Name: Vegan French Onion Soup Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 5 medium-sized red onions, peeled and thinly sliced; 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar; 1 bay leaf; 1 tablespoon dried oregano; 5 cups vegetable broth (or equivalent amount of vegan bouillon and water); Salt, to taste; Black pepper, to taste; Toasted rustic bread slices or vegan croutons, to taste; Vegan cheese, to taste (optional); Sprigs of thyme or other fresh herbs, for garnish (optional)

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Introduction

Discover the rich, comforting flavors of Vegan French Onion Soup, a plant-based twist on the classic favorite. This soup combines caramelized onions, savory herbs, and a crispy, cheesy topping for a heartwarming meal perfect any time of year.

A black ceramic pot filled with a layered dish sits on a wooden board over a white marbled surface. Inside the pot, the bottom layer is a rich brown broth or soup, topped with soft caramelized onions showing a shiny light brown color. On this, melted white cheese stretches across part of the surface, slightly browned in areas. On top are several pieces of toasted, light brown bread, with a firm texture and crusty edges. A sprig of fresh green thyme lays on top as garnish. Nearby, two whole red onions and one half onion with purple and white layers are placed on the white marbled background, along with additional thyme sprigs. A wooden spoon rests on the board next to the pot’s lid, which is black with a worn, textured surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil
5 medium-sized red onions, peeled and thinly sliced
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1 bay leaf
1 tablespoon dried oregano
5 cups vegetable broth (or equivalent vegan bouillon and water)
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
Toasted rustic bread slices or vegan croutons, to taste
Vegan cheese, to taste (optional)
Sprigs of thyme or other fresh herbs, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: In a large soup pot over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring every 2-3 minutes, until they become browned and caramelized, about 15 to 20 minutes.
Step 2: Stir in the balsamic vinegar, bay leaf, and dried oregano. Continue cooking and stirring for another 5 minutes to blend the flavors.
Step 3: Pour in the vegetable broth and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Bring the soup to a boil and let it cook for 5 minutes more.
Step 4: Ladle the soup into oven-proof bowls. Top each bowl with a handful of croutons or a slice of toasted rustic bread. Sprinkle vegan cheese generously over the bread and some of the soup so the soup peeks through.
Step 5: Place the bowls under the broiler with a cookie sheet beneath to catch drips. Broil until the vegan cheese melts and bubbles. Remove from oven, garnish with thyme sprigs if using, and serve hot.

Tips & Variations

For deeper onion flavor, cook the onions slowly on low heat to enhance caramelization without burning.
Swap red onions for yellow or white onions if preferred; they will slightly alter the sweetness and color.
Use gluten-free bread or croutons to make the recipe gluten-free.
Experiment with different herbs like rosemary or sage for a unique twist.
If you don’t have a broiler, melt the vegan cheese under a hot grill or in the oven at high heat briefly.

Storage

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results, keep the bread and vegan cheese separate and add them fresh when reheating the soup. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through.

How to Serve

A black bowl filled with thick soup topped with melted white cheese that stretches as a wooden spoon lifts some soup and soft cooked onions above the bowl. Inside the bowl, there are light brown toasted bread pieces partially covered by the gooey cheese, and a small green herb garnish rests on top. The bowl sits on a wooden surface with a white marbled texture background, and a woman's hand holds the spoon in the foreground. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of onions in this soup?

Yes, yellow or white onions work well and provide a slightly different sweetness and color, but red onions offer a rich, deep flavor that’s ideal for this recipe.

Is it necessary to use vegan cheese?

Vegan cheese adds a lovely creamy texture and melts over the bread, but the soup is still delicious without it. You can omit it or use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without melting.