowl. Whether you’re serving it for a dinner party or curling up on a cold night, it delivers comfort, flavor, and that irresistible “wow” moment with every bite.

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