Applebee’s French Onion Soup Recipe

If you’ve ever craved the savory delight of French onion soup from Applebee’s, then you and I have something in common!

To get that rich, caramelized onion flavor, patience is key—slow cooking is your friend!

For the perfect cheesy topping, always use a mix of Parmesan and provolone for a melty, golden finish under the broiler.

My favorite part?

The combination of toasted bread and gooey cheese makes every spoonful like heaven.

I’d recommend trying a slice of a toasted baguette as another tasty topping option!

How to Make Applebee’s French Onion Soup Recipe

Ingredients

• 5 cups Beef Broth
• 4 large Yellow Onions (sliced thin)
• 2 tbsp Butter
• 1 tbsp Olive Oil
• 1 tsp Sugar
• 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
• 2 Bay Leaves
• 1 tsp Thyme (dried)
• 8 slices Baguette (toasted)
• 1 cup Gruyere Cheese (grated)
• 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese (grated)
• Salt and Pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1:

In a large pot, melt butter with olive oil over medium heat.

Add sliced onions and sugar, cooking until they caramelize, about 25 to 30 minutes.

Step 2:

Stir in minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.

Add bay leaves and thyme to the mixture.

Step 3:

Pour in the beef broth, seasoning with salt and pepper.

Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 30 minutes.

Step 4:

Preheat your oven to broil.

Ladle soup into ovenproof bowls, placing toasted baguette slices on top.

Step 5:

Sprinkle Gruyere and Parmesan cheeses over the bread.

Broil until the cheese melts and bubbles, usually about 3 to 5 minutes.

Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe

Caramelizing the Onions

Caramelizing onions takes patience, but it’s worth every minute for the depth of flavor it adds to the soup.

A slow, steady heat ensures they become beautifully golden.

Choosing the Right Bread

I recommend a crusty baguette as a delicious choice because it holds up well under the broiler without going soggy.

Cheese Selection

Gruyere cheese is classic for this dish, but you can mix in a little Swiss cheese if you have it on hand.

Broiling Carefully

Watch the soup bowls closely under the broiler to prevent the cheese from burning, just to crisp perfection.

Adjusting Seasoning

Taste the soup before serving to adjust your salt and pepper, because everyone has different preferences.

What to Serve with Applebee’s French Onion Soup

Classic Bread and Cheese Combo

You absolutely can’t go wrong with serving French bread topped with melted Gruyere cheese alongside your bowl of savory French onion soup.

The bread soaks up the flavorful broth beautifully, and the cheese adds that creamy richness we all love.

Cheese and Crackers

If you’re looking for a light accompaniment, crackers and cheese are a delightful choice.

They offer a contrasting crunch and mild flavor, balancing the robust taste of the soup perfectly.

Simple Green Salad

A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing brings a crisp, refreshing contrast to the rich soup.

The freshness of the greens complements the deep flavors of the caramelized onions.

Roasted Vegetables

For a comforting yet sophisticated twist, serve your French onion soup with roasted vegetables such as carrots, parsnips, and Brussels sprouts.

The caramelized edges of the veggies generate a sweetness that works beautifully with the soup’s savory profile.

Soft Pretzel Sticks

Another imaginative option would be to pair the soup with soft pretzel sticks.

These offer a chewy texture and a touch of saltiness that make them delightful for dunking into the cheesy, onion-kissed broth.

Variations and Substitutions

Gluten-Free Option

You can switch the classic bread with gluten-free bread for a gluten-free version!

Make sure to use gluten-free broth too, and you’re all set.

Lower-Sodium Choice

Opt for a reduced-sodium broth if you’re watching your salt intake.

Adding more onions might help enhance the flavor without extra sodium.

Cheese Alternatives

If you’re not a fan of provolone or Parmesan, substitute with Swiss or Gruyère cheese.

Each cheese offers its own unique taste, so try out different ones to see what you prefer.

Vegetarian-Friendly Twist

Replacing the beef stock with vegetable broth turns this dish into a delicious vegetarian soup.

Consider adding herbs like thyme or bay leaves for more depth.

How to Store Leftover Applebee’s French Onion Soup

Wrap up your leftovers in an airtight container to preserve the rich flavors of your French onion soup!

I always make sure to fill the container to the brim to limit air exposure.

Give it a little space for expansion if you plan to freeze, though!

Refrigeration Tips

Pop your leftover soup in the fridge if you’ll enjoy it within a few days.

I like to consume mine within 4-5 days to ensure it’s fresh and delicious.

Remember to store the soup without the bread and cheese to avoid sogginess.

Freezing Instructions

For long-term storage, freezing is the way to go!

Use a freezer-safe container or a sealable plastic bag.

Don’t forget to label your container with the date so you can keep track of its freshness.

Storage Without Bread and Cheese

It’s important to store your soup without bread and cheese.

You might want to add these tasty components only when you’re ready to serve.

This way, you can enjoy that satisfying crunch and melty cheese goodness whenever you’re ready!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the Onions

You might be tempted to cook the onions quickly, but this can lead to them burning rather than caramelizing.

To get that perfect, sweet flavor, you should cook them slowly over low heat.

It can take about an hour to caramelize onions properly, so have patience!

Skipping the Cheese Gratin

One essential part of the soup is the cheese topping, which should be melted and slightly browned under a broiler.

You might skip this step if you’re in a hurry, but then you miss out on the melted goodness that makes this dish a hit!

Make sure to use a broiler-safe bowl, and keep an eye on it to avoid burning the cheese.

Using Low-Quality Broth

The broth is the backbone of your soup, so you shouldn’t underestimate its importance.

A poor-quality broth may result in a bland soup that lacks depth.

Choose a rich beef broth and consider reducing it further for a more concentrated flavor.