OK let’s break this down, there is no food item as comforting as French Onion Soup. This soup is exceptionally rich and cheesy with an added touch of deeply carmelized onions. But if I don’t wish to cook with wine, what should I do? Not to fret, I’m here to give you a helping hand. You won’t need any alcohol to enjoy the great deep and rich flavors of this soup as my recipe will give you just that.
To be perfectly honest, I have gone through plenty of different versions over the years but this one truly is the best. What is the secret? Well, a few sconfecting the process. Now it is time to grab some onions and prepare to make magic happen in a bowl.
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Quick Guide
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Why You’ll Love This French Onion Soup
- No wine needed – You won’t miss it, I promise. We’ll get all the richness from a few simple swaps.
- Easy ingredients – You probably have most of these in your kitchen right now.
- That melty cheese – I mean, is it even French Onion Soup if it’s not covered in gooey, golden-browned cheese?
- Better than a restaurant – Seriously, once you make this at home, you’ll never pay $12 for a tiny bowl again.
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Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Soup:
- 4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (for a deep umami flavor)
- 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar (trust me, this replaces the wine perfectly)
- 6 cups beef broth (or a mix of beef and chicken broth for a lighter taste)
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon sugar (helps with caramelization)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
For Serving:
- 1 French baguette, sliced into rounds
- 2 cups shredded Gruyère cheese (or Swiss for a milder option)
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese (adds a salty bite)
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How I Make French Onion Soup
Step 1: How to Caramelize Onions
Let us first move on to the challenging task of caramelizing onions. To be honest, this will take a lot of time, but trust me when I say that its worth every second.
- In a sizable pot, set over medium-low heat, add butter and olive oil.
- Add the onions, salt, and sugar. Stir everything together.
- Cook low and slow, stirring occasionally, for about 45 minutes until the onions are deep golden brown. If they start to stick, add a splash of broth to loosen them up.
Pro Tip: If you do not wish to wait (no shame in that), adding a sprinkle of baking soda can help with the speed of caramelization. Just be cautious; if too much soda is added, it’ll turn overly soft!
Why Caramelized Onions Are Worth the Effort:
I know—45 minutes for onions? That sounds like a lot. But once you taste these onions, you will see why they are special. Here’s what makes them different:
- Deep, complex flavor – They go from sharp and pungent to sweet, rich, and savory.
- Versatile – Use them in soups, pasta, burgers, sandwiches, and more.
- No fancy ingredients – Just onions, fat, and time. That’s it.
- Wine-free but still flavorful – A splash of balsamic vinegar or Worcestershire sauce does the trick.
How to Use Caramelized Onions:
Now that you have this golden, flavorful goodness, here’s how to put it to good use:
- French Onion Soup – The key ingredient to making it rich and savory.
- Burgers – Pile them high for restaurant-quality flavor.
- Grilled Cheese – Trust me, this takes grilled cheese to another level.
- Pizza – A few spoonfuls on a homemade pizza? Unreal.
- Pasta – Toss them into your favorite pasta dishes for extra depth.
- Breakfast – Stir them into scrambled eggs or top your omelet.
Step 2: Build That Deep, Rich Flavor
- Add thyme and garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add Worcestershire sauce and balsamic vinegar. Stir well—this is our wine replacement, giving it that depth and slight acidity.
- Add the beef broth and bay leaf. Simmer for 30 minutes.
Step 3: Toast the Bread (Because Soggy Bread is a Crime)
- While the soup simmers, preheat your oven to 375°F.
- Position the baguette slices on a baking sheet. Bake them until crispy and golden for about 10 minutes.
Step 4: Assemble & Broil
- Remove the bay leaf from the soup.
- Ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls.
- Top each bowl with a few slices of toasted bread and a generous amount of Gruyère and Parmesan.
- Broil for 3 to 4 minutes or until cheese melts and starts bubbling.
And there you have it—a French Onion Soup so good, you won’t even miss the wine.
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What to Serve with French Onion Soup
You’ve got this rich, cheesy soup—so what should you eat with it? Something hearty, comforting, and easy to whip up. If you ask me, the Easy Sourdough Dinner Rolls are the perfect match. They’re soft, buttery, and absolutely made for dipping into that deep, flavorful broth. If you’re feeling fancy, spread a little garlic butter on them—because why not?
And for dessert? The Olympics Chocolate Muffins are where it’s at. They’re rich, chocolatey, and just the right amount of sweet to round out your meal. Plus, they’re ridiculously easy to make.
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What’s the Difference Between Onion Soup and French Onion Soup?
Alright, my friends, let’s set the record straight: this is one of these food conundrums that I feel needs some clarity, and people do not seem to think about it until they are staring at the menu and sort of thinking, “Hold on, isn’t this the same thing?”
Is it a yes or no answer? That would be no. You may have noticed that both types of soup contain onions, but French Onion Soup stands out for its meticulous preparation and presentation which makes it richer, heartier, and, uh, French Onion Soup is fancier. In simpler words, let us break it down.
1. The Broth: Beef vs. Any Kind
- French onion soup is typically known for being prepared using beef broth which adds a rich and delicious taste to the soup.
- Onion Soup (the more general term) can be made with chicken, vegetable, or beef broth, depending on the recipe. It’s usually lighter in flavor.
2. The Topping: Cheese & Bread vs. No Rules
- French Onion Soup must have that classic toasted bread with melted cheese on top. No exceptions. That’s what gives it its signature look and taste.
- Regular Onion Soup might not have bread at all, or it could be served with croutons or just on its own.
3. The Onions: Caramelized vs. Cooked
- French Onion Soup requires slow-caramelized onions (which take about 45 minutes) to develop that deep, sweet, and rich flavor.
- Onion Soup can have lightly sautéed onions, meaning it’s often quicker to make but lacks the same level of depth.
4. The Seasonings: Simple vs. Flexible
- French Onion Soup has a classic, simple seasoning profile—thyme, garlic, and bay leaf. Some recipes use wine (not ours, of course), but a little Worcestershire sauce or balsamic vinegar works as a great substitute.
- Onion Soup recipes vary a lot. Some have extra herbs, spices, or even cream for a different texture.
5. The Overall Vibe: Fancy vs. Everyday
- French Onion Soup feels very cozy and has restaurant-grade quality in taste. It is rich, cheesy, and very flavorful.
- Regular Onion Soup, on the other hand, is more in line with an everyday comforting and simple homemade soup. While still tasty, it is definitely less rich.
If you’re craving something deep, rich, and covered in cheese, French Onion Soup is the way to go. If you just want a simple, warming bowl of onion-y goodness, regular onion soup will do the trick. Either way, onions are the star—and that’s never a bad thing!
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I Make French Onion Soup Ahead of Time?
A: Certainly! This soup is best enjoyed the next day. Just place it in the fridge and warm it up on the stove.
Q: What Can I Use Instead of Gruyère Cheese?
A: Swiss, Provolone, or even a sharp white cheddar works great. Just make sure it melts well!
Q: Can I Make This Vegetarian?
A: Yep! Swap the beef broth for a rich vegetable broth and use extra Worcestershire sauce for depth.
Q: Should I Use Broth or Stock for French Onion Soup?
A: When preparing French Onion Soup, try to use a stock first as it gives a deeper, slow-simmered flavor. If you do not have stock, broth is an easily accessible substitute. Worried about having to choose one or the other? Mix both and problem solved.
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Reader Feedback
Sophia B.“Even without wine, this French Onion Soup recipe did wonders. The Worcestershire sauce in addition to the balsamic vinegar really elevated the dish and I did not miss the wine. The onions did take a while to caramelize, but the end result was completely worth it. I can say with confidence that my entire family enjoyed it and I will be making it again very soon.”
Bryan R.“For the longest time, I was daunted by the idea of making French Onion Soup at home but this recipe made it so easy! I appreciate the details provided in the step by step guide, and mixing beef broth with stock created the perfect balance I had been looking for. That cheesy topping was also, oh, perfection!”
Your comments mean the world to us! Have you tried this rich and comforting French Onion Soup (without wine)? Let us know in the comments below! We’d love to hear what you think, and your feedback helps others who want to make it too.
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This French Onion Soup demonstrates that wine isn’t a necessity to create that depth of flavor. It is simple, fulfilling, and ideal for a relaxing evening. Try it out, and tell me—what are your go-to sides for it?