Cheddar Onion Soup with Crispy Bread Topping

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

A deeply flavorful soup featuring caramelized onions and melted cheddar, topped with golden, toasted bread cubes. This american-inspired soups ready in about 40 minutes pairs butter, onion, garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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.

★ 4.3 (14 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 American cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Melt 3 tbsp butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add 2 large sliced onions and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until deeply golden and caramelized.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Whisk in 1/2 cup all-purpose flour and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly to form a roux.
  4. Step 4: Gradually pour in 4 cups chicken broth while whisking to avoid lumps. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes until thickened.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 1 cup whole milk and 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese until melted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Step 6: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add 4 slices sourdough bread cubes and toast for 3-4 minutes until golden and crisp on both sides.
  7. Step 7: Ladle soup into bowls and top with crispy bread cubes.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Cheddar Onion Soup with Crispy Bread Topping take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 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 Cheddar Onion Soup with Crispy Bread Topping?

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 butter from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Cheddar Onion Soup with Crispy Bread Topping?

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 Cheddar Onion Soup with Crispy Bread Topping 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.

What goes well with Cheddar Onion Soup with Crispy Bread Topping?

American soups like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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