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Recipe

French Onion Soup – Low Carb

Updated on 5 min read
image 2023 01 12T04 30 24 914Z Recipe

Quick Description

This Keto French Onion Soup is a comforting, flavorful dish made with caramelized onions, garlic, and thyme, all simmered in a rich beef stock. Topped with melted Swiss or Gruyere cheese, it’s the ultimate low-carb version of this classic soup — perfect for keto and low-carb diets!

Servings & Timing

  • Servings: 4
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40–45 minutes
  • Total Time: 55 minutes

Ingredients List

For the Soup:

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 4 cups thinly sliced yellow onions
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic
  • ⅓ cup dry white wine
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
  • 3 bay leaves
  • 2 cups water
  • 8 cups beef stock (or vegetable stock for a vegetarian version)
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (or coconut aminos for gluten-free & vegetarian)
  • 1 tablespoon granulated erythritol (optional, for slight sweetness)

For Serving:

  • 8 slices Swiss or Gruyere cheese (for topping)

Instructions

Step 1: Caramelize the Onions

  1. Heat the Oil and Butter:
    • In a large soup pot, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
  2. Cook the Onions:
    • Add the thinly sliced yellow onions to the pot and sprinkle with kosher salt. Stir occasionally.
    • Cook for 20-25 minutes, allowing the onions to soften and caramelize. Stir occasionally to avoid burning. The goal is to bring out the natural sweetness of the onions.
  3. Add Garlic:
    • Once the onions are golden brown and soft, add the minced garlic and cook for another 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 2: Deglaze and Simmer

  1. Deglaze with Wine:
    • Add ⅓ cup dry white wine to the pot and stir to deglaze, scraping up any bits stuck to the bottom of the pot. Let the wine cook off for about 2–3 minutes.
  2. Add the Broth and Seasonings:
    • Add 1 tablespoon fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme), 3 bay leaves, 2 cups water, and 8 cups beef stock to the pot.
    • Stir well to combine and bring to a simmer.
  3. Add Worcestershire Sauce and Erythritol:
    • Stir in the 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (or coconut aminos) and 1 tablespoon erythritol (optional for a touch of sweetness).
    • Let the soup simmer on low heat for 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 3: Serve

  1. Prepare the Cheese Topping:
    • Preheat your broiler to high.
    • Ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls, leaving some room at the top.
    • Place 2 slices of Swiss or Gruyere cheese on top of each bowl of soup.
  2. Melt the Cheese:
    • Place the soup bowls under the broiler for 2–3 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly browned.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

  1. Garnish and Serve:
    • Remove from the oven carefully, and serve the soup hot, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh thyme or parsley if desired.

Additional Notes

  • Wine Substitution: If you prefer not to use wine, you can substitute with 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or extra beef broth for a different flavor.
  • Sweetness Adjustment: The erythritol adds a slight sweetness to balance the rich flavors of the broth and onions, but you can omit it for a more savory taste.
  • Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian version, substitute beef stock with vegetable broth and Worcestershire sauce with coconut aminos.

Dietary Info

  • Keto-Friendly
  • Low-Carb
  • Gluten-Free
  • Dairy-Free Option (without cheese)

Ingredient Details & Substitutions

  • Cheese: If you prefer a different cheese, mozzarella or cheddar can also work for the topping.
  • Stock Options: You can use chicken stock instead of beef stock for a lighter flavor.
  • Thickening the Soup: If you want a thicker soup, you can blend part of the soup or add a small amount of heavy cream at the end for a creamier texture.

Recipe Variations & Serving Suggestions

  • Add Protein: You can add shredded chicken or ground beef to make the soup heartier.
  • Spicy Variation: For a spicy twist, add some red pepper flakes or jalapeños to the broth.
  • Serving Idea: Serve with a side of keto garlic bread or zucchini noodles for a complete meal.

Storage & Make-Ahead

  • Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Freeze: Freeze in individual portions for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove.
  • Reheat: Reheat on the stovetop over low heat until warm.

Nutrition (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 180 kcal
  • Protein: 7 g
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Carbs: 8 g
  • Net Carbs: 5 g
  • Fiber: 3 g

FAQs

Q: Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, this soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to deepen as it sits.

Q: Can I freeze this soup?
Yes! This soup freezes well for up to 1 month. Just be sure to leave out the cheese until you’re ready to serve, as it may not melt as smoothly after freezing.

Q: How do I make this soup dairy-free?
To make this soup dairy-free, simply skip the cheese topping and add a little coconut cream or cashew cream for richness if desired.

Optional Personal Story

This Keto French Onion Soup has been a favorite in my house for years! It’s the perfect dish to warm up with on a chilly evening. The caramelized onions and rich broth paired with the melted cheese make for an indulgent meal without the carbs.

Call-to-Action

Make this Keto French Onion Soup for dinner tonight — it’s easy, comforting, and perfect for anyone following a low-carb or keto lifestyle. Enjoy a warm, cheesy bowl of comfort!

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