When it comes to comfort food that warms your soul and tantalizes your taste buds, Applebee’s French Onion Soup Recipe is a standout classic.
This rich, savory soup, brimming with caramelized onions and a hearty beef broth, is topped with a layer of bubbly melted cheese over a crisp crouton—offering the perfect balance of indulgence and simplicity. I’ve always loved the way this dish combines rustic charm with a touch of elegance, making it a favorite for everything from cozy nights at home to dinner parties.
In this recipe, I’ll show you how to recreate Applebee’s iconic French Onion Soup in your kitchen, capturing that signature flavor with ease. Get ready to impress your family and friends with a bowl of homemade perfection!
Is Applebee’s French Onion Soup Healthy?
Applebee’s French onion soup is tasty but not the healthiest option. It’s high in sodium and calories. The cheese and bread add saturated fat. I recommend it as an occasional treat, not a regular choice. You can enjoy it, but balance it with lighter meals during the day.
How To Make Applebee’s French Onion Soup Recipe?
Recipe Overview
Course: Soup
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
Yield: 8 servings
Equipment Needed
- Large stockpot
- Wooden spoon
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Oven-safe bowls
- Baking sheet
- Broiler
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 10 cups white onions, thinly sliced (about 6 to 7 large onions)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1½ teaspoons chopped garlic
- 10 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 1 tablespoon beef base
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 8 slices firm bread (such as French baguette or ciabatta)
- 8 teaspoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 8 slices provolone cheese
Instructions
1. Caramelize The Onions
In a large stockpot over medium heat, melt the butter and add the vegetable oil. Add the sliced onions and salt, stirring occasionally. Cook the onions until they are deeply caramelized, which will take about 30 minutes. The onions should reach a rich, brown color without burning. Stir frequently to prevent sticking.
2. Add Garlic
Once the onions are caramelized, add the chopped garlic to the pot. Cook for an additional 2 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
3. Prepare The Broth
Pour in the low-sodium beef broth and add the beef base. Stir well to combine. Add the ground black pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook over low heat for 30 to 45 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning as needed.
4. Prepare The Bread
While the soup is simmering, preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Place the slices of firm bread on a baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. This will prevent the bread from becoming too soggy when added to the soup.
5. Assemble And Broil
Preheat your oven’s broiler. Ladle the hot soup into oven-safe bowls, leaving some space at the top. Place a slice of the toasted bread on top of each bowl of soup. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of grated Parmesan cheese over the bread, then lay a slice of provolone cheese on top, covering the entire surface.
Place the bowls on a baking sheet and carefully transfer them to the oven. Broil until the cheese melts and starts to brown, which should take about 5 minutes. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.
Nutrition Facts Of Applebee’s French Onion Soup Recipe
- Calories: 288
- Carbohydrates: 33 g
- Protein: 14 g
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 18 mg
- Sodium: 1,332 mg
- Potassium: 962 mg
- Fiber: 4 g
- Sugar: 10 g
- Calcium: 215 mg
- Iron: 1.5 mg
Serving Suggestions Of Applebee’s French Onion Soup Recipe
Serve this hearty French Onion Soup as a starter or pair it with a fresh green salad for a complete meal. A glass of dry white wine complements the rich flavors of the soup beautifully.
Tips And Variations Of Applebee’s French Onion Soup Recipe
Onion Selection: While white onions are recommended for their sweetness, you can also use yellow onions if preferred.
Cheese Options: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses such as Swiss or Gruyère for a unique flavor profile.
Vegetarian Option: To make a vegetarian version, substitute the beef broth with a rich vegetable broth and use a vegetarian beef base.
Is French Onion Soup A Main Course?
French onion soup can be a main course. It depends on how you serve it. I like to make it hearty with extra bread and cheese.
Sometimes, I pair it with a salad or sandwich. That makes it more filling. You can enjoy it as a light main or a starter. It’s versatile and delicious either way.
Conclusion
Applebee’s French Onion Soup Recipe is the ultimate comfort food that’s both rich in flavor and delightfully simple to make. With caramelized onions, a robust broth, and that irresistibly golden, cheesy topping, this recipe brings a restaurant-quality dish right into your kitchen.
Whether you’re looking to impress guests or enjoy a cozy meal, this soup never fails to satisfy. Don’t forget to pair it with a fresh salad or some crusty bread for a truly memorable experience. I hope you enjoy making and savoring this timeless classic as much as I do!
Applebee’s French Onion Soup Recipe
Equipment
- Large stockpot
- Wooden spoon
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Oven-safe bowls
- Baking sheet
- Broiler
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 10 cups white onions thinly sliced (about 6 to 7 large onions)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1½ teaspoons chopped garlic
- 10 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 1 tablespoon beef base
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 8 slices firm bread such as French baguette or ciabatta
- 8 teaspoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 8 slices provolone cheese
Instructions
Caramelize The Onions
- In a large stockpot over medium heat, melt the butter and add the vegetable oil. Add the sliced onions and salt, stirring occasionally. Cook the onions until they are deeply caramelized, which will take about 30 minutes. The onions should reach a rich, brown color without burning. Stir frequently to prevent sticking.
Add Garlic
- Once the onions are caramelized, add the chopped garlic to the pot. Cook for an additional 2 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
Prepare The Broth
- Pour in the low-sodium beef broth and add the beef base. Stir well to combine. Add the ground black pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook over low heat for 30 to 45 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning as needed.
Prepare The Bread
- While the soup is simmering, preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Place the slices of firm bread on a baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. This will prevent the bread from becoming too soggy when added to the soup.
Assemble And Broil
- Preheat your oven’s broiler. Ladle the hot soup into oven-safe bowls, leaving some space at the top. Place a slice of the toasted bread on top of each bowl of soup. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of grated Parmesan cheese over the bread, then lay a slice of provolone cheese on top, covering the entire surface.
- Place the bowls on a baking sheet and carefully transfer them to the oven. Broil until the cheese melts and starts to brown, which should take about 5 minutes. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.
Hello! I am Shikha, I am a soup recipe maker. I have a lot of passion for making soup. With a journey spanning over five years in the culinary industry, I have carved a niche for myself as a distinguished soup maker whose creations are not just meals but experiences that linger on the palate and nourish the soul. My specialization in soup-making is a testament to my creativity and relentless pursuit of perfection. Beyond my skills in the kitchen, I am an avid writer, passionately sharing my knowledge and insights into nutrition through my writing. My approach to soup-making is holistic, emphasizing each ingredient’s taste and health benefits. A well-made soup can be a cornerstone of a healthy diet, providing essential nutrients while pleasing the taste buds.