While the soup base follows a classic French onion soup recipe (we recommend using Nora Cooks' acclaimed Vegan French Onion Soup recipe as a base: https://www.noracooks.com/vegan-french-onion-soup/), the magic of this particular version comes alive with the perfect cheesy topping.
You'll need:
- Baguette slices (stale is best)
- 1-2 cups grated dairy-free cheese, preferably a vegan cheese alternative with a mild, nutty flavor like a plant-based Gruyère (like the one from Rebel, a brand also praised by abillion users for their amazing cheeses, including brie and chèvre varieties!)
- Freshly ground black pepper (optional, for garnish)
For the soup base (refer to Nora Cooks' recipe for exact measurements):
- Large yellow onions
- Vegan butter or olive oil
- Dry red wine (optional, but highly recommended for depth)
- High-quality vegetable broth
- Flour (for thickening, typically all-purpose)
- Thyme, bay leaf, salt
Equipment
- Large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot
- Oven-safe crocks or individual cocottes
- Baking sheet
- Cheese grater
Instructions: Assembling Your Cheesy French Onion Soup
Once your flavorful French onion soup base is ready, the magic of the cheesy topping begins!
- Preheat Broiler: Position an oven rack about 6 inches from the broiler element and preheat your broiler.
- Ladle Soup: Carefully ladle the hot French onion soup into individual, oven-safe crocks or cocottes.
- Add Bread: Float 1-2 slices of baguette on top of the soup in each crock.
- Top with Cheese: Generously sprinkle the grated dairy-free Gruyère over the baguette slices, ensuring the bread is well covered.
- Broil for Perfection: Place the crocks on a baking sheet (for easier handling and to catch any drips) and carefully transfer them to the preheated broiler.
- Pro Tip: As @iszy discovered, "covering it for the first few minutes of broiling lets the cheese melt a bit more." You can place a piece of foil loosely over the top for the initial broil, then remove it for the last minute or two to achieve a beautiful golden-brown crust.
- Watch Closely: Broil for 2-5 minutes, or until the cheese is beautifully melted, bubbly, and slightly golden. Keep a very close eye on it to prevent burning.
- Serve Immediately: Carefully remove the hot crocks from the oven using oven mitts. Let them cool for just a minute or two before serving, as the soup and crocks will be extremely hot. Enjoy your rich, comforting, and dairy-free masterpiece!
Tips & Hacks for the Best Vegan French Onion Soup
- Patience is Key: The most crucial step is the slow caramelization of the onions. Don't rush this process; it's where all the deep flavor develops. The longer, the better – aim for at least 45 minutes to an hour, even up to two hours as @iszy suggests!
- Choose Your Cheese Wisely: The quality of your dairy-free Gruyère or other vegan cheese alternative truly makes a difference. Look for brands that melt well and have a mild, nutty flavor profile. While @iszy liked the Rebel Gruyère, she also noted she preferred their Parmesan, indicating that personal preference for flavor intensity is key.
- Stale Bread is Your Friend: Slightly stale baguette slices absorb the delicious broth without becoming too soggy during broiling.
- Individual Servings: Using individual oven-safe crocks or cocottes (as @iszy did) makes for a beautiful presentation and perfect portioning.
Variations & Adaptations
- Gluten-Free Version: Simply use your favorite gluten-free baguette or rustic bread for the topping.
- Mushroom Boost: Add sliced mushrooms (such as cremini or shiitake) to the onions during caramelization for an extra layer of umami flavor.
- Herb Infusion: Experiment with fresh herbs like rosemary or sage alongside the thyme for a unique aroma.
- Different Vegan Cheeses: If you can't find vegan Gruyère, try other melty vegan cheese options like dairy-free provolone or mozzarella slices for a different cheesy experience.
This Rich & Cheesy Vegan French Onion Soup offers all the comfort and flavor of the classic, with a compassionate plant-based twist. It's a testament to how far vegan culinary innovation has come, allowing us to enjoy beloved dishes without compromise.
Don't wait to try this incredibly satisfying soup! Prepare it for a cozy night in, a special occasion, or simply when you need a warm hug in a bowl. Share your delicious creations on abillion and inspire others in the plant-based community!
Related Articles
- Ready for more cheesy delights? Dive into our Quick & Creamy Vegan Cheesy Pasta recipe.
- Craving another comforting bowl? Warm up with our Hearty & Spicy Vegan Indian Vegetable Soup.
- Explore more dairy-free creamy dishes with our Easy & Creamy Vegan Pumpkin, Mushroom & Asparagus Risotto (Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free).
