French onion soup is a classic comfort dish that perfectly balances rich flavors and heartwarming simplicity. This soup is famous for its savory caramelized onions, hearty broth, and a golden layer of melted cheese atop crisp bread which delivers a satisfying culinary experience in every bite.
If you’ve tried Costco French onion soup and want to recreate its indulgent taste in your own kitchen, you’re in the right place.
This guide will show you how to make a simple homemade version of this classic dish that’s full of flavor and easy to prepare. So without wasting any more time, let’s dive into the hot french soup.
What Is Costco French Onion Soup and Why Is It So Special?
Costco French Onion Soup is super popular, and it’s easy to see why. It’s made with caramelized onions and topped with melted Gruyère cheese which makes it both tasty and fancy. You can find it in the freezer section under the Cuisine Adventures brand. It’s quick and easy to prepare, perfect for when you’re craving a warm, delicious soup.
But what if you want to recreate it from scratch for the freshest, most flavorful experience? By making it at home, you can control seasoning, adjust the recipe to fit your preferences, and enjoy the joy of homemade cooking.
What Makes It different from others?
- Rich, caramelized flavor from slow-cooked onions.
- Golden, bubbling cheese adding a savory kick.
- Easy preparation for on-the-go households.
- Gourmet quality without breaking the bank.
If you’re a fan of this Costco classic, you’ll love this scratch-made version just as much.
Ingredients Needed for Costco French Onion Soup
For this homemade version of French Onion Soup inspired by the Costco favorite, you’ll need a blend of simple, high-quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
Soup Base
- 4 large yellow onions (about 2 lbs)
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp sugar (optional, to enhance caramelization)
- 6 cups of beef broth (use vegetable broth for a vegetarian alternative)
- 1/2 cup of dry white wine (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Toppings
- 1 baguette, sliced into 1-inch rounds
- 2 cups of grated Gruyère cheese (or a combination of Gruyère and Parmesan)
- Optional extras like fresh parsley or chives for garnish
Nutritional Information of Costco French Onion Soup
If you’re tracking your macros or simply curious about the health benefits of French Onion Soup, here’s a quick look at an approximate breakdown (per serving, based on Costco’s packaged option):
Nutrient | Amount Per Serving | Notes |
---|---|---|
Calories | 200-250 kcal | A hearty yet moderate calorie count for a satisfying appetizer. |
Protein | 10-12 g | Provided mainly by the Gruyère cheese and beef broth. |
Fat | 11-14 g | Includes healthy fats from the cheese, with some variation depending on toppings. |
Carbohydrates | 18-22 g | Mostly from the caramelized onions and baguette slices. |
Fiber | 1-2 g | Onions contribute a small amount of dietary fiber. |
Sodium | 700-900 mg | Relatively high due to the broth and cheese, so adjust salt as needed. |
Calcium | 20-25% DV | Significant, thanks to the generous helping of cheese. |
Iron | 6-8% DV | Boosted by the use of beef or vegetable broth. |
This breakdown is intended to help you understand the nutritional content of this warm, comforting dish and to guide you in making adjustments if needed for your dietary preferences!
Equipment Needed
Before you start, make sure that you have the following kitchen tools on hand for a seamless cooking experience:
- Large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot for caramelizing onions.
- Wooden spoon for stirring.
- Baking sheet for toasting baguette slices.
- Oven-safe bowls to assemble the final dish.
- Cheese grater or food processor for shredding Gruyère.
Recipe for Costco French Onion Soup
Here’s where the magic begins. Follow this step-by-step guide to recreate Costco-inspired French Onion Soup from scratch.
Step 1: Prepare the Onions
Start by peeling and thinly slicing a large quantity of yellow onions. For a rich and flavorful soup, you’ll need about 4-5 onions. Heat butter and a drizzle of olive oil in your large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and a pinch of salt, then cook slowly, stirring occasionally. Let them caramelize for 30-40 minutes until they turn deep golden brown and develop a sweet, rich flavor.
Step 2: Deglaze the Pot
Once your onions are caramelized, pour in some dry white wine or sherry. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up the browned bits from the pot. This adds extra flavor to the soup. Let it cook for a few minutes until the alcohol evaporates, leaving a nice aroma and taste.
Step 3: Add Broth and Simmer
Pour in your beef or vegetable broth, making sure to cover the onions completely. For authentic French Onion Soup, beef broth is traditionally preferred for its rich and hearty flavor. Add aromatic ingredients like a sprig of thyme and a bay leaf to elevate the flavor. Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then lower the heat to let it simmer. Allow it to cook for 30 minutes so the flavors mix nicely.
Step 4: Prepare the Baguette Slices
While the soup is cooking, heat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut a baguette into slices and put them on a baking tray. Toast them in the oven for 5-7 minutes until they are firm and slightly golden. This will help the bread hold together in the soup.
Step 5: Assemble and Broil
Once your soup is ready, ladle it into oven-safe bowls. Place one or two toasted baguette slices on top of each bowl of soup. Generously sprinkle shredded Gruyère cheese over the baguette, covering the surface. Place the bowls on a baking tray and put them in the oven on broil. Broil for 2-4 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly browned. Watch carefully so it doesn’t burn.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Carefully remove the hot bowls from the oven and allow them to cool slightly. Top with freshly chopped parsley for added color and freshness. Serve the soup quickly while the cheese is gooey and the flavors are at their peak.
Congratulations 🎊 You’ve just mastered the recipe for Costco-inspired French Onion Soup! Enjoy this comforting and delicious soup with family and friends, or indulge in a bowl all to yourself.
And if you are a soup lover like me then you should also try some of our others famous soups like Jason’s Deli Tomato Basil Soup and Jason’s Deli Broccoli Cheese Soup. These are sure to warm your soul and satisfy your taste buds.
Costco French Onion Soup Recipe
Equipment
- Large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot for caramelizing onions.
- Wooden spoon for stirring
- Baking sheet for toasting baguette slices.
- Oven-safe bowls to assemble the final dish.
- Cheese grater or food processor for shredding Gruyère.
Ingredients
Soup Base:
- 4 large yellow onions about 2 lbs
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp sugar optional, to enhance caramelization
- 6 cups beef broth or substitute with vegetable broth for a vegetarian option
- 1/2 cup dry white wine optional, for added depth
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Toppings:
- 1 baguette sliced into 1-inch rounds
- 2 cups grated Gruyère cheese or a mix of Gruyère and Parmesan
- Optional extras like fresh parsley or chives for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Onions
- Start by peeling and thinly slicing a large quantity of yellow onions. For a rich and flavorful soup, you’ll need about 4-5 onions. Heat butter and a drizzle of olive oil in your large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and a pinch of salt, then cook slowly, stirring occasionally. Let them caramelize for 30-40 minutes until they turn deep golden brown and develop a sweet, rich flavor.
Step 2: Deglaze the Pot
- Once your onions are caramelized, pour in some dry white wine or sherry. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up the browned bits from the pot. This adds extra flavor to the soup. Let it cook for a few minutes until the alcohol evaporates, leaving a nice aroma and taste.
Step 3: Add Broth and Simmer
- Pour in your beef or vegetable broth, making sure to cover the onions completely. For authentic French Onion Soup, beef broth is traditionally preferred for its rich and hearty flavor. Add aromatic ingredients like a sprig of thyme and a bay leaf to elevate the flavor. Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then lower the heat to let it simmer. Allow it to cook for 30 minutes so the flavors mix nicely.
Step 4: Prepare the Baguette Slices
- While the soup is cooking, heat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut a baguette into slices and put them on a baking tray. Toast them in the oven for 5-7 minutes until they are firm and slightly golden. This will help the bread hold together in the soup.
Step 5: Assemble and Broil
- Once your soup is ready, ladle it into oven-safe bowls. Place one or two toasted baguette slices on top of each bowl of soup. Generously sprinkle shredded Gruyère cheese over the baguette, covering the surface. Place the bowls on a baking tray and put them in the oven on broil. Broil for 2-4 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly browned. Watch carefully so it doesn’t burn.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
- Carefully remove the hot bowls from the oven and allow them to cool slightly. Garnish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for a touch of color and freshness. Serve the soup quickly while the cheese is gooey and the flavors are at their peak.
Notes
Creative Ways to Serve Costco French Onion Soup
If you want to take your French Onion Soup to the next level then try these innovative serving ideas:
- Add a Gourmet Twist: Top your soup with a slice of toasted baguette, layered with caramelized onions, gruyère cheese, and a sprinkle of fresh thyme for an elevated presentation.
- Transform into a Casserole: Pour the soup into a baking dish, add shredded cheese and crispy breadcrumbs on top, and bake until golden and bubbly for a hearty and shareable dish.
- Serve in Bread Bowls: Hollow out small sourdough or crusty bread loaves and use them as edible bowls for a rustic and delicious experience.
- Pair with Mini Grilled Cheese: Serve the soup alongside bite-sized grilled cheese sandwiches filled with gooey Swiss or cheddar for the perfect dipping companion.
- Top with Truffle Oil: Drizzle a bit of truffle oil onto the soup right before serving for an earthy and indulgent flavor boost.
- Add a Protein Touch: Add easy options like cooked beef, shredded chicken, or crispy pancetta to make the soup more filling and protein-packed.
Storage Suggestions
If you want to make a big batch or just want to store the leftovers for later, make sure to follow these storage tips:
- Refrigeration: Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it into an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave, stirring often.
- Freezing: To keep the soup longer, pour the cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or strong freezer bags. Leave a little space at the top for the soup to expand and write the date on it. You can freeze the soup for up to 3 months. Let it thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
- Portion Control: Store the soup in single servings so you can reheat just what you need without any waste.
- Don’t Add Cream or Eggs Before Storing: If your soup has dairy or eggs, add them after reheating to keep the texture and flavor just right.
Tips for Making Perfect Costco French Onion Soup
I know you’re excited to make this soup and I want you to create the perfect version on your first try. Here are some helpful tips:
- Choose the Right Onions: Yellow onions are traditional for French Onion Soup, but you can use red or white onions too.
- Take Your Time with Caramelizing: Don’t turn up the heat or stir too much. Let the onions cook slowly so they get a deep color and taste.
- Pick a Good Broth: A tasty soup starts with good broth. If you don’t have homemade, go for store-bought organic or a high-quality brand.
- Boost the Flavor: Try adding bay leaves and thyme to your onion soup. For an extra kick, add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of nutmeg.
- Choose the Right Cheese: Gruyère is the most traditional cheese for French Onion Soup, but you can also use other flavorful and melty options like Swiss, provolone, or mozzarella. Just make sure to shred it finely for easier melting.
- Avoid Overcooking the Bread: Be careful not to over-bake your bread slices before adding them to the soup. They should be firm enough to hold together in the soup without becoming too crispy.
Conclusion
Now that you have all the tips and tricks, it’s time to start cooking this delicious Costco French Onion Soup. Experience the comforting flavors of this classic soup in every bite, topped with gooey melted cheese and crispy baguette slices.
Serve it for lunch or dinner, as a starter or main dish, and wow your family and friends. Try some fun serving ideas to make the soup even better.
FAQ
Can I make this french soup vegetarian?
Yes, you can make it vegetarian by using vegetable broth instead of the traditional beef broth. This substitution still delivers rich and hearty flavors.
Where to Buy Frozen French Onion Soup
You can easily find frozen French Onion Soup at most grocery stores, including Walmart, Target, and Kroger. Specialty stores like Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods also have premium options. if you prefer shopping online then Check it on Amazon or gourmet food websites.
What’s the best cheese alternative for Gruyère?
For a Gruyère alternative, try Swiss cheese, Comté, or Fontina. These options melt beautifully and provide a similar nutty, creamy flavor profile.
What is French Onion Soup Mix Made Of?
French onion soup mix is made with simple ingredients like dried onions, beef bouillon, and spices such as garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Some mixes also include dried parsley or celery seed for extra flavor, plus a little sugar to balance the taste. It’s a handy mix that can be used for soups, dips, sauces, and marinades.
How long does it take to caramelize onions properly?
Caramelizing onions properly takes about 30 to 45 minutes over low to medium heat. Patience is key to achieve their rich, sweet flavor and golden-brown color without burning.
Can this soup be made ahead of time?
Yes, you can make French onion soup ahead of time. Cook the soup as usual, let it cool, and put it in a container with a lid in the fridge for up to 3 days. When ready to eat, heat it slowly on the stove and add fresh toasted bread and melted cheese on top for the best taste.