Keto French Onion Soup

French onion soup is a classic comfort food, but traditional versions are loaded with carbs from the bread and sugars in the onions. This Keto French Onion Soup is a perfect solution, allowing you to enjoy all the deep, savory flavors without the carbs. It’s the perfect dish for those chilly evenings when you crave something rich, hearty, and soul-warming, but want to stay on track with your keto goals.

The rich, caramelized onions are simmered in a flavorful broth, and topped with melted cheese that stretches with every spoonful. It’s a simple yet indulgent dish that offers a satisfying and low-carb alternative to the traditional French onion soup.

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Why You’ll Love This Keto French Onion Soup

There’s so much to love about this Keto French Onion Soup. Not only is it absolutely delicious, but it’s also a great way to enjoy the classic French onion soup flavors without any of the guilt. The deep, savory taste of caramelized onions combined with the rich broth and melted cheese creates the ultimate comfort meal. Plus, it’s a keto-friendly dish, meaning it’s low in carbs but high in flavor.

This soup is also surprisingly easy to make and can be ready in just over an hour. The ingredients are simple and affordable, and most of them are likely already in your kitchen. It’s perfect for a cozy night in, a holiday dinner, or even a meal prep idea for the week ahead.

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My Personal Experience with Keto French Onion Soup

I remember the first time I made this Keto French Onion Soup. I’ve always loved traditional French onion soup, but I knew that the bread and carb-heavy ingredients wouldn’t fit into my keto lifestyle. I was a little nervous about whether it would turn out as satisfying as the original, but after one spoonful, I was hooked. The sweetness of the caramelized onions, the richness of the broth, and the gooey, melted cheese on top—it’s exactly what I had been craving without the carbs! Since then, it’s become one of my go-to comfort foods. I often make a batch to have on hand for quick lunches or even a filling dinner after a long day.

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Required Equipment

To make this Keto French Onion Soup, you’ll need some essential kitchen equipment. While the ingredients are the star of the show, the right tools can make the process much smoother and more enjoyable.

• Large Soup Pot or Dutch Oven: This is key to cooking your onions to perfection and simmering the broth without any overflow. I’ve used a good quality, heavy-duty pot for this, and I can’t imagine making the soup without it. It helps distribute the heat evenly so your onions cook without burning.
• Wooden Spoon: Stirring caramelized onions requires a gentle touch. A wooden spoon is the perfect tool for this because it doesn’t scratch the pot and is great for scraping up all the golden, caramelized bits from the bottom. It’s one of those simple tools that make all the difference.
• Cheese Grater: Since we’re topping our soup with melted cheese, a good grater is essential. Grating your cheese fresh gives it a smoother melt than pre-shredded varieties. I love using a fine-grater for this—it makes the cheese melt beautifully into the hot broth.
• Soup Ladle: For serving, a ladle is a must. It’s so much easier to pour soup evenly into bowls without making a mess. Plus, it adds to the comforting feel of serving up a warm bowl of soup.

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Ingredients & Substitutions

Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients you’ll need to make this keto-friendly French onion soup, along with some substitutions you can use if necessary.

• Yellow Onions (4 large): Onions are the heart of this soup. They caramelize beautifully and provide that sweet, rich flavor we’re looking for. If you want a milder flavor, you could swap for white onions, but I recommend yellow for their balance of sweetness and savory notes.
• Butter (3 tablespoons): Butter adds richness and flavor when sautéing the onions. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, you can use ghee or olive oil instead.
• Beef Broth (4 cups): This forms the base of the soup and gives it a deep, savory flavor. For a lighter version, you can substitute with chicken broth, though beef broth adds that hearty, rich taste. Make sure to choose a low-sodium option if you’re watching your salt intake.
• Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Garlic adds a lovely aromatic punch to the soup. Fresh garlic works best, but you could substitute with garlic powder if needed.
• Thyme (1 teaspoon dried): Thyme adds an earthy note to the soup. You can use fresh thyme, but dried works just as well.
• Bay Leaf (1): A bay leaf is a traditional herb used in soups and stews, adding depth to the broth. If you don’t have one on hand, you can skip it, but it does add a nice touch.
• Salt and Pepper (to taste): Season to taste! Don’t forget to adjust this as the soup simmers, since the flavors will develop and intensify.
• Swiss Cheese (1 cup, grated): Swiss cheese is perfect for this soup—it melts beautifully and has a mild, nutty flavor. You could substitute with Gruyère or mozzarella if you prefer.
• Parmesan Cheese (1/4 cup, grated): Parmesan adds an extra layer of savory goodness to the soup’s topping. If you don’t have parmesan, you could use pecorino Romano as a substitute.

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How to Make Keto French Onion Soup

Now, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of making this delicious Keto French Onion Soup. Don’t worry, I’ll walk you through every step!

1. Caramelize the Onions
   Begin by slicing your yellow onions thinly. This step takes a bit of time, but it’s worth it. Heat the butter in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and stir to coat them in the butter. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 30-40 minutes until the onions turn golden brown and caramelized. Don’t rush this step—it’s where the magic happens!
2. Add the Garlic and Herbs
   Once your onions are beautifully caramelized, add the minced garlic, thyme, and bay leaf. Stir everything together and let it cook for another 2 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant.
3. Pour in the Broth
   Add the beef broth to the pot and bring it to a simmer. Let the soup simmer for about 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
4. Prepare the Cheese Topping
   While the soup simmers, prepare the cheese topping. Grate your Swiss cheese and Parmesan. Set aside.
5. Serve and Top with Cheese
   Ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls, and top each bowl with a generous amount of grated Swiss cheese and a sprinkle of Parmesan. Place the bowls under a broiler for 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep an eye on it to make sure the cheese doesn’t burn.

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Tips for This Recipe

• Patience is key when caramelizing the onions. Don’t try to rush it with high heat, or you’ll end up with burnt onions instead of sweet, caramelized ones.
• If you prefer a thicker soup, you can use an immersion blender to blend a small portion of the soup for a creamier texture.
• Adjust the seasoning to your taste. The broth may need a little more salt or pepper, depending on the beef broth you use.

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Optional Additions

• Low-Carb Croutons: If you miss the bread from traditional French onion soup, consider making keto-friendly croutons by baking small pieces of keto bread with olive oil and seasoning.
• Shredded Chicken: For added protein, you could toss some shredded rotisserie chicken into the soup for a heartier meal.

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Serving Ideas

This Keto French Onion Soup pairs wonderfully with a crisp salad or a side of roasted vegetables. If you’re craving a little more indulgence, try serving it with a slice of keto-friendly garlic bread. It also works as a light but satisfying lunch or dinner on its own.

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Storage Recommendations

This soup keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply place it in a pot over low heat until warmed through. For a cheesy, bubbly top, you can broil it again for a few minutes after reheating.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this soup in advance?
Yes! In fact, the flavors develop even more after sitting for a day. Make it ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just reheat and broil with the cheese before serving.

Can I use chicken broth instead of beef broth?
Absolutely! Chicken broth is a great substitute, though beef broth gives it a richer, more traditional flavor.

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Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

• Calories: 215
• Total Carbs: 7g
• Net Carbs: 5g
• Fat: 17g
• Protein: 12g
• Fiber: 2g

I’m so excited to hear how this recipe turned out for you! 😊 Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram and Facebook for daily keto inspiration, tasty recipes, and all the support you need to crush your goals. Want to make your keto journey easier? Get a meal plan tailored to your unique needs and preferences, designed to keep you on track effortlessly. Start your personalized plan now!