Name: Vegan French Onion Soup Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 3 large onions, thinly sliced; 3 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp balsamic vinegar; 1 tsp soy sauce (or tamari); 6 cups vegetable broth; 1 tsp thyme; Salt and pepper to taste; Toasted baguette slices; Vegan cheese

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If you have ever longed for a comforting bowl brimming with rich, savory flavors yet completely plant-based, you are in for a treat with this Vegan French Onion Soup Recipe. This soul-warming dish transforms simple ingredients like sweet caramelized onions and aromatic herbs into a luscious broth that tastes like it’s been simmering for hours. Whether you’re vegan or just curious about plant-based cooking, this recipe captures the classic French onion soup essence with a wholesome twist that is irresistibly cozy and deeply satisfying.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a wooden board on a white marbled surface. On the board, there are several whole onions and many slices of onion arranged in small piles. The onion slices are white with a slightly translucent look, and their thin layers are clearly visible. Some onion rings are stacked together, while whole onions and dried herbs like thyme are also placed around the board. The overall colors are mainly shades of white and light yellow from the onions, with green from the herbs. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are straightforward but absolutely essential to build layers of flavor, texture, and aroma. Each element plays its role in creating that unmistakable deep golden color and that perfectly balanced savory-sweet taste.

3 large onions, thinly sliced: The heart of the soup, slowly caramelized to bring out their natural sweetness and depth.
3 tbsp olive oil: Used to gently cook the onions without burning, giving a silky mouthfeel.
1 tsp balsamic vinegar: Adds brightness and a subtle acidic zing that enhances the caramelization.
1 tsp soy sauce (or tamari): Provides an umami boost that mimics the rich savory notes of traditional broth.
6 cups vegetable broth: The base liquid that ties all flavors together—choose a good one for best results.
1 tsp thyme: A classic French herb that gives the soup its distinctive herby fragrance.
Salt and pepper to taste: To season and bring out all the savory elements perfectly.
Toasted baguette slices + vegan cheese (optional for serving): For that classic topping that adds crunch and creaminess without dairy.

How to Make Vegan French Onion Soup Recipe

Step 1: Caramelize the Onions

Start by heating the olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add your thinly sliced onions and stir frequently for about 20 to 25 minutes. This slow process lets the onions soften and turn a gorgeous golden brown, concentrating their natural sugars into a sweet, complex flavor that forms the foundation of this soup. Resist the urge to rush—good things take time!

Step 2: Deglaze the Pan

Once the onions are deeply caramelized, splash in the balsamic vinegar and soy sauce. These will loosen all those flavorful browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pot and add an extra punch of acidity and umami. Stir everything together, scraping with a wooden spoon to incorporate every bit of flavor back into the onions.

Step 3: Add Broth and Herbs

Pour in the vegetable broth along with the thyme, then bring the soup to a gentle simmer. Let it cook uncovered for about 20 minutes to allow all the flavors to marry and develop further. This simmering step deepens the broth’s richness and softens the thyme’s herbal notes so they melt seamlessly into the soup.

Step 4: Season and Serve

Taste your soup and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Ladle the steaming hot soup into bowls and, if you like, top each serving with toasted baguette slices and a sprinkle or melt of vegan cheese for that classic presentation. This is when the soup really shines—crispy bread soaked with savory broth and creamy cheese. Simply irresistible!

How to Serve Vegan French Onion Soup Recipe

A close-up view of a round ceramic brown bowl filled with baked cheese that is golden and browned on top, showing a bubbly and slightly crisp texture. Small green fresh herb leaves are sprinkled on the cheese's surface for color contrast. The bowl is sitting on a white marbled surface, with a blurred bunch of green herbs and a clear glass of water visible in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

While the toasted baguette and vegan cheese are traditional and delicious, feel free to get creative. Fresh thyme sprigs add a pretty pop of green and fresh aroma. A light drizzle of good-quality olive oil or a sprinkle of smoked paprika can add another flavor dimension that complements the soup beautifully.

Side Dishes

This Vegan French Onion Soup Recipe pairs wonderfully with simple side salads featuring crisp greens and tangy vinaigrettes to balance the soup’s richness. A crusty whole-grain roll or a simple roasted vegetable platter also makes for a well-rounded, satisfying meal without overpowering the gentle complexities of the soup itself.

Creative Ways to Present

For a charming dinner party presentation, serve the soup in individual oven-safe crocks topped with baguette slices and vegan cheese, then briefly broil to get a bubbly, golden crust. Alternatively, ladle the soup into rustic mugs for a cozy meal on chilly evenings—it’s comfort food elevated with a personal touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors actually deepen as it sits, making it even more delicious when reheated. Just remember to add the toasted bread and vegan cheese fresh to keep their texture intact.

Freezing

This soup also freezes well, allowing you to enjoy it anytime. Freeze cooled soup in freezer-safe containers for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stovetop to retain maximum flavor and texture.

Reheating

Reheat the soup slowly over low to medium heat while stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If the soup has thickened, add a splash of vegetable broth or water to loosen it. Add toasted bread and vegan cheese toppings after reheating for the best eating experience, keeping their delightful contrast fresh.

FAQs

Can I use different types of onions?

Absolutely! Yellow onions are traditional and offer the perfect balance of sweetness and sharpness, but white or red onions can work too. Each type will slightly change the flavor profile, so feel free to experiment and find your favorite.

Is soy sauce necessary if I want to avoid soy?

Not at all. You can swap soy sauce for coconut aminos or simply use extra vegetable broth with a pinch of smoked salt to maintain umami richness without soy allergens.

Can I make this soup gluten-free?

Definitely! Just make sure the bread you use for the topping is gluten-free. The soup itself is naturally gluten-free, making it a safe and delightful option for gluten-sensitive diners.

What’s the best vegan cheese for this soup?

Look for a meltable vegan cheese such as a cashew-based mozzarella or a coconut oil-based vegan cheese that browns nicely under heat. This helps achieve that melty, gooey experience reminiscent of traditional French onion soup.

Can I add other herbs or spices?

Yes, feel free to add a bay leaf during simmering or a pinch of smoked paprika or garlic powder for a flavor twist. Just be mindful not to overpower the classic thyme and onion combination that defines this dish.

Final Thoughts

This Vegan French Onion Soup Recipe is truly a celebration of humble ingredients transformed into something spectacularly comforting and rich. Whether you’re cozying up on a chilly evening or looking for a stunning starter to wow friends, this recipe delivers soul food in the best sense. I encourage you to embrace the process, savor the aromas as the onions caramelize, and enjoy every spoonful of this deliciously plant-based classic.

Vegan French Onion Soup Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need