Vegetarian French Onion Soup with Croutons

Here’s a delightful recipe for Vegetarian French Onion Soup with crispy croutons that captures the rich flavors of the classic dish while keeping it meat-free. This version uses vegetable broth and is topped with delicious cheese and homemade croutons.

Vegetarian French Onion Soup with Croutons

Ingredients:

For the Soup:

  • 6 medium yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (or vegan butter)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ cup dry white wine (optional, can substitute with more broth)
  • 6 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
  • 2 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
  • 1 tablespoon vegan Worcestershire sauce (or soy sauce)
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste

For the Croutons:

  • 1 baguette, sliced into 1-inch thick pieces
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese (or a vegan cheese alternative)

Instructions:

Caramelize the Onions:

    • In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat.
    • Add the sliced onions and sprinkle with salt. Cook for about 30-40 minutes, stirring frequently until the onions are deeply caramelized and golden brown. If they start to stick, lower the heat and add a tablespoon of water to deglaze.

    Deglaze and Simmer:

      • Once the onions are caramelized, pour in the white wine (if using) to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let it simmer for about 2 minutes.
      • Add the vegetable broth, thyme, Worcestershire sauce, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer uncovered for about 15 minutes.

      Prepare the Croutons:

        • While the soup is simmering, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
        • Arrange baguette slices on a baking sheet and brush them lightly with olive oil. Bake for about 5-7 minutes until they are toasted and golden brown.

        Assemble and Broil:

          • Ladle the hot soup into oven-safe bowls or ramekins.
          • Place a few toasted baguette slices on top of each bowl of soup, then generously sprinkle with shredded cheese.
          • Place the bowls on a baking sheet and broil in the oven for about 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

          Serve:

            • Carefully remove from the oven (the bowls will be hot!) and let cool slightly before serving.
            • Garnish with additional thyme if desired.

            Tips:

            • Make Ahead: The soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat before serving.
            • Vegan Option: Use vegan butter and dairy-free cheese to keep it fully plant-based.
            • Extra Flavor: For added depth, consider adding a splash of balsamic vinegar or sherry vinegar just before serving.

            Enjoy your comforting bowl of Vegetarian French Onion Soup topped with crispy croutons!

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