French Onion Soup

A bag of onions sat on my counter longer than I’d care to admit, staring me down every time I passed. It wasn’t until a chilly evening rolled in that I decided their fate: French onion soup.

But, as luck would have it, my pantry wasn’t exactly stocked for a classic recipe. No beef stock, no fancy extras—just a few basics and a stubborn determination to make something memorable.

I started with the onions, slicing and caramelizing them until they turned a deep, golden brown. Their sweetness filled the kitchen, and I knew I was onto something.

A splash of vinegar, a touch of date syrup, and a pinch of spice later, the soup began to take shape.

The final flourish—a slice of toasted bread and melty cheese bubbling under the broiler—turned those humble onions into a comforting bowl of warmth that didn’t need anything fancy to shine.

Table of Contents

French Onion Soup Recipe

Serves: 4

Ingredients

4 tablespoons olive oil or ghee
4 large onions, thinly sliced
1 bay leaf
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 ½ cups vegetable broth
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon date syrup, honey, or molasses
4 slices gluten-free bread or French bread, toasted
4 ounces shredded cheese of your choice (Gruyère, Swiss, or vegan melting cheese for vegetarian/vegan version)

Instructions

Heat olive oil or ghee in a large stockpot over medium heat. Add the sliced onions, bay leaf, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir to coat the onions evenly. Cook until they soften and turn a light golden color, about 15 minutes.
Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and let the onions continue to cook for about 20 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking or burning. Once softened, remove the bay leaf.
Turn the heat back to medium. Pour in the vegetable broth gradually while scraping the bottom of the pot to deglaze it. Stir in the minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, and date syrup or honey. Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat to a simmer. Let it cook uncovered for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Adjust salt and pepper as needed.
While the soup simmers, preheat the broiler. Toast the slices of bread on a baking sheet until crisp.
Ladle the hot soup into four oven-safe bowls. Place a toasted bread slice on top of each serving, then sprinkle generously with shredded cheese. For vegan or dairy-free options, use a vegan melting cheese.
Place the bowls on a rimmed baking sheet and broil in the oven for 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
Carefully remove the bowls from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. Serve hot and savor the rich, hearty flavors!

Tips For Making French Onion Soup

Creating a flavorful French onion soup is all about patience and simple techniques. Here are some tips to make yours perfect every time:

Caramelize the onions slowly: Cook the onions over low to medium heat, stirring often. Rushing this step will affect the flavor. Aim for a deep, golden brown color.
Choose a good broth: Use vegetable broth for a rich base. Homemade or high-quality store-bought options work best.
Balance the flavors: Add a little acidity (like apple cider vinegar) and sweetness (like date syrup) to enhance the depth of the soup.
Toast the bread well: Use thick slices of bread and toast them until firm to avoid sogginess in the soup.
Use the right cheese: Gruyère, Swiss, or any melting cheese works wonderfully. For alternatives, vegan melting cheese is a great choice.
Season as you go: Taste the soup throughout the cooking process and adjust salt and pepper for the perfect balance.

Flavor Variations For French Onion Soup

Here are some creative twists to keep your soup exciting while staying within the theme:

Herbed twist: Add a sprig of thyme or rosemary while cooking the onions for an earthy aroma.
Spicy kick: Stir in a pinch of red chili flakes for a bit of heat.
Garlic lovers: Add roasted garlic for a deeper, nuttier flavor.
Cheese swaps: Use mozzarella or Monterey Jack for a mild taste, or go bold with a sharp cheddar blend.
Gluten-free option: Swap regular bread for gluten-free slices or use gluten-free croutons as a topping.
Vegan-friendly: Use vegan butter, vegetable broth, and plant-based cheese for a completely plant-based version.

What To Serve With French Onion Soup?

Pair your French onion soup with these simple dishes for a well-rounded meal:

Green salad with a light vinaigrette
Garlic bread or crusty rolls
Roasted vegetables like carrots or asparagus
Grilled chicken or fish
A side of rice or quinoa

How To Store French Onion Soup?

Storing French onion soup is easy and ensures you can enjoy it later without any loss of flavor:

Refrigerator: Let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to 4 days in the fridge.
Freezer: Freeze the soup (without bread and cheese) in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: Warm the soup on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. Toast fresh bread and add cheese before serving to keep the toppings crisp and melty.

What Kind Of Onions Are Best For French Onion Soup?

The choice of onions can make a big difference in the flavor of your soup. Here’s what you need to know:

Yellow onions: These are the most common choice because of their balance of sweetness and sharpness when caramelized.
Sweet onions: Varieties like Vidalia or Walla Walla add extra sweetness, which works well if you prefer a milder taste.
Red onions: They can be used for a slightly tangier flavor but may not caramelize as deeply as yellow onions.
White onions: These are sharper and less sweet but can add a strong onion flavor if that’s what you enjoy.

Can I Make French Onion Soup In Advance?

Yes, French onion soup is a great make-ahead dish! Here’s how you can prepare it ahead of time:

Cook the soup base: Make the soup up to the point where it’s ready to be served but skip adding the bread and cheese.
Store properly: Let the soup cool completely, then refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to 4 days or freeze it for up to 3 months.
Reheat when ready: Warm the soup on the stovetop, toast fresh bread, and add cheese right before serving.

What’s The Best Way To Cut Onions For Caramelization?

Properly cutting onions is essential for even caramelization. Follow these simple steps:

Peel the onion: Remove the skin and trim off the ends.
Cut in half: Slice the onion in half from root to tip for stability.
Slice evenly: Lay each half flat and slice thinly along the grain into even half-moons.

Thin, even slices ensure all the onion pieces cook at the same rate, giving you beautifully caramelized results without any burning. Taking the time to cut them evenly is key to making a rich and flavorful soup.