If you grew up near a Famous Barr department store in the Midwest, chances are you’ve heard of or still dream about their legendary French onion soup. Deeply savory, rich with caramelized onions, and topped with a blanket of bubbly cheese, the Famous Barr French onion soup wasn’t just a menu item. It was a ritual, a memory, and for many, the gold standard of what onion soup should taste like.
Luckily, you don’t need a department store lunch counter to enjoy it anymore. With a few pantry staples and a bit of time, you can recreate this iconic comfort food right in your kitchen complete with that deep, hearty flavor and gooey, golden top.
In this article, you’ll discover:
- The story behind Famous Barr’s onion soup legacy
- The exact ingredients you’ll need to recreate it
- Chef Lucas Benette’s pro tips for caramelizing onions and layering flavor
- Step by step instructions
- Easy swaps and modern variations
- FAQs about storage, cheese, and reheating
The Story Behind Famous Barr’s Onion Soup
Famous Barr was a beloved department store chain headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, known not only for retail but for its in store restaurants and tearooms. One of the most requested and revered items on the menu? Their French onion soup, served piping hot in white crocks with toasted bread and bubbling cheese.
What made it so special? It was richer and more flavorful than most onion soups, thanks to:
- A long, slow onion caramelization
- A deep beef broth base
- A hint of Worcestershire or soy sauce for umami
- And of course, the signature melted Swiss cheese topping
The original recipe became so popular that it was published in local newspapers and passed around for decades becoming a Midwestern culinary legend.
Ingredients for Famous Barr French Onion Soup
To recreate the classic Famous Barr French onion soup, you’ll need simple ingredients that come together to deliver deep flavor and comforting richness. The key? Patience while caramelizing the onions and just the right combination of broth, seasonings, and cheese.
Core Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
- 6 large yellow onions, finely sliced
- ¼ cup (½ stick) unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all purpose flour (for slight thickening)
- 2 quarts beef stock or broth (homemade or low sodium store bought)
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (for depth and umami)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 bay leaf (optional)
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional helps onions caramelize evenly)
For Topping & Assembly:
- 6–8 slices of French bread or baguette, toasted
- 1½ cups shredded Swiss cheese (or Gruyère for extra richness)
- Optional: A sprinkle of Parmesan for extra sharpness
Pro Tip: Day old bread works best for toasting it holds up better when broiled on top of the soup.
Substitution Ideas:
- Vegetarian version: Use vegetable broth with a splash of soy sauce or miso paste
- Cheese swap: Gruyère, provolone, or mozzarella can replace Swiss
- Bread swap: Use sourdough, rustic white, or even whole grain for added texture
Chef Lucas Benette’s Take on the Technique
To make an unforgettable Famous Barr French onion soup, you need more than just ingredients you need technique. According to Chef Lucas Benette, it all starts with the onions.
“This soup is all about patience and layers of flavor,” says Lucas. “Rushing the onions is the number one mistake most home cooks make.”
Here’s how he elevates this comforting classic:
1. Take Your Time Caramelizing
Slice onions thinly and evenly, then cook low and slow in butter. This can take 30 to 45 minutes, but the payoff is worth it.
- Start on medium heat until onions begin to soften
- Reduce to medium low and stir every few minutes
- Onions should turn a deep golden brown, not burned
Tip: Add a pinch of sugar midway through to encourage even browning.
2. Build Depth with the Broth
Lucas adds Worcestershire sauce for a hint of umami. He sometimes enhances store bought broth with a splash of dry white wine or a spoonful of soy sauce.
“The Famous Barr recipe didn’t use wine, but you can add a splash to deglaze the pan just a little goes a long way.”
3. Finish Under the Broiler
Pour soup into oven safe bowls, add toasted bread, then top generously with shredded Swiss.
- Broil until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly browned
- Let sit a minute before serving to avoid burns
Chef’s Note: For a slightly thicker soup, whisk flour into the onions before adding broth. It gives the soup a more velvety texture just like the original Famous Barr version.
How to Make Famous Barr French Onion Soup (Step by Step)
Making this Famous Barr French onion soup from scratch is easier than you think. Just be prepared to slow cook your onions, build a rich broth, and finish it all with bubbly, melted cheese.
Step 1: Slice and Sauté the Onions
- Peel and thinly slice 6 large yellow onions.
- In a large heavy bottomed pot or Dutch oven, melt ¼ cup butter over medium heat.
- Add the onions, stir to coat, and cook for 10 minutes until softened.
- Reduce heat to medium low and cook 30–45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until deeply golden and caramelized.
- Add 1 tsp sugar halfway through for better browning (optional).
Step 2: Add Flour and Build the Base
- Sprinkle 2 tbsp flour over the caramelized onions. Stir constantly for 1–2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste.
- Slowly add 2 quarts beef stock, stirring as you pour.
- Add 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce, 1 bay leaf (optional), salt, and pepper to taste.
- Simmer uncovered on low heat for 30 minutes, allowing flavors to deepen.
Step 3: Prepare the Bread and Cheese
- While soup simmers, toast thick slices of French bread or baguette until crisp.
- Shred 1½ cups of Swiss cheese (or Gruyère for a richer melt).
Step 4: Assemble and Broil
- Preheat your broiler.
- Ladle hot soup into oven safe bowls placed on a baking sheet.
- Float a slice of toasted bread on top of each bowl.
- Sprinkle generously with cheese.
- Place under the broiler for 2–4 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Serve hot, with a spoon and a side of red wine or a crisp green salad.
Ingredient & Topping Swap Table
The beauty of Famous Barr French onion soup is its adaptability. While the original is rich, cheesy, and beefy, you can easily adjust it to match your dietary preferences or what you have on hand.
Easy Swaps for a Personalized Bowl
| Original Ingredient | Swap Option | Why/When to Use It |
|---|---|---|
| Yellow onions | Sweet onions or red onions | For a deeper or slightly sweeter flavor |
| Beef stock | Veggie or mushroom stock | Makes it vegetarian without losing umami |
| Swiss cheese | Gruyère or provolone | Melts beautifully, adds extra richness |
| White bread | Sourdough or baguette | Better structure under the broiler |
| Worcestershire sauce | Soy sauce (for vegetarians) | Still adds depth without anchovy or meat extract |
Bonus Tip: If you’re dairy free, try vegan cheese shreds or nutritional yeast + olive oil drizzle for a lighter “cheesy” topping.
For Gluten Free Soup:
- Use gluten free flour for thickening
- Swap in a sturdy gluten free bread (like Udi’s or Canyon Bakehouse)
- Ensure broth and Worcestershire sauce are gluten free certified
FAQs About Famous Barr French Onion Soup
1. What is a Famous Barr French onion soup?
It’s a rich, beefy onion soup made famous by the Famous Barr department stores, especially in St. Louis. Known for its deeply caramelized onions, a touch of Worcestershire, and a topping of melted Swiss cheese over toasted bread, this version has become a legendary comfort food classic across the Midwest.
2. What kind of onions are best for this soup?
Yellow onions are the traditional choice for their balance of sweetness and savoriness, especially when slow cooked. However, you can mix in sweet onions for more natural sugar, or a bit of red onion for a deeper, earthy flavor.
3. Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes this soup actually tastes better the next day! Store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stovetop and broil the cheese and bread fresh when serving to keep the topping crisp and melty.
4. What cheese works best for topping?
The original used Swiss cheese, but Gruyère is a fantastic upgrade with deeper flavor and better melt. Provolone, mozzarella, or even a sprinkle of Parmesan can also be used, depending on your taste or what you have on hand.
Final Thoughts on This Department Store Classic
The Famous Barr French onion soup may have started as a humble department store dish, but its timeless flavor and warm, cheesy comfort have kept it in kitchens across the U.S. for generations. Whether you’re recreating a taste of childhood or discovering it for the first time, this soup brings people together one bubbling bowl at a time.
Pair it with:
- A glass of red wine or sparkling water
- A crusty baguette for extra dipping
- Or serve it as the main course on a cozy night in
