There’s nothing quite like a warm, comforting bowl of Panera Bread’s French Onion Soup—rich, savory, and topped with that irresistible layer of melted cheese. Every spoonful is packed with deep, caramelized onion flavor, a hint of herbs, and a perfectly balanced broth that feels like a hug in a bowl.
If you’re craving that cozy café experience at home, you’re in the right place! I’ve perfected this copycat Panera French Onion Soup recipe, and I can’t wait to share it with you.
With just a few simple ingredients and a little patience, you’ll be able to recreate this classic dish in your own kitchen—cheesy crouton and all! Let’s get started!
How To Make Panera Bread French Onion Soup Recipe?
Recipe Details
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Course: Soup
Cuisine: French
Yield: 4 servings
Equipment Needed
- Large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Baking sheet
- Oven-safe bowls
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 7 cups beef broth
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 baguette, sliced and toasted
- 1 cup Gruyère cheese, grated
Instructions
1. Caramelize The Onions
In a large Dutch oven over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the sliced onions and sprinkle with salt and sugar. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions become soft and golden brown, about 30 minutes. This slow caramelization process is crucial for developing the soup’s deep, sweet flavor.
2. Deglaze The Pot
Pour in the white wine to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits stuck to the bottom. Allow the wine to reduce until it’s almost evaporated, intensifying the flavor.
3. Add Broth And Herbs
Stir in the beef broth, dried thyme, and bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer gently for about 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
4. Season To Taste
After simmering, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed. Remove and discard the bay leaf.
5. Prepare The Toppings
While the soup simmers, preheat your oven’s broiler. Place the toasted baguette slices on a baking sheet and sprinkle generously with the grated Gruyère cheese. Broil until the cheese is bubbly and golden, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
6. Serve
Ladle the hot soup into oven-safe bowls. Top each with a cheesy baguette slice. For an extra touch, you can place the bowls under the broiler briefly to melt the cheese further. Serve immediately and enjoy the comforting warmth.
Nutrition Facts Of Panera Bread French Onion Soup Recipe
- Calories: 450
- Total Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg
- Sodium: 1500 mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Dietary Fiber: 4 g
- Sugars: 12 g
- Protein: 20 g
Serving Suggestions Of Panera Bread French Onion Soup Recipe
This French Onion Soup pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette. A glass of dry white wine complements the soup’s rich flavors. For a heartier meal, consider serving it alongside a roast chicken or a savory quiche.
Tips And Variations Of Panera Bread French Onion Soup Recipe
Onion Selection: While yellow onions are traditional, mixing in some red onions can add a subtle sweetness.
Cheese Alternatives: If Gruyère isn’t available, Swiss or provolone cheese can be good substitutes.
Broth Options: For a deeper flavor, use a combination of beef and chicken broth.
Herb Enhancements: A sprig of fresh thyme or a dash of rosemary can elevate the herbal notes.
Note
The key to an exceptional French Onion Soup lies in the patience during caramelization. Allowing the onions to reach a deep golden brown without rushing imparts a sweetness that’s indispensable to the soup’s character.
Conclusion
Making Panera Bread French Onion Soup at home is easier than you might think, and the results are just as comforting and flavorful as the restaurant version. With caramelized onions, a rich broth, and that irresistible cheesy topping, this soup is a true classic.
Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer or a main dish with crusty bread, it’s the perfect way to warm up on a chilly day.
Plus, by making it at home, you can customize the ingredients to your taste while saving money. Give this recipe a try, and let me know how it turns out in the comments below! Happy cooking!
Panera Bread French Onion Soup Recipe
Equipment
- Large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Chef's knife
- Cutting board
- Baking sheet
- Oven-safe bowls
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 large yellow onions thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 7 cups beef broth
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 baguette sliced and toasted
- 1 cup Gruyère cheese grated
Instructions
Caramelize The Onions
- In a large Dutch oven over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the sliced onions and sprinkle with salt and sugar. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions become soft and golden brown, about 30 minutes. This slow caramelization process is crucial for developing the soup’s deep, sweet flavor.
Deglaze The Pot
- Pour in the white wine to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits stuck to the bottom. Allow the wine to reduce until it’s almost evaporated, intensifying the flavor.
Add Broth And Herbs
- Stir in the beef broth, dried thyme, and bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer gently for about 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
Season To Taste
- After simmering, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed. Remove and discard the bay leaf.
Prepare The Toppings
- While the soup simmers, preheat your oven’s broiler. Place the toasted baguette slices on a baking sheet and sprinkle generously with the grated Gruyère cheese. Broil until the cheese is bubbly and golden, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
Serve
- Ladle the hot soup into oven-safe bowls. Top each with a cheesy baguette slice. For an extra touch, you can place the bowls under the broiler briefly to melt the cheese further. Serve immediately and enjoy the comforting warmth.
Notes
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.