There’s something undeniably magical about a bowl of French onion soup—the deep, caramelized flavor of slow-cooked onions, the rich savory broth, and the crusty bread with gooey cheese on top. But what if you’re vegan? Good news: you don’t have to miss out on this classic comfort dish. With just a few simple swaps, you can enjoy a 100% plant-based Vegan French Onion Soup that’s just as hearty and flavorful as the original.

Why You’ll Love This Vegan French Onion Soup

Deep caramel flavor from slowly sautéed onions
Rich and savory umami-packed vegetable broth
No dairy, no meat, but all the soul-warming goodness
Perfect for cold nights, date dinners, or cozy meal prep
Easy to make with simple ingredients

This recipe is a winner whether you’re vegan, flexitarian, or simply looking to cut back on meat and dairy.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Yellow onions (4–5 large) – thinly sliced
Garlic (2 cloves) – minced
Olive oil or vegan butter (2–3 tbsp) – for sautéing
Fresh thyme (a few sprigs) – or 1 tsp dried thyme
Bay leaf (1)
Balsamic vinegar (1 tbsp) – for deglazing and depth
Dry white wine (optional – ½ cup) – adds richness
Vegetable broth (6 cups) – use a good-quality, low-sodium one
Salt and pepper – to taste
Baguette slices – for topping
Vegan cheese – shredded or sliced, for melting

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Caramelize the Onions (Don’t Rush This!)

Start by heating olive oil or vegan butter in a large pot over medium-low heat. Add the sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Cook them slowly for 35–45 minutes, stirring often, until they turn golden brown and caramelized.

Patience is key here—this step gives your soup its signature rich, deep flavor.

2. Add Garlic, Herbs, and Deglaze

Once the onions are beautifully browned, stir in minced garlic, thyme, and the bay leaf. Cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. If you’re using wine, pour it in now and scrape up the brown bits from the bottom of the pot.

Add balsamic vinegar and let it reduce slightly—it adds a wonderful tang and enhances the caramel flavor.

3. Pour in Broth and Simmer

Pour in the vegetable broth, bring it to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for 20–30 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper. Remove the bay leaf before serving.

How to Serve It: The Vegan “Cheesy Crust”

To achieve that iconic cheesy topping without dairy:

Toast some baguette slices under a broiler.
Place them on top of the soup bowls.
Add shredded vegan cheese (like mozzarella or gouda style).
Place the bowls under the broiler for 2–3 minutes until bubbly and golden.

Note: If your bowls aren’t oven-safe, toast the bread separately and melt the cheese on top in a skillet or toaster oven.

Storage Tips

This soup stores beautifully in the fridge for up to 5 days.
You can also freeze it without the bread/cheese topping.
Reheat on the stove and add fresh toast + cheese before serving.

Final Thoughts

This Vegan French Onion Soup is everything you love about the classic—without the dairy or beef stock. It’s cozy, soulful, and packed with flavor, making it perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself on a chilly evening.

With minimal effort and wholesome ingredients, you can turn humble onions into a restaurant-worthy dish that’s completely plant-based.