Cream Of Onion Soup Recipe

There’s something about a warm bowl of creamy onion soup that hits all the right notes on a chilly evening, don’t you think? It’s like a hug in a bowl, offering comfort and satisfaction with every spoonful. Whether you’ve had it at a cozy bistro or you’ve stumbled upon a recipe that instantly became your favorite, cream of onion soup has that magical ability to soothe and delight in equal measure. Its rich, velvety texture paired with the natural sweetness of caramelized onions creates a depth of flavor that’s hard to resist. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make at home, especially if you’re someone who loves experimenting with simple ingredients to create something extraordinary.

So, if you’ve been on the hunt for a recipe that takes the classic onion soup to the next level, keep reading-this creamy onion soup recipe will have you saying goodbye to canned versions forever. It’s not just delicious; it’s easy, customizable, and guaranteed to make your kitchen smell irresistible.

Let’s dive right into the heart of this comforting dish. Cream of onion soup is like a twist on the traditional French onion soup, but instead of being brothy, it’s rich and creamy, with a smooth texture that envelops your taste buds. Whether you’re making it for dinner or for a lunch gathering, this soup never fails to impress. Let’s break it down with a step-by-step guide to making this classic comfort food right in your own kitchen.

Ingredients Needed

Here’s what you’ll need to make this rich, velvety cream of onion soup:

4 large yellow onions (or 3 medium ones): The main flavor foundation of this soup. Yellow onions bring a balance of sweetness and sharpness, but you can experiment with other types too.
3 tablespoons butter: To sauté the onions and give them that luxurious richness.
2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds depth of flavor and prevents the butter from browning too quickly.
4 cups chicken or vegetable broth: For the savory base. Use low-sodium broth if you prefer more control over salt levels.
1 ½ cups heavy cream: This is the ingredient that transforms your soup into something decadent. The cream adds body and a silky smooth texture.
2 teaspoons garlic (minced): Garlic helps to elevate the natural sweetness of the onions.
1 teaspoon thyme leaves (dried or fresh): Adds an earthy, aromatic note that complements the onions.
Salt and pepper: For seasoning. Always add to taste, but a pinch of both at the start and adjust as you go.
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour: This will help thicken the soup and give it that luxurious creaminess.
A pinch of cayenne pepper (optional): For a hint of heat, if you’re into that sort of thing.

Cooking Instructions

Now, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of how to make this soup:

Prepare the onions: Start by peeling and thinly slicing the onions. A mandolin slicer can be your best friend here if you have one, as it ensures uniform slices. The more evenly sliced your onions, the better your soup will cook.
Sauté the onions: In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of butter and the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 10-12 minutes, until the onions are soft, golden, and slightly caramelized. You’re looking for them to be tender and sweet, with a bit of brown at the edges. If they’re browning too quickly, reduce the heat.
Add garlic and thyme: Stir in the minced garlic and thyme, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic-once it’s added, it doesn’t take long for it to go from fragrant to bitter.
Make the roux: Sprinkle the flour over the onions and mix well to coat. Cook for about 2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste. This is the thickening agent for your soup.
Add the broth: Gradually pour in the broth while stirring constantly, ensuring there are no lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 15-20 minutes, uncovered, to allow the flavors to meld and the soup to thicken slightly.
Add cream: Once the soup has thickened, lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream. Continue cooking for another 5-10 minutes until the soup is velvety smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
Blend (Optional): For an ultra-smooth soup, use an immersion blender or carefully transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender. Puree until smooth and then return it to the pot. This step is optional, but it does make the texture luxuriously creamy.
Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh thyme or a drizzle of cream, if you’re feeling fancy.

Ingredient Insights

Onions: The star of this dish, onions release their natural sugars when caramelized, giving the soup its signature sweetness. Yellow onions are ideal for this recipe, but white or even red onions can be used for a sharper, more distinct flavor.
Heavy cream: Heavy cream is what transforms this dish from just a good soup into a decadent one. It creates that signature creamy texture and helps balance the sweetness of the onions. If you’re looking for a lighter version, half-and-half can be used, though the texture won’t be as rich.
Broth: Chicken broth is traditional, but vegetable broth works just as well for a vegetarian version. Broth adds depth and a savory background, while cream makes everything dreamy and smooth.
Butter and Olive Oil: Butter gives a rich base flavor, and olive oil prevents it from browning too quickly. The combination of both creates a delicate balance of fat that’s key to the flavor.

Expert Tips

Caramelizing the onions: Patience is key when caramelizing onions. Don’t rush this process; the deeper the caramelization, the more intense the flavor will be. Low and slow is the way to go!
Use an immersion blender: If you’re looking for that ultra-smooth texture, an immersion blender is perfect. It’s quick, easy, and saves you the trouble of transferring hot soup to a blender.
Taste as you go: Seasoning is everything. Don’t be afraid to taste the soup at different stages and adjust the salt and pepper as needed. A small squeeze of lemon juice can brighten up the flavors if they’re feeling too rich.
Grilled Cheese Croutons: If you really want to elevate the experience, add some crunchy grilled cheese croutons on top. It’s a classic pairing, and that gooey cheese melted into the soup? Absolutely irresistible.

Recipe Variations

Vegan Cream Of Onion Soup: For a dairy-free option, you can substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep it vegan.
Herb Variation: Switch up the thyme with rosemary, bay leaves, or a little bit of sage for a unique twist.
Spicy Onion Soup: Add a touch of heat by including some red pepper flakes or fresh jalapeños during the sautéing step.
Add Protein: For a heartier version, toss in some cooked chicken or turkey, or even some crispy bacon bits for a smoky flavor.
Make It Cheesy: Blend in some shredded Gruyère or Parmesan into the soup after you add the cream, or top the soup with a layer of melted cheese before serving.

Final Words

Cream of onion soup is the ultimate comfort food that combines the simplicity of onions with the richness of cream to create a dish that’s both elegant and homey. It’s the kind of soup that feels fancy enough for a dinner party, but also comforting enough to curl up with on a cold day. And the best part? You can make it your own by experimenting with different ingredients and tweaks. Whether you’re keeping it classic or exploring new flavors, this recipe is a keeper.

Cream Of Onion Soup Recipe