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Gray bowl of Panera style French Onion Soup garnished with fresh thyme.
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Copycat Panera French Onion Soup

A classic hearty soup that warms your soul. Serve topped with a crusty baguette pieces smothered with melted gruyere cheese.
Course Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine French
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Caramelizing onions 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 340kcal
Author Chellie Schmitz
Cost $8

Equipment

  • 1 stockpot
  • 1 Rimmed baking sheet

Ingredients

  • 4 yellow onions sliced thin (half moon shape)
  • 1 red onion sliced thin
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/4 cup butter
  • 2 Tbs olive oil
  • 1/2 cup red wine white wine or broth can be substituted
  • 2 sprigs of fresh thyme
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 2 quarts beef stock
  • 1 quart chicken stock
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 baguette cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 4 oz Gruyere cheese shredded

Instructions

  • Heat olive oil and butter in a large saute' pan over medium heat. Add onions and garlic and cook until onions start to release their juices.
  • Reduce the heat to low and cook until onions are caramelized. This can take awhile, be patient.
  • Add thyme, bay leaves and wine. Cook until liquid is reduced. Season with salt and pepper.
  • Add stock and bring to a boil Reduce to simmer and simmer for 30 minutes.
  • Ladle soup into bowls that are oven safe.
  • Place toasted baguette pieces on top of the soup and top with shredded cheese. Place under the broiler until cheese melted, golden, and bubbling.

Notes

  • Caramelized onions take time. They need to cook low and slow until they are deep golden brown. Stir them occasionally and expect them to take 45-60 minutes.
  • To Thicken French Onion Soup - This soup is not often thickened. However, if you like a thicker soup, you can make a roux with flour and add it to the pan, (after your onions are caramelized and out) with beef broth. 
  • I like to cut the bread into bite size pieces because it is much easier to eat, however, you can just cut the bread into 1 inch slices, brush some olive oil on them, and toast them in the oven, then place one whole slice on top of the soup and mound with cheese.

KETO FRIENDLY INSTRUCTIONS

  • Use low carb or zero carb bread, store bought or homemade
  • Onions are pretty high in carbs, so this can be keto friendly depending on your macros. You’ll also need to watch your serving size.
  • If you use only 2 pounds of onions, you can reduce your net carbs by 2 grams per serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 340kcal | Carbohydrates: 30g | Protein: 16g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 34mg | Sodium: 931mg | Potassium: 719mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 324IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 210mg | Iron: 2mg