Vegan French Onion Soup
If you’re craving something cozy, warm, and packed with flavor, this vegan French onion soup is calling your name! It’s loaded with sweet, caramelized onions, a rich broth, and all the comforting vibes you could want. And guess what? You don’t need any meat or dairy to make it taste amazing. This soup is a total win for chilly nights, lazy weekends, or whenever you just want a big bowl of yum.
The recipe’s super simple, and you probably have most of the ingredients already. I’ll also share some fun serving ideas—like cheesy toast on top or even using a bread bowl (yep, you can eat the bowl!). It’s perfect for meal prep too, because the flavor gets even better the next day. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or showing off for friends, this soup is gonna be a hit!
We love making plant-based dishes that everyone can savor and enjoy, and this French onion soup is no exception. If you need more amazing vegan soup recipes, check out our creamy Tomato soup, vegan potato leek soup, vegan asparagus and mushroom soup, and vegan potato soup! For another French-inspired recipe, how about this savory and veggie-ful pistou soup?
Prepare to be amazed by the extraordinary taste packed into every spoonful!
Why This Vegan French Onion Soup is So Awesome
This vegan onion soup is a masterpiece of simplicity and flavor. Crafted with care, this recipe offers more than just a tasty meal; it’s a versatile addition to your weekly routine! Here’s why you shouldn’t miss the opportunity to create this delectable dish:
- Rich, Deep Flavor. Caramelized onions bring out an amazing sweet and savory taste. Add some herbs, garlic, and broth, and you’ve got a cozy, flavorful soup. This plant-based version is even tastier than the traditional recipe!
- Totally Comforting. There’s something about that warm, steamy bowl that feels like a hug. It’s perfect on a chilly day or when you just need a little comfort food. Plus, the smell is incredible while it cooks!
- Simple Ingredients. You don’t need anything fancy to make it. Just onions, broth, a few seasonings, and bread if you’re adding a cheesy topping. It’s easy to make with pantry staples.
- Easy to Make. It takes a little time to caramelize the onions, but the steps are super simple. Once they’re golden and soft, the rest comes together fast. It’s great for beginners and pros alike.
- Leftovers Taste Even Better. The flavors keep getting better after a day in the fridge. Make a batch ahead of time and enjoy it all week. It reheats like a dream!
Key Ingredients and Substitutions
This soup’s all about sweet onions, tasty broth, and simple stuff that makes it super cozy. Every ingredient adds something yummy, but don’t worry—there are easy swaps if you’re out of anything. Let’s break it down and keep things simple. All you need are 7 simple ingredients to create this cozy meal!
- Red Onions – Caramelize beautifully and add a sweet, rich flavor. Slice them thin so they cook evenly. Yellow or sweet onions work great too!
- Balsamic Vinegar – Adds a little tang and helps deepen the flavor. Stir it in at the end for the best taste. Try red wine vinegar or a splash of dry white wine instead.
- Bay Leaf – Gives the soup a nice, earthy background flavor. Remove it before serving (no one wants to bite into that!). If you don’t have one, a pinch of dried thyme or rosemary can work.
- Dried Oregano – Adds a herby kick that balances the sweetness of the onions. Don’t overdo it—a little goes a long way. Try Italian seasoning, thyme, or marjoram if you prefer.
- Vegetable Broth – It’s the base of the soup and brings everything together. Use a rich, dark broth if you can for extra flavor. Mushroom broth or homemade veggie stock is a great upgrade! Opt for low-sodium options as needed or use an equivalent amount of vegetable bouillon with water.
- Toasted Rustic Bread Slices or Vegan Croutons – Adds crunch and soaks up that tasty broth! Toast the bread well so it holds up in the soup. Use croutons for a fun twist, or go bread-free if you’re keeping it simple. This spelt bread or rosemary beer bread would be perfect in this recipe.
- Dairy-Free Cheese – Melts on top and gives that classic cheesy finish. Broil it on top of bread slices for that gooey, golden look. Use any melty vegan cheese you like—or skip it for a lighter soup.
How To Make This Recipe
Whipping up our Vegan French Onion Soup is a breeze! Simple steps and familiar ingredients make you the master of this delightful, cozy creation in the comfort of your own kitchen.
Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add sliced onions and brown for 15-20 minutes, stirring every 2-3 minutes.
Step 2: Stir in balsamic vinegar, bay leaf, and dried oregano. Cook for an additional 5 minutes.
Step 3: Add vegetable broth, and season with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil for 5 minutes.
Step 4: Ladle into oven-proof bowls, add croutons or toasted rustic bread and sprinkle with vegan cheese.
Easy Broiling Tips for Perfect Vegan Onion Soup
Broiling is the finishing touch that turns our vegan French onion soup into a melty masterpiece. To broil, set your oven to the broil setting and place those cheesy bowls on the top rack. It’s like giving your soup a quick tanning session—the high heat makes the vegan cheese bubble and turn golden brown.
This not only makes your soup look inviting but also adds a delightful crunch to the bread. Keep an eye on it to avoid any burnt surprises—we’re aiming for golden perfection! Broiling is the secret sauce that transforms a tasty soup into a visually appealing and utterly scrumptious dream.
Once broiled, garnish with a sprig of thyme and serve hot.
Serving Tips and Suggestions
Dairy-free French onion soup is warm, rich, and full of deep, savory flavor. With the right toppings and pairings, you can make it even more comforting and fun to serve. These helpful tips and tasty ideas will take your soup from simple to something really special!
- Top It with Toasted Baguette Slices – Add a crispy slice of baguette right on top of each bowl. It soaks up the broth and adds the perfect crunch. Toast the bread first so it doesn’t get too soggy!
- Melt a Variety of Vegan Cheese on Top – Sprinkle your favorite melty vegan cheese (like these vegan cheese slices) over the bread and pop the bowl under the broiler. It gets bubbly, golden, and delicious. Just keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn! Also, don’t forget the best topping of all, nutritional yeast!
- Serve in a Bread Bowl – Take it up a notch by serving your soup in a crusty bread bowl. It looks super fun and adds even more flavor. Plus, you can eat the bowl when you’re done!
- Sprinkle with Fresh Herbs – Top your soup with chopped parsley or thyme just before serving. It adds a pop of color and a little fresh flavor. Pretty and tasty all in one!
- Achieve the Perfect Caramelization – Allow the onions to brown slowly, stirring every 2-3 minutes. This patient approach enhances the natural sweetness and depth of flavor. Well worth it!
Vegan French Onion Soup FAQs
Let the soup cool to room temp, then pour it into an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to 4 to 5 days, or freeze it (without bread or cheese on top) for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat, just warm it up on the stove or in the microwave and give it a good stir.
While red onions are traditionally used for their mild sweetness, you can experiment with yellow or white onions based on your preference. Keep in mind that different onions may affect the soup’s flavor.
Definitely! Prepare the soup ahead of time without the bread and cheese. Store in the refrigerator and add fresh toppings before reheating for a perfect party dish.
In any soup recipe that calls for vegetable broth—this one included—you can always use vegetable bouillon and the equivalent amount of water instead. We’re big fans of bouillon because it is often shelf-stable, and it’s packaged without water so it’s a much more eco-friendly alternative to packaged broths (which are usually in tetra packs that aren’t recyclable). There are tons of varieties of vegan bouillon out there that comes in foil-wrapped cubes and little glass containers. Better Than Bouillon is one of our favorite brands!
More Comforting Vegan Soup Recipes to Try
Print me! Did you know you can easily print our recipes? Just tap the “Print Recipe” button in the recipe card. You can keep a stack of new recipes to try in your kitchen—or better yet—create a recipe binder where you keep all your favorites!
Vegan French Onion Soup
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 5 medium-sized red onions, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 5 cups vegetable broth, or equivalent amount of vegan bouillon and water
- salt, to taste
- black pepper, to taste
- toasted rustic bread slices or vegan croutons, to taste
- vegan cheese, to taste, optional
- sprigs of thyme (or other fresh herbs), to garnish, optional
Instructions
- In a large soup pot over medium heat, add in olive oil, allow to heat, and then add the sliced onions. Allow onions to brown for about 15 to 20 mins, stirring occasionally (every 2-3 minutes).
- Add the balsamic vinegar and bay leaf and dried oregano. Keep stirring and cook for another 5 mins.
- Add the vegetable broth and season with salt and pepper to taste. Let it boil for 5 mins.
- Ladle into oven-proof serving bowls, add a handful of croutons or a slice of toasted rustic bread to each bowl, and sprinkle with vegan cheese (allowing the cheese to cover most of the bread and some of the soup, so the soup can still peek through).
- Broil in the oven (with a cookie sheet below them to catch anything that drips) until the cheese is melted. Garnish with a sprig of thyme and and serve hot.
Notes
Nutrition
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Leave a Comment
Delicious Soup! French onion is one of my faves.
I absolutely love french onion soup, and I haven’t had it in years. This recipe was delicious. I had it without the vegan cheese, but it’s so good with nice tear of sourdough bread for dipping!
I was never a huge fan of this soup until now. There’s something lovely about how simple and satisfying this soup is to eat and to make. The combination of fresh ingredients, herbs and spices makes this classic dish really pleasant and enjoyable. If I was going to add vegan cheese to it, I would probably add a slice from Violife’s cheddar or provolone! Or even Field Roast’s Chao cheese (yummm). An awesome soup to make for chilly nights or when I’m craving a savory lunch!
I can vouch for this super cozy recipe! Delicious! 🙂
I made this and it’s SO delish! I even fed some to my very-not-vegan brother in law and he loved it! It stores great in the fridge for reheated lunches. Yum!
This soup is so delicious and healthy…who needs cheese? Yum