Combining this vegan French onion soup with melty cheese and crispy croutons creates a rich and satisfying culinary experience for all palates.
This popular and symbolic dish of anti-waste is perfect for those moments when you crave something calm, warm, and comforting to warm you up in cold weather. Plus, it's devoid of any annoying cooking methods. It's simplicity at its finest.
Watch how it's done
Check out the recap with this Vegan French Onion Soup Web Story. It's done in a snap!
Or take your time and make it your own with the video below.
[Video coming soon]
Jump to:
Why this Recipe Works
Lazy evenings call for lazy recipes that don't require stress or intense effort. French onion soup has only one requirement: you have to give time to time, as the Italians say. Carlo Petrini, founder of the Slow Food movement, would be proud of me. So, you have to patiently wait until the onions are caramelized.
And since they are cooked on low heat, you only need to stir them occasionally. It's the kind of thing that's good to do while playing a game of Scrabble or lounging on the couch while the aromas fill your kitchen. This anti-labor will pay off.
Listen, this vegan French onion soup recipe is simply divine. It's filled with golden caramelized onions, punctuated with fresh thyme, and simmered in a rich and savory vegetable broth.
The secret is the touch of red wine that adds a subtle yet complex depth of flavor. But that's not all: the cheesy, crispy croutons topping adds a crunchy, melty texture to every bite.
This recipe will be favored at the end of a long workday or when you're neck-deep in some project and need an intoxicating warmth to unwind.
What Goes in It?
Notes on some ingredients
- Onions. Ordinary yellow or red onions are preferable, as they have a sweet and mild flavor that works well with this recipe. White onions can also be used, but they have a milder and less pronounced flavor than yellow or red onions.
- Vegetable broth. I really like Luda's beefless broth. It tastes like traditional beef broth!
- Red wine. Light and fruity red wines, such as Pinot Noir, Gamay, or Zinfandel, are preferred for this recipe, as the soup will be served as a main dish. Also, since this soup is cheesy and crispy, a more full-bodied and tannic red wine, such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah, might better complement the rich and robust flavors of the cheesy soup.
- Stale bread (1 day-old). I like to use sourdough bread for the croutons, and baguette or country bread are other great choices.
- Vegan cheese. I haven't found any type that tastes like Gruyere cheese yet, but any vegan cheese will do. I love Nafsika's Garden vegan mozzarella cheese.
Simple Substitutions and Add-ins
- Make it a virgin. Replace the red wine with sherry or balsamic vinegar.
- Inject a dose of protein. Add lentils to make it a main dish (that's what I did, I know, a parody!)
- Make it heartier. Add sliced mushrooms or diced carrots for more texture and color.
- Play with wine pairings. Dry, light white wines like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio can also pair well with vegan onion soup, especially if served as an appetizer.
- Have fun with a vegan cheese blend. Opt for nutritional yeast and grated cashew-based cheese for a more complex flavor.
- Enhance the taste. Add a little Dijon mustard, soy or tamari sauce, or vegan Worcestershire sauce for a more savory flavor.
Get Your Free Plant-Based Eating Toolkit and More
Subscribe to my newsletter and unlock my plant-based course, nutrition charts, recipe secrets, and exclusive updates to prepare wholesome, varied & balanced meals effortlessly. All you need is a good appetite. Subscribe!
How to Make Vegan Onion Soup Step by Step
This recipe starts with a generous amount of sliced onions, sautéed slowly until lightly caramelized ① ② ③ ④.
After the onions are nicely browned, I pour in red wine and let it reduce a bit ⑤. Then, I move on to adding the other flavorful ingredients ⑥. Afterward, I move on to the croutons. To do this, I cut the stale bread into cubes, mix them with oil, salt, and pepper, and spread them out on a baking sheet ⑦. I grill them until they are deep golden brown and crispy ⑧.
When ready to serve, I finish by pouring the hot soup into oven-safe bowls and adding a handful of croutons and grated vegan cheese on top of each serving ⑨. I place the bowls under the grill until the cheese is melted and golden.
The Keys to Success: My Top Advice
Caramelize slowly for a flavor that’s heavenly. Caramelizing the onions slowly is the secret to a rich and complex flavor for an excellent vegan onion soup. Cook the onions over medium-low heat for about 45 minutes until they are well browned, stirring regularly.
To make onion soup divine, choose broth with flavors that shine. The key to an excellent onion soup is to have a broth with rich, deep, and well-developed flavors. To stay in the theme of effortless cooking, use a quality canned or cubed broth. You lose some of the flavors roasted vegetables can bring, but it will be satisfying enough. If you can, try to find an excellent vegan beef-flavored broth. Otherwise, opt for a vegetable broth, but always of quality!
Red wine in soup is a subtle win, but avoid too fruity for a sweet sin. Red wine adds a subtle but complex flavor to the soup. Ensure it is not too fruity to avoid making the soup too sweet.
Adjust seasoning as you stir to keep the soup a savory blur. Use enough salt and pepper to give the soup a balanced flavor. Taste the soup regularly during cooking to adjust the seasoning if necessary.
Burnt croutons you'll dread, watch closely till they're golden and spread. Do not cook the croutons too long: watch them closely to avoid burning them. When golden and crispy and the vegan cheese is melted, remove them from the oven and serve immediately with the hot soup. By the way, the advice is the same if you place a gratinated bread slice on top of the soup instead.
Essential equipment
- A paring knife.
- A wooden cutting board.
- A large pot or Dutch oven.
- A wooden spoon or silicone spatula.
- Ramekins or oven-safe bowls to gratin the bread and cheese.
- A baking sheet to toast the bread.
- A ladle to serve the soup.
Answers to Your Burning Questions
Of course, but the soup will be less flavorful. If using water, add spices and herbs to enhance the flavor.
Make sure the bread is well-dried before gratinating, and spread it in a single layer on a baking sheet. If you have fresh bread, lightly toast it before putting it in the oven.
Yes, you can use any vegan cheese that melts well, such as sliced or block vegan cheese. Make sure to grate or cut it into small pieces, so it melts evenly.
To thicken the onion soup, sprinkle caramelized onions with flour (1 tablespoon) and stir for a few minutes over the heat.
No specific variety of onions is better for vegan onion soup. However, in general, yellow or red onions are often used for this recipe. Yellow onions taste sweet and mild, while red onions have a slightly stronger and spicier flavor. Sweet onions like Vidalia onions can also be used for a milder flavor. The choice really depends on personal preferences and the availability of onion varieties in your region.
How to Store this Dish
This vegan French onion soup will keep for up to 7 days in the refrigerator in an airtight container. To reheat the soup, gently heat it in a pot over medium-low heat.
You can freeze the soup for up to 6 months in an airtight container. To thaw the soup, place it in the refrigerator overnight, then gently reheat it in a saucepan over medium-low heat. The gratin bread may lose some texture when frozen, so it's best to add it when serving the soup.
What to Serve this Dish with
Vegan onion soup is a hearty and comforting dish that can be served as a main course or an appetizer. It's delicious when accompanied by many different dishes, such as:
- A crunchy green salad or a seasonal vegetable salad;
- A pasta or rice dish for a more substantial meal;
- Grilled or roasted vegetables, such as asparagus, zucchini, or carrots;
- A grilled hot sandwich with vegan cheese and grilled vegetables;
- Vegan meatballs or falafel for a touch of plant-based protein;
- Homemade vegetable chips, such as sweet potato chips or beet chips, for a healthier and crunchier dish.
More Vegan Soup Recipes
Make this Dish Now
Onion soup is one of those simple and comforting dishes that has the power to warm both the soul and the body. This vegan version of the classic onion soup is an ode to simplicity and flavor.
With its melting onions, rich vegetable broth, and crispy toppings of croutons and vegan cheese, this soup is perfect for cold and gray days when you need a little comfort.
So put on your apron and get ready to cook a deliciously comforting dish.
If you try this recipe, I want to know about it! I always appreciate your feedback. Leave a star rating in the recipe card right below and/or a review in the comment section further down the page. You can also follow me on Pinterest, Facebook, or Instagram. Sign up for my email list, too!
Vegan Onion Soup
Equipment
- Paring knife.
- Cutting Board
- Large pot or Dutch oven.
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula.
- Oven-safe ramekins or bowls.
- Baking sheet.
- Ladle.
Ingredients
SOUP
- 6 medium onions sliced (about 5 cups/600 g)
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons vegan butter or extra virgin olive oil
- 8 cups water
- ¼ cup beef-flavored vegetable broth powder
- ½ cup red wine (Notes)
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme (about 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme)
- 2 bay leaves (optional)
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
TOPPING
- 4 slices 1 day-old stale bread (baguette or sourdough) cut into cubes or slices (Notes)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 cups grated vegan cheese
Instructions
- Place the onions, garlic, and olive oil in a large shallow pot. Over medium-high heat, cook the onions until they are deep golden brown and caramelized, about 45 minutes. Stir every 5 to 10 minutes to scrape the bottom of the pot each time.
- Pour the red wine into the pot and scrape the bottom of the pot. Continue cooking until the wine is slightly reduced. Add the vegetable broth, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 30 minutes to 1 hour (depending on your patience level). Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper, if necessary.
- To make the croutons, preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Toss the bread cubes with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and spread them on a baking sheet. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes, until golden and crispy.
- When ready to serve, preheat the oven to broil. Ladle the hot soup into oven-safe bowls. Add a handful of croutons and grated vegan cheese to each portion. Place the bowls under the grill until the cheese is melted and golden. Serve hot.
- Stored in an airtight container, this vegan onion soup will keep for up to 7 days in the fridge and up to 6 months in the freezer.
Notes
- Onions. Regular yellow or red onions are preferred, as they have a sweet, mellow flavor that works well in this recipe. White onions can also be used, but they have a milder, less pronounced flavor than yellow or red onions.
- Vegetable broth. Luda's beef-flavored broth is a favorite of mine. It comes close to the real thing!
- Red wine. Light, fruity red wines like Pinot Noir, Gamay, or Zinfandel are favorites for this recipe, as it is served as a main dish. Also, since this soup is topped with cheese, a more full-bodied and tannic red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah may better complement the rich and robust flavors of the cheesy gratin soup.
- Stale bread. I like to use sourdough bread for the croutons, and baguette or country bread are other great choices.
- Cheese. Opt for nutritional yeast and cashew-based grated cheese for a more complex flavor.
- Add a bit of Dijon mustard or Worcestershire sauce for a bolder flavor.
- Flour. Add 1 tablespoon of flour to thicken it, if desired.
Variations
- Vegan lentil and onion soup: add 2 cups of cooked green lentils just before covering the soup with croutons.
- Vegan onion soup without wine: replace red wine with 2 tablespoons of sherry or balsamic vinegar for a tangy touch.
- Vegan onion soup with white wine: dry and light white wines such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio can also pair well with vegan onion soup, especially when served as an appetizer.
- Vegan onion soup with mixed vegetables: add sliced mushrooms or diced carrots for texture and color.
Nutrition
Get Your Free Plant-Based Eating Toolkit and More
Subscribe to my newsletter and unlock my plant-based course, nutrition charts, recipe secrets, and exclusive updates to prepare wholesome, varied & balanced meals effortlessly. All you need is a good appetite. Subscribe!
Hi there!
I'm on a mission to help you get nutrient-dense, easy, and mouthwatering plant-based recipe ideas so you can feel stimulated, well-equipped, and confident to eat and cook better.
Leave a Reply