Applebee’s Onion Soup Recipe

Applebee’s French Onion Soup has a way of turning a simple meal into a comforting, savory experience. This iconic dish has been a crowd-pleaser for years, with its deep, rich flavors and satisfying textures. It’s the perfect combination of caramelized onions, a flavorful broth, and that irresistible layer of melted cheese. Whether you’re sitting down at your local Applebee’s or making it at home, this soup has a way of warming both the body and the soul.

If you’ve ever wondered how to recreate that exact taste and texture in your own kitchen, you’re in for a treat! We’re going to dive deep into the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and even some pro tips to make sure your homemade French Onion Soup rivals the restaurant version. Let’s get started, shall we?

Applebee’s Onion Soup Recipe

This version of Applebee’s French Onion Soup is a beautiful balance of sweet, savory, and umami flavors. The slow-cooked caramelized onions give it a depth that’s both rich and comforting. Topped with toasted baguette slices, melted Swiss cheese, and a hearty broth, it’s the kind of dish that draws people together. Each spoonful is like a warm hug.

Ingredients Needed

Here’s the list of ingredients you’ll need to bring this comforting soup to life. Don’t be intimidated-once everything is gathered, it’s a fairly simple process to assemble.

• Yellow Onions (6-7 Medium-sized)

  These are the star of the show. You’ll want to slice them thinly, so they cook down beautifully, releasing all their natural sugars and becoming deeply caramelized. The yellow variety has the perfect balance of sweetness and savory flavor.

• Butter (3 Tablespoons)

  For sautéing the onions. Butter helps achieve that golden, caramelized color and adds richness to the soup.

• Olive Oil (1 Tablespoon)

  Helps to ensure the onions don’t burn while cooking and adds some extra richness to the flavor.

• Beef Broth (4 Cups)

  The base of your soup. It’s crucial to use a good-quality beef broth for that deep, robust flavor that defines French Onion Soup. You can also use vegetable broth for a lighter version, but it won’t pack the same punch.

• Dry White Wine (1/2 Cup)

  A splash of white wine adds acidity and helps balance out the sweetness of the onions.

• Thyme (2-3 Sprigs Or 1 Tsp Dried)

  Fresh thyme brings an earthy aroma and flavor that works wonders with the onions and broth.

• Bay Leaf (1-2 Leaves)

  Adds a subtle layer of depth to the flavor, so don’t skip this one.

• Salt And Pepper (to Taste)

  These simple seasonings bring all the flavors together. Be sure to season gradually, adjusting as you go.

• Baguette (2-3 Slices)

  You’ll toast these to create the perfect base for the melted cheese. The bread soaks up the broth while still holding its shape.

• Gruyère Cheese (1 Cup, Shredded)

  This is the ideal cheese for French Onion Soup-its nutty, slightly tangy flavor and ability to melt beautifully make it the top choice. If you can’t find Gruyère, Swiss cheese is a good substitute.

Cooking Instructions

Now, let’s get down to business. This recipe is all about layering flavors and getting that rich, caramelized taste. Follow these steps for perfect French Onion Soup every time.

1. Prepare The Onions

   Start by peeling and thinly slicing your onions. The thinner you slice them, the more evenly they will cook and caramelize.

2. Sauté The Onions

   In a large soup pot, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and a pinch of salt, then cook them slowly. Stir them every few minutes to ensure they don’t burn. This process should take around 30-40 minutes. The goal is to cook them until they’re golden brown and sweet. Be patient! The caramelization is key to the flavor.

3. Deglaze With White Wine

   Once your onions have caramelized, pour in the white wine to deglaze the pot. Stir to release any fond (the flavorful browned bits) stuck to the bottom of the pot.

4. Add Broth & Seasonings

   Pour in your beef broth, add the thyme, bay leaves, and freshly ground black pepper. Bring everything to a simmer, allowing the soup to cook for 20-30 minutes to let the flavors develop. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more salt or pepper if desired.

5. Prepare The Baguette

   While your soup is simmering, toast the baguette slices until golden and crispy. You can do this under the broiler or in a toaster, whichever you prefer. The goal is to get a crunchy texture that will hold up to the broth without turning to mush.

6. Assemble & Melt The Cheese

   Once the soup is ready, ladle it into oven-safe bowls. Place a toasted baguette slice on top of each bowl of soup, and generously sprinkle with Gruyère cheese. Place the bowls under a broiler for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

7. Serve And Enjoy

   Carefully remove the hot bowls from the oven (use oven mitts!), and serve immediately. The combination of rich broth, caramelized onions, crunchy bread, and melty cheese is sure to impress.

Ingredient Insights

Let’s take a deeper look at some of the key ingredients to understand their role and how to make the most of them.

• Onions

  The caramelization of onions is a slow process, but it’s absolutely worth it. The sugars in the onions break down as they cook, turning the onions from sharp and pungent to sweet and savory. The longer you cook them, the more flavor they’ll develop.

• Beef Broth

  Beef broth is essential for that hearty, savory flavor. If you’re looking for an even richer broth, try making your own at home with beef bones, vegetables, and herbs. If not, high-quality store-bought broth will work perfectly. Aim for low-sodium options so you can control the salt level.

• Gruyère Cheese

  Gruyère is the cheese that melts beautifully without separating. It adds a wonderful nutty, slightly sweet flavor that balances the soup’s richness. If you’re in a pinch, Swiss cheese works too, but Gruyère is the traditional choice.

Expert Tips

Here are some tips from seasoned chefs to make sure your French Onion Soup turns out perfectly:

• Take Your Time with the Onions: Caramelizing the onions can take a while, but don’t rush it. Patience is key! If you try to rush, the onions will burn rather than caramelize, which will ruin the soup’s flavor.
• Use Broth, Not Stock: Broth typically has more flavor than stock, and it’s the right choice for French Onion Soup. Stock is often thicker and gel-like, whereas broth provides a clean, savory base for the soup.
• Add a Dash of Balsamic Vinegar: If you want to give your soup a little extra depth, a teaspoon of balsamic vinegar at the end of cooking can really elevate the flavor profile.
• Make It Ahead: Like many soups, French Onion Soup actually gets better with time. You can make it a day or two in advance, which allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Recipe Variations

While this recipe is classic, there’s always room to make it your own. Here are a few variations to try:

• Vegetarian Version: Swap out the beef broth for vegetable broth, and you’ll have a lighter, vegetarian version that’s still delicious.
• French Onion Soup with Garlic: Add a couple of cloves of minced garlic along with the onions for a bit of extra flavor.
• Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to bring some heat to the soup.
• Cheese Variety: While Gruyère is traditional, feel free to experiment with different cheeses. Fontina, mozzarella, or a mixture of cheeses can all work wonderfully.

Final Words

There’s something undeniably comforting about a bowl of French Onion Soup. It’s the kind of dish that can make any meal feel like a special occasion, even on the busiest of days. With a little patience and the right ingredients, you can recreate Applebee’s signature version in your own kitchen.