It’s hard to resist the rich and comforting flavors of French Onion Soup Without Wine. This classic dish is packed with caramelized onions, a flavorful broth, and topped with toasted baguette slices and melted Gruyère cheese, making it the perfect recipe for a cozy night in.
French onion soup is a well-loved classic, traditionally made with a beef broth base, caramelized onions, and finished with a topping of toasted baguette slices and melted cheese.
Typically, wine is added for extra depth, but this version omits it while still delivering that rich, savory taste. French onion soup without wine offers a lighter, yet equally flavorful, alternative that's perfect for weeknight dinners or family meals.
Why We Love This Recipe:
- Rich, Caramelized Flavors: Slowly caramelizing the onions brings out a deep, sweet flavor without needing wine.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and a straightforward method, this soup is perfect for home cooks.
- Kid-Friendly: The omission of wine makes this a family-friendly version of a traditional favorite.
- Perfect for Entertaining: The crispy baguette and melted cheese make it an impressive dish for guests.
If you like this soup recipe, you may also love our Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup or our Roasted Butternut Squash Soup.
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What Ingredients Will You Need?
- Yellow and Red Onions: The star of the dish. Caramelizing the onions slowly unlocks their sweetness.
- Butter: Adds richness and helps with the caramelization process.
- Chicken and Beef Broth: A combination of broths creates a flavorful base.
- Balsamic Vinegar: Adds a tangy depth at the end of cooking to mimic the flavor complexity of wine.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Adds more flavor to the soup.
- Fresh Thyme and Bay Leaf: These herbs add aromatic notes.
- Baguette and Gruyère Cheese: For the iconic toasted topping, Gruyère or Comté cheese melts perfectly over the crispy bread.
- Olive Oil: Used for drizzling the baguette slices before toasting.
Note: Refer to the recipe card below for exact quantities.
Instructions
How to Make French Onion Soup Without Wine
STEP ONE: Caramelize the Onions
Melt the butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the yellow and red onions, lightly salt them, and cook for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until deeply caramelized.
STEP TWO: Deglaze and Simmer
Add the Worcestershire sauce to the caramelized onions, stirring to scrape up any browned bits from the pot. Pour in the chicken and beef broths, then add the bay leaf and thyme. Simmer for 30 minutes to let the flavors develop.
STEP THREE: Toast the Baguette
While the soup simmers, preheat the oven to 400°F. Drizzle the baguette slices with olive oil and bake for 5-7 minutes until crispy and golden.
STEP FOUR: Add Balsamic and Serve
Just before serving, stir in the balsamic vinegar. Ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls, top with toasted baguette slices, and sprinkle generously with grated Gruyère cheese. Broil for 3-5 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
What Are Some Good Substitutions?
- Gruyère Cheese: Substitute with Comté, Swiss, or even mozzarella for a more budget-friendly option.
- Baguette: Any crusty bread like ciabatta or sourdough will work just as well.
- Thyme: Use dried thyme if fresh isn’t available, but reduce the quantity to 1 teaspoon.
How Can You Change This Recipe Up?
- Diet-Friendly: For a dairy-free version, skip the cheese and opt for a plant-based butter alternative.
- Kid-Friendly: Swap out the Gruyère for a milder cheese.
- Time-Saving: If you're short on time, caramelize the onions over higher heat and stir frequently, though the flavor may not be as deep.
What Kitchen Equipment Is Best?
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- Dutch oven or large pot
- Oven-safe soup bowls
- Baking sheet
- Wooden spoon
How Should You Store This?
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
French onion soup can be frozen without the bread and cheese. When ready to serve, thaw, reheat, and top with fresh bread and cheese before broiling.
Note: Refer to Top Tips below for more storage and reheating tips.
What Are Some Expert Tips?
Don’t rush the onion caramelization process. Low and slow cooking will give you the best flavor.
Once broiled, the soup should be served right away to enjoy the crispy baguette and melted cheese.
If reheating, toast fresh baguette slices and top them with cheese before broiling, so you maintain the crispy texture.
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Have Leftover Ingredients?
- Make a batch of caramelized onions for sandwiches or pizza.
- Use leftover broth in a risotto or stew.
- Gruyère cheese is perfect for grilled cheese sandwiches.
Need Something To Pair This With?
- A simple green salad with vinaigrette.
- Roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts or carrots.
- A light sparkling water with lemon.
In The Mood For a Similar Dish?
- Black Bean Soup with Dried Beans: Slow Cooker Method
- West African Peanut Stew with Chicken and Sweet Potatoes
- Potato Leek Soup
- Creamy Roasted Tomato Soup with Sourdough Grilled Cheese
- Unstuffed Cabbage Soup
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FAQ
Yes, French onion soup without wine can taste just as rich and flavorful by using alternatives like balsamic vinegar or a splash of Worcestershire sauce. These ingredients provide a similar depth of flavor, making the soup delicious without the need for wine.
Gruyère is the traditional choice due to its rich, nutty flavor and excellent melting properties. However, Comté, Swiss, or even mozzarella can be used as substitutes if you prefer something milder or more budget-friendly.
The key to perfectly caramelized onions is cooking them slowly over medium heat. Stir the onions regularly and adjust the heat if needed to prevent them from burning. Allow them to cook low and slow for the best flavor.
📖 Recipe
Easy Classic French Onion Soup Recipe Without Wine
Equipment
- Dutch oven or large pot
- Oven-safe soup bowls
- Baking sheet
Ingredients
- 3 large yellow onions sliced
- 1 large red onion sliced
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 4 cups low sodium beef broth
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar added at the end
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme or 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 baguette sliced
- 2 cups Gruyère or Comté cheese grated
- olive oil for drizzling
Instructions
- Melt the butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the sliced yellow and red onions, and stir to coat them in butter.
- Lightly salt the onions at this stage to help draw out their moisture, which speeds up the caramelization process.
- Cook the onions for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are golden brown and caramelized. Add freshly ground black pepper as they cook.
- Once the onions are caramelized, add the Worcestershire sauce and stir, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Let it cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until slightly reduced.
- Pour in the chicken broth and beef broth, then add the bay leaf and thyme. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low.
- Simmer the soup for 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to develop. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- While the soup simmers, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Drizzle the sliced baguette with olive oil and place on a baking sheet. Toast the bread for 5-7 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove the croutons from the oven and set aside.
- Remove the bay leaf from the soup. Stir in the balsamic vinegar for a final touch of sweetness. Ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls, top each serving with a toasted baguette slice, and generously sprinkle with the grated Gruyère or Comté cheese.
- Place oven-safe bowls under the broiler for 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Carefully remove the bowls from the broiler. Garnish with additional thyme, if desired, and serve immediately.
Notes
- Gruyère Cheese: Substitute with Comté, Swiss, or even mozzarella for a more budget-friendly option.
- Baguette: Any crusty bread like ciabatta or sourdough will work just as well.
- Thyme: Use dried thyme if fresh isn’t available, but reduce the quantity to 1 teaspoon.
Nutrition
This Easy Classic French Onion Soup Recipe Without Wine is rich, flavorful, and perfect for cozy weeknight dinners or entertaining guests. The deeply caramelized onions, hearty broth, and gooey melted cheese create a comforting dish that the whole family will love.
Don’t forget to share your results and explore our other delicious recipes!
Important Food Safety Tips
Always use fresh ingredients, especially the broth, and store any leftovers promptly.
Be cautious when working with hot soup under the broiler.
- Wash hands and create a clean work area.
- Rinse fresh produce thoroughly.
- Do not use the same cutting board or utensils on cooked food or produce, that previously touched raw meat or seafood.
- Do not leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods.
See more guidelines at USDA.gov
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