Best Ever Caramelized Onion Soup

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Deeply savory soup with sweet, slow-roasted onions and a touch of thyme—perfect for chilly evenings. This french-inspired soups (vegan) ready in about 65 minutes pairs onions, butter, chicken broth for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.2 (12 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 50 min Serves 4 French cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Melt 2 tbsp butter in a large pot over medium-low heat. Add 4 cups thinly sliced onions and cook for 30-35 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes, until deeply golden and caramelized—do not rush this step or onions will burn.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 1 tsp dried thyme, 4 cups chicken broth, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook uncovered for 15 minutes to meld flavors.
  3. Step 3: Remove from heat and blend with an immersion blender until completely smooth. Return to low heat and stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream; warm through for 3-4 minutes until heated through but not boiling.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Best Ever Caramelized Onion Soup take to make?

Total time is about 65 minutes (15 min prep + 50 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Best Ever Caramelized Onion Soup?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep onions from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Best Ever Caramelized Onion Soup?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Best Ever Caramelized Onion Soup for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Best Ever Caramelized Onion Soup vegan?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegan based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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