Copycat Panera French Onion Soup Recipe

There’s something magical about transforming humble onions into a bowl of luxurious comfort, and this French Onion Soup takes you on that flavor journey from the very first spoonful.

Reproducing my most-loved restaurant dishes has always been a passion of mine, and this Copycat Panera French onion soup is a real gem. It all starts with the onions.

They are the star of the show, after all. And unlike many soups that have a long list of ingredients to chop, this one is almost all a matter of slicing.

You will need:

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• 6 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
• 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped (this is for the blender; more on that later)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (more on that later, too)
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 4 to 5 cups beef broth (more on that soon, too)
• 1 cup dry white wine (more on the wine later; the short version is that omitting it would be a real disservice to the soup)
• 1/2 cup cognac (more on this later as well; the short version is that if you don’t use cognac, the

Copycat Panera French Onion Soup Recipe Ingredients

• Yellow Onions: Rich in antioxidants; provide sweetness when caramelized.
• Garlic: Known for immune-boosting properties; adds depth to flavor.
• Olive Oil: Heart-healthy fat; enhances aroma and taste.
• Dry White Wine: Adds acidity; balances flavors and tenderizes onions.
• Beef Broth: Base liquid; adds savory richness to the soup.
• Gruyère Cheese: Creamy and nutty; provides protein and melting quality.
• Baguette: Offers crunch; complements the soup with carbohydrates.

Copycat Panera French Onion Soup Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup dry white wine
• 6 cups beef broth
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme)
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 baguette, sliced
• 1 1/2 cups grated Gruyère cheese

How to Make this Copycat Panera French Onion Soup Recipe

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, the butter and olive oil are melted together over medium heat. The onions are sliced and then added to the pot, where they are sprinkled with 1 teaspoon of salt and some sugar.

2. Sauté onions, stirring often, until they are deeply caramelized and brown, about 30-40 minutes.

3. Mince the garlic and add it to the pot. Cook the minced garlic for an additional 1-2 minutes, until it becomes fragrant.

4. Add the dry white wine and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Allow it to simmer for about 3-5 minutes to reduce slightly.

5. Include beef broth, a bay leaf, thyme, and Worcestershire sauce. Bring the mixture to a boil.

6. Lower the heat and let the soup simmer without a cover for 20-30 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld.

7. Add more salt and pepper, if needed. Remove the bay leaf and throw it out.

8. Preheat the oven’s top heat. Lay baguette segments out flat on a baking sheet. Place under top oven heat and grill until golden brown, about 1-2 minutes per side.

9. Ladle soup that is piping hot into bowls suitable for the oven, and set them on a baking sheet. Place toasted slices of baguette atop each bowl of soup, then sprinkle with copious amounts of freshly grated Gruyère cheese.

10. Broil the bowls of soup in the oven until you see the cheese become melted and bubbly, about 2-4 minutes. Serve without delay.

Copycat Panera French Onion Soup Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Large pot or Dutch oven
2. Wooden spoon or heat-resistant spatula
3. Knife
4. Cutting board
5. Measuring spoons
6. Measuring cup
7. Baking sheet
8. Oven-safe bowls
9. Cheese grater
10. Oven with broiler function

FAQ

• Can I use a different type of onion for this recipe?Certainly, although yellow onions are the standard, white or red onions can be used, though they will change the flavor slightly.
• Is there a substitute for Gruyère cheese?If Gruyère is unavailable, you can use Swiss cheese or Emmental instead.
• Can I make this soup vegetarian?For a vegetarian version, replace the beef broth with vegetable broth.
• What type of wine is best for this soup?A white wine that is not sweet, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, is a good choice, but if you’d rather not cook with wine, feel free to skip it.
• How do I store leftovers?Keep the soup in a container that seals tightly in the refrigerator. The soup will be good for 3 days. You can reheat it on the stovetop.
• Can I prepare the soup in advance?Indeed, the soup can be prepared a day in advance; it frequently tastes better as the flavors blend over time.

Copycat Panera French Onion Soup Recipe Substitutions and Variations

For butter that has no salt: Use vegan butter or margarine for an option that is free of dairy.
For white wine that is dry: Utilize apple cider or white grape juice with a dash of lemon juice to create a non-alcoholic stand-in.
For beef broth: Use vegetable broth to create a vegetarian version.
For Gruyère cheese:
Use Swiss cheese or Emmental as alternatives.
For Worcestershire sauce: Soy sauce with a touch of tamarind paste will yield a somewhat similar flavor.

Pro Tips

1. Perfect Caramelization Caramelizing the onions is the most crucial step for a flavorful soup. Be patient and cook them slowly over medium heat. Stir frequently and scrape the bottom to avoid sticking. If they start to brown too quickly, lower the heat and add a splash of water to deglaze the pan as needed.

2. Balancing Sweetness The sugar helps enhance the caramelization process. Ensure you don’t skip it, but adjust the amount based on the sweetness of the onions you are using. Some varieties of onions might need less sugar.

3. Quality Wines Use a dry white wine that you would be happy to drink. The wine adds depth to the soup, so a quality wine can make a difference in flavor. Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay are good choices.

4. Cheese Texture For an extra gooey and delicious cheese topping, mix the Gruyère with a bit of mozzarella. Mozzarella’s melting properties will give you a beautifully melted top with a nice stretch.

5. Enhanced Broth Flavor For a richer broth, consider making it ahead of time and allowing the flavors to develop overnight in the refrigerator. If you have homemade beef stock, it will elevate the dish significantly compared to store-bought broth.