Homemade Onion Soup

Prep: 10 min Cook: 40 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: American

A comforting, savory onion soup with rich flavors from caramelized onions and beef bouillon, topped with Parmesan cheese, perfect for cozy evenings or casual gatherings.

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Ingredients

  • 4 onions, sliced medium
  • 2 Tbsp. butter
  • 2 Tbsp. flour
  • 4 c. hot water
  • 4 bouillon cubes (beef)
  • Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Sauté sliced onions in butter for about 10 minutes until golden, stirring to prevent burning.
  2. Add flour to the onions and stir well to combine.
  3. Combine hot water with beef bouillon cubes to make a broth.
  4. Gradually add the hot broth to the onion mixture while stirring.
  5. Simmer over low heat for about 30 minutes.
  6. Serve the soup topped with Parmesan cheese.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, try using a mix of yellow and sweet onions. If you're short on time, you can substitute the beef bouillon cubes with ready-made beef broth. For a vegetarian version, use vegetable bouillon cubes instead. Adding a splash of white wine while sautéing the onions can enhance the taste. Stir the soup occasionally to avoid sticking, especially during simmering.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the onion soup hot, topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. It pairs beautifully with Cheddar Twists for a delightful crunch. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a light salad or a slice of crusty bread. This comforting dish is perfect for chilly evenings and can be a great starter for a dinner party.

Storage & Reheating

Leftover onion soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a little water if it thickens too much. You can also microwave it in a safe container, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Homemade Onion Soup contains roughly 1283 calories, with 35g protein, 238g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (75% of the Daily Value), protein (71% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (42% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 543mg per serving (24% of the Daily Value).

1283 kcal 64% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 35.4g 71% DV
Total Fat 19.9g 25% DV
Carbs 237.8g 86% DV
Fiber 11.7g 42% DV
Sugar 7g 14% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 543.3mg 24% DV
Potassium 532.7mg 11% DV
Cholesterol 6.2mg 2% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 4.9mcg 1% DV
Vitamin C 1.7mg 2% DV
Calcium 229mg 18% DV
Iron 13.5mg 75% DV
Diet fit High-protein High-fiber Low-fat
Contains Milk Wheat/Gluten

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 use other types of cheese instead of Parmesan?

Yes, you can use Gruyère or Swiss cheese for a different flavor profile. These cheeses melt beautifully and add a creamy texture to the soup. Just sprinkle them on top before serving and allow them to melt for a delicious finish.

How can I make the soup thicker?

If you prefer a thicker soup, increase the amount of flour when cooking the onions, or blend a portion of the soup after it has simmered. Another option is to let it reduce longer while simmering to concentrate the flavors and thicken the broth naturally.

Can I freeze onion soup?

Yes, onion soup freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers. It can be stored for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and warm it on the stovetop or microwave before serving.

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).

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