French Onion Potato Soup Recipe

This French Onion Potato Soup is a creamy and cheesy recipe, which is made with sweet caramelized onions and nutty Gruyère cheese. It’s the ultimate comfort food recipe, ready in about 50 minutes.

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French Onion Potato Soup Ingredients

• 1 stick salted butter
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 1 tsp. fresh thyme
• 2 tsp. kosher salt
• Black pepper, to taste
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 garlic cloves
• 1/2 cup dry white wine
• 2 lb. russet potatoes (about 3 large), peeled and chopped into 1-inch pieces
• 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 12 slices baguette
• 3 cups (about 9 ounces) grated gruyère cheese

How To Make French Onion Potato Soup

1. Caramelize the onions: Melt 4 tablespoons of butter in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the onion, thyme, 1 teaspoon of salt, and a few grinds of pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 10 to 15 minutes, until the onion is very soft and a deep golden brown.
2. Build the soup base: Add the bay leaf, garlic, and wine to the pot. Cook for about 1 minute, until the wine has almost completely evaporated. Stir in the potatoes, chicken broth, the remaining 1 teaspoon of salt, and more pepper. Bring to a boil, then cook for 10 to 15 minutes until the potatoes are very soft.
3. Blend the soup: Discard the bay leaf. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup directly in the pot until it’s smooth. (Alternatively, carefully blend in batches in a regular blender). Stir in the heavy cream and the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter until melted.
4. Top and broil: Preheat the broiler. Divide the soup among six oven-safe bowls or ramekins. Place 2 slices of baguette on top of each, then sprinkle generously with the Gruyère cheese. Place the bowls on a baking sheet and broil for 2 to 3 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and starting to brown.

Recipe Tips

• How to properly caramelize onions? The key is patience and medium heat. Don’t rush this step. Allowing the onions to cook down slowly is what develops their deep, sweet flavor, which is essential for this soup.
• Can I use a different cheese? Gruyère is classic for its nutty flavor and excellent melting quality. However, you could substitute it with Swiss, provolone, or even a mix of mozzarella and Parmesan.
• How to get the smoothest soup? An immersion blender is the easiest way to get a smooth soup directly in the pot. If using a regular blender, be very careful when blending hot liquids. Never fill the blender more than halfway and cover the lid with a towel to allow steam to escape.
• Can I make this vegetarian? Yes, this soup is easily made vegetarian. Simply substitute the chicken broth with an equal amount of good-quality vegetable broth.

What To Serve With French Onion Potato Soup

This rich and hearty soup is a complete meal in a bowl. It’s best served with a simple side to cut through the richness.

• A crisp green salad with a sharp lemon or Dijon vinaigrette
• Steamed green beans or roasted asparagus

How To Store French Onion Potato Soup

• Refrigerate: Store the soup base (without the bread and cheese topping) in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freeze: The soup base freezes well for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely before storing in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating and adding the fresh topping.

French Onion Potato Soup Nutrition Facts

• Serving Size: 1 bowl
• Calories: 550 kcal
• Fat: 35g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Protein: 15g

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.

FAQs

Try More Recipes:

• Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe
• Slow Cooker Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe
• Homemade Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup Recipe