This vegan French onion soup is pure comfort in a bowl.
It’s warm, rich, and packed with sweet caramelized onions and that deep, savory flavor you crave—without the beef broth or dairy.
It’s one of those recipes that feels fancy but is actually super easy to make at home.
What You’ll Need
- Olive oil (in a clear glass jar)
- 5 large onions (whole)
- 3 garlic cloves (whole)
- Fresh thyme leaves (in a white bowl)
- Bay leaf (on a small white plate)
- Balsamic vinegar (in a clear jar)
- Dry white wine (in a clear jar)
- All-purpose flour (in a white bowl)
- Vegetable broth (in a clear jar)
- Salt (in a white bowl)
- Ground black pepper (in a white bowl)
- Vegan cheese shreds (in a white bowl)
- Baguette slices (on a white round plate)
Why I Love This Recipe
I grew up thinking French onion soup was way too fancy to ever make at home. Turns out—it’s really just about patience, stirring onions low and slow until they melt into sweet, golden goodness. This recipe skips the beef but keeps all the bold, layered flavor.
- Caramelized onions are pure magic
- That crusty bread + melty vegan cheese combo never gets old
- Feels fancy but is honestly super easy
- Perfect for cold nights or impressing guests
Servings + Cook Time
Servings: 4
Total Time: About 1 hour 15 minutes
Macros Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~310 kcal
- Protein: 6g
- Fat: 9g
- Carbs: 48g
- Fiber: 4g
Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
The secret is caramelization. When you slowly cook onions in olive oil, the natural sugars break down and deepen in flavor. Adding a bit of flour thickens the broth slightly, while the wine, vinegar, and herbs layer in acidity and depth. It’s all about balance.
Common Mistakes
- Rushing the onions: Don’t crank the heat up—they need low and slow.
- Skipping the deglaze: The wine loosens up the flavorful bits stuck to the pot.
- Using raw garlic at the wrong time: Add it after the onions are soft so it doesn’t burn.
- Not toasting the bread enough: Soft bread won’t hold up in soup.
- Too much flour: 1 tbsp is enough to lightly thicken without turning it into gravy.
What to Serve With
- A crisp green salad with vinaigrette
- Roasted Brussels sprouts or green beans
- A light glass of vegan-friendly dry white wine
- Crusty extra baguette on the side
FAQ
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free flour and gluten-free bread.
What’s the best vegan cheese to use?
Go for something that melts well like vegan mozzarella or provolone shreds.
Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, but freeze it without the bread and cheese topping. Add fresh when reheating.
Is the wine necessary?
It adds great depth, but you can replace it with more broth and a splash of lemon or vinegar.
Make Ahead Tips
You can caramelize the onions a day ahead and refrigerate. The rest comes together quickly. Great for meal prep—just toast the bread fresh.
How to Make Cozy Vegan French Onion Soup
Step 1: Slice and Prep
Slice all 5 onions into thin half-moons and mince 3 garlic cloves.
Step 2: Start Caramelizing
Add 3 tbsp olive oil and the sliced onions to a large pot. Cook on medium-low for 35-40 minutes, stirring often, until deep golden brown.
Step 3: Add Garlic + Herbs
Stir in minced garlic, 1 tsp thyme leaves, and 1 bay leaf. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 4: Deglaze and Build Flavor
Pour in ½ cup dry white wine and 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar. Stir and scrape up any brown bits on the bottom of the pot.
Step 5: Thicken with Flour
Sprinkle in 1 tbsp all-purpose flour. Stir and cook for 2 minutes to form a light roux.
Step 6: Add Broth + Simmer
Pour in 6 cups vegetable broth. Add ½ tsp salt and ½ tsp black pepper. Simmer on low for 20 minutes.
Step 7: Toast the Bread
While the soup simmers, toast baguette slices until golden and crisp.
Step 8: Top with Cheese + Broil
Ladle soup into bowls, top each with a slice of toasted baguette and sprinkle of vegan cheese. Broil for 2-3 minutes until melted and golden.
Tips for Leftovers & Storage
- Store soup without bread and cheese in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheat on the stove and top with fresh toasted bread and cheese.
- Freeze in individual portions (without bread or cheese).
Final Thoughts
This cozy vegan French onion soup proves you don’t need beef or dairy to make something rich and flavorful. It’s slow food that rewards your patience—and it’s honestly one of the most satisfying bowls I’ve had all season. Try it, and don’t forget to come back and let me know how it turned out!