Gourmet French Onion Soup Inspired by Panera
Indulge in this rich and savory French Onion Soup, inspired by the beloved recipe from Panera. This hearty dish features perfectly caramelized onions simmered in a robust blend of beef and chicken broths, enhanced with a touch of ketchup and flavorful spices. Topped with satisfying croutons and creamy Asiago cheese, this soup is a comforting choice for any occasion. Perfect for a cozy dinner or an elegant gathering, it brings warmth and satisfaction to the table.
N/A
Servings
225
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
butter
1/4 cup (melted)
yellow onions
4 medium (sliced)
beef broth
2 (14 ounce) cans (Swanson brand)
chicken broth
3/4 cup (Swanson brand)
all-purpose flour
3 tablespoons (for thickening)
water
1 1/2 cups (for dilution)
ketchup
1 tablespoon (for flavor)
black pepper
1 1/2 teaspoons (freshly ground)
salt
1 1/2 teaspoons (to taste)
dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon (for seasoning)
garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon (for seasoning)
Tabasco sauce
2 drops (for spice)
croutons
1/4 cup (for topping)
asiago cheese
1 ounce (shaved or shredded)
Instructions
1
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat, allowing it to bubble but not brown. Add the sliced onions to the pan.
2
Sauté the onions for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring frequently, until they are deeply caramelized and golden brown. This process enhances the sweetness of the onions.
3
Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the caramelized onions, stirring to coat them evenly. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to cook out the raw flavor of the flour.
4
Slowly pour in the beef broth, chicken broth, and water, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Add ketchup, black pepper, salt, thyme, garlic powder, and Tabasco sauce, mixing well.
5
Increase the heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer uncovered for 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
6
To serve, ladle the soup into bowls and top each serving with a generous 1/4 cup of croutons. Sprinkle 1 ounce of shaved or shredded Asiago cheese on top to create a delightful finish.
Nutrition Information
9.8g
Fat
27.3g
Carbs
5.6g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this recipe inspired by?
This French Onion Soup is inspired by the popular recipe from Panera Bread.
What kind of onions should I use?
The recipe calls for 4 medium yellow onions, sliced.
How long does it take to caramelize the onions?
Sauté the onions for 15 to 20 minutes until they are deeply caramelized and golden brown.
Why is flour added to the soup?
All-purpose flour is added to the caramelized onions to help thicken the soup.
What types of broth are used in this recipe?
The recipe uses a robust blend of beef broth and chicken broth, specifically suggesting Swanson brand.
How much beef broth do I need?
You will need two 14-ounce cans of beef broth.
How much chicken broth is required?
The recipe requires 3/4 cup of chicken broth.
Is there water in this French Onion Soup?
Yes, 1 1/2 cups of water are added to the broth mixture for dilution.
Why is ketchup included in the ingredients?
A tablespoon of ketchup is added to enhance the flavor and depth of the broth.
What spices are used for seasoning?
The soup is seasoned with black pepper, salt, dried thyme, and garlic powder.
Is the soup spicy?
It has a very subtle kick from 2 drops of Tabasco sauce, but it is not considered spicy.
How long should the soup simmer?
Once the mixture boils, reduce the heat and let it simmer uncovered for 20 minutes.
What are the recommended toppings?
The soup is traditionally topped with croutons and Asiago cheese.
What kind of cheese is best for this recipe?
The recipe uses 1 ounce of shaved or shredded Asiago cheese per serving.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 225 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 9.8 grams of fat in one serving of this soup.
How many carbohydrates are in this soup?
One serving contains 27.3 grams of carbohydrates.
How much protein is in this recipe?
The soup provides 5.6 grams of protein per serving.
How much butter is needed?
The recipe requires 1/4 cup of butter to sauté the onions.
How much flour is used for thickening?
The recipe uses 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour.
How much black pepper should I add?
The recipe calls for 1 1/2 teaspoons of freshly ground black pepper.
How much salt is recommended?
You should add 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt, or adjust to your preference.
What amount of croutons should be added to each bowl?
Top each serving with a generous 1/4 cup of croutons.
How many ingredients are in this recipe total?
There are 14 ingredients in this gourmet French Onion Soup recipe.
Is the soup simmered covered or uncovered?
The soup should be simmered uncovered to allow the flavors to meld.
Can I use dried herbs?
Yes, the recipe specifically calls for 1/4 teaspoon of dried thyme.
What temperature should the butter be melted at?
Melt the butter over medium heat until it bubbles but does not brown.
How should the onions be cut?
The 4 medium yellow onions should be sliced for this recipe.
Is this soup suitable for an elegant gathering?
Yes, it is described as perfect for both cozy dinners and elegant gatherings.
What is the first step of the instructions?
The first step is to melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat.