Company Onion Soup
A rich and comforting onion soup with caramelized onions, savory beef broth, and melted cheese, perfect for cozy gatherings and lovers of hearty, flavorful dishes.
Ingredients
- 4 Tbsp. unsalted butter ⓘ
- 4 large sweet or Walla Walla onions, sliced ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. sugar ⓘ
- 6 c. beef broth, divided ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
- salt and pepper to taste ⓘ
- 4 thick slices French bread ⓘ
- additional unsalted butter ⓘ
- garlic salt or 1 garlic clove, halved ⓘ
- 1 c. (4 oz.) shredded Gruyere or Swiss cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- In a Dutch oven, melt butter over medium heat.
- Saute sliced onions until tender.
- Sprinkle sugar over onions.
- Reduce heat and cook, stirring occasionally, until onions are caramelized, about 20 minutes.
- Add 3 cups of beef broth; simmer for 15 minutes.
- Add remaining broth, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.
- Cover and simmer for 30 to 40 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For deeper flavor, consider using a mix of onions, like sweet and yellow. If you're short on time, you can skip the caramelization step, but it adds a rich sweetness. Substitute beef broth with vegetable broth for a lighter version. If Gruyere cheese is unavailable, Swiss cheese works well and is more budget-friendly.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the soup hot in bowls, topped with toasted French bread and a generous sprinkle of cheese. For added texture, you can broil the cheese until bubbly and golden. This soup pairs beautifully with a light salad or a crusty baguette. Consider serving alongside a refreshing Gala Pecan Spread for a delightful contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover onion soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it thickens too much. Avoid reheating in the microwave, as it can unevenly heat the soup.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Company Onion Soup contains roughly 1356 calories, with 40g protein, 117g carbohydrates, and 84g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (252% of the Daily Value), calcium (89% of the Daily Value), and protein (81% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2528mg per serving (110% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze the onion soup?
Yes, you can freeze onion soup! Let it cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop.
What can I use instead of Worcestershire sauce?
If you don't have Worcestershire sauce, a mix of soy sauce and a splash of vinegar can be a good substitute. Alternatively, you can create a similar flavor by combining balsamic vinegar with a bit of sugar.
How do I make this soup vegetarian?
To make this onion soup vegetarian, simply replace the beef broth with vegetable broth. The sweetness of the caramelized onions will still shine through, providing a deliciously rich flavor.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).