Rich, sweet, and savory, this vegetarian French Onion Soup is a revelation in a bowl. I’ve unlocked the secret to making the absolute best bowl of onion soup using healthy, homemade veggie stock and the traditional crunchy, cheesy crouton topping, and I can’t wait to share it with you!
Ingredients
Soup Base
3cups onions (thinly sliced (about 4 medium or 300g))
3tablespoons butter (salted or unsalted; vegan butter for vegan option)
2tablespoons dry white wine (or ½–1 tbsp apple cider vinegar if avoiding alcohol)
2tablespoons whole wheat flour (or all-purpose or gluten-free flour)
1 bay leaf (or Indian tejpatta)
0.5teaspoon garlic (finely chopped (2 small cloves))
3.5cups vegetable stock (preferably homemade, low-sodium if store-bought)
salt (to taste)
0.25 to 0.5teaspoon black pepper (freshly crushed)
1sprig rosemary or thyme (optional, fresh or dried)
Topping
0.5loaf French bread (baguette or sourdough, sliced ½ inch thick)
6tablespoons gruyere cheese (grated, vegetarian or substitute with Swiss, mozzarella, or vegan cheese)
1tablespoon chopped parsley or chives (for garnish (optional))
Instructions
Preparation
1
Peel, rinse, and thinly slice the onions evenly. Finely chop or mince the garlic and set aside.
Freeze onions for 10–15 minutes before slicing to reduce tears.
Caramelize Onions
2
Place a heavy-bottomed pot on the stovetop. Add butter and let it melt over low-medium heat.
3
Add sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Mix well with butter.
4
Sauté onions on low to medium-low heat, stirring every 2–3 minutes until they soften and turn translucent.
5
Continue cooking for 40–45 minutes total, stirring more frequently once onions turn light golden, until deeply caramelized and rich brown.
Do not rush—burnt onions will make the soup bitter.
Deglaze & Build Soup
6
Add dry white wine (or vinegar) and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Cook 1–2 minutes.
7
Stir in flour and cook for 2 minutes to remove raw taste.
8
Add garlic, bay leaf, vegetable stock, herbs, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
If stock is already salty, adjust salt accordingly.
9
Simmer covered on low heat for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Toast Bread & Broil
10
While soup simmers, slice bread and place on a baking tray. Brush with melted butter or olive oil.
11
Toast in a preheated oven at 230°C (450°F) for 5–7 minutes per side until golden. Set aside.
12
Ladle hot soup into oven-safe bowls placed on a baking tray.
13
Top each bowl with toasted bread and sprinkle generously with grated Gruyère cheese.
14
Broil (grill) under top oven element at 230°C (450°F) for 2–4 minutes until cheese melts and bubbles.
Watch closely to prevent burning.
15
Garnish with parsley or chives and serve immediately.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
Serving Size 1 bowl
Amount Per Serving
Calories220kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat10gg16%
Saturated Fat6gg30%
Trans Fat0gg
Cholesterol25mgmg9%
Sodium580mgmg25%
Potassium320mgmg10%
Total Carbohydrate26gg9%
Dietary Fiber3gg12%
Sugars8gg
Protein8gg16%
Calcium 180 mg
Iron 1.5 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Make ahead: Caramelized onions can be frozen for up to 1 month.
Vegan version: Use olive oil or vegan butter and plant-based cheese.
Gluten-free: Use GF bread and GF flour blend.
Serve with: Green salad, Caesar salad, or roasted potatoes.
Keywords:
french onion soup, vegetarian french onion soup, onion soup recipe, easy french onion soup, cheesy onion soup
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Christopher Nolan
Food and Lifestyle Blogger
Hi, I'm Samantha, a full-time food blogger, mother of 2 beautiful daughters and a lovely wife. I live in New Jersey with my family. Loves traveling, sharing new recipes, and spending time with my family.