Pat'S Garlicky Onion Soup

Prep: 15 min Cook: 50 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: French

A rich, savory onion soup with a garlicky twist, layered flavors from multiple onions and garlic, topped with melted cheese and crusty bread—perfect for comforting gatherings.

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Ingredients

  • 3 large Texas sweet or vidalia onions
  • 3 large white onions
  • 3 large red or Bermuda onions
  • 20 cloves garlic
  • 10 cloves roasted garlic
  • 1 stick margarine or butter
  • 2 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 Tbsp. ground thyme
  • 1 Tbsp. ground oregano
  • 2 c. kosher Concord grape wine

Instructions

  1. Melt margarine or butter in a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium heat. Add olive oil.
  2. Coarsely chop the onions and gradually add them to the butter, stirring frequently.
  3. Add chopped garlic to the onions and cook until all onions are clear.
  4. Pour in the grape wine, add thyme and oregano, and simmer for 20-30 minutes until reduced by about one-third.
  5. Add beef broth and roasted garlic, then simmer for another 20-30 minutes to blend flavors.
  6. Ladle the soup into heavy oven-proof bowls.
  7. Place a slice of good bread and Provolone cheese on top of each bowl.
  8. Place the bowls in a 250-degree oven for about 5 minutes until the cheese melts.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider using shallots in place of some onions or adding a splash of balsamic vinegar during cooking. If you prefer a smoother texture, blend the soup before serving. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed, and feel free to substitute the Concord grape wine with a robust red wine for deeper flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this hearty soup with a crisp green salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with a slice of rustic bread or can be accompanied by a light charcuterie board. For an elevated experience, consider serving alongside Frenchman's Stew for a delightful culinary journey.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, gently warm the soup on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Alternatively, microwave in a covered bowl, stirring halfway for even warming.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Pat'S Garlicky Onion Soup contains roughly 1349 calories, with 20g protein, 141g carbohydrates, and 98g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (276% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and calcium (154% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 77g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.

1349 kcal 67% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 19.6g 39% DV
Total Fat 98.1g 100% DV
Carbs 141.5g 51% DV
Fiber 77.3g 100% DV
Sugar 7.1g 14% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 346.6mg 15% DV
Potassium 1995.9mg 42% DV
Cholesterol 0.2mg

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 305.1mcg 34% DV
Vitamin C 62.9mg 70% DV
Vitamin D 0mcg
Calcium 2000mg 100% DV
Iron 40mg 100% DV
Diet fit High-fiber
Contains Milk

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 make this soup vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply replace the beef broth with vegetable broth and ensure that your cheese is vegetarian-friendly. The flavors from the onions and garlic will still create a rich and satisfying soup without the meat.

How can I make this soup ahead of time?

You can prepare the soup a day in advance up to the point of adding the roasted garlic. Store it in the refrigerator, then reheat before serving. Just add the cheese and bread right before placing in the oven to melt.

What can I substitute for Provolone cheese?

If Provolone isn't available, you can use Gruyère or Monterey Jack cheese as substitutes. Both will melt beautifully and provide a creamy texture that complements the soup well.

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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