Classic French onion soup gets a bold, savory upgrade with Fade to Black coffee and our smoky seasoning blend. Deeply caramelized onions + rich beef broth + bubbly Gruyère = pure comfort for your holiday table.
Why You’ll Love It
- Deep, rich flavor from slow-simmered onions, beef broth, and bold coffee notes
- Holiday-worthy but surprisingly easy (no fancy techniques required)
- Cozy + crowd-pleasing with crusty bread and melty cheese on top
- Make-ahead friendly—reheat and broil right before serving
Tip: For the best “French onion” vibe, slice onions thin and let them do their thing—low and slow is your friend.
Ingredients
Simple ingredients, big flavor. Use Swiss or Gruyère—both melt beautifully.
- 2 Tbsp butter
- 2 lbs onions, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Corn on the Cob Seasoning
- 3/4 cup strong brewed Fade to Black
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 Tbsp Java Momma Smoked Tea Rub, divided
- Crusty toasted bread
- Swiss or Gruyère cheese, shredded
How to Make It
Caramelize, simmer, broil—done and delicious.
- In a stock pot or large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add onions, garlic, and 1 tsp Smoked Tea Rub. Cook, stirring, until onions begin to soften and release liquid (about 5 minutes).
- Stir in brewed Fade to Black. Cover and cook on medium-low for 15 minutes.
- Remove lid and cook 5 minutes to let some liquid evaporate. Add Worcestershire sauce and 1 cup beef broth. Bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits. Simmer 10 minutes, until most of the broth has evaporated.
- Stir in remaining broth, Corn on the Cob Seasoning, and remaining Smoked Tea Rub. Simmer 10 minutes.
- Preheat broiler. Ladle soup into oven-proof bowls. Tear crusty toasted bread into pieces, add on top, then cover generously with cheese. Broil 2–3 minutes until golden and bubbly. Serve hot.
Flavor Tips & Easy Swaps
- More “French” finish: Add a splash of sherry or balsamic right before serving.
- Vegetarian option: Swap beef broth for mushroom broth and skip Worcestershire (or use vegan).
- Extra cozy: Use thicker bread and toast well so it holds up in the soup.
Shop the Coffee
This soup shines with a bold brew—Fade to Black adds depth without making the soup taste like “coffee.” It’s that rich, roasty background note that makes everyone ask, “What’s in this?!”
Shop Fade to Black Explore SeasoningsSwap in your favorite strong Java Momma roast—just brew it bold.
Recipe Club Note: Make the soup base up to 2 days ahead. Reheat gently, then broil with bread + cheese right before serving.
