Vegan French Onion Soup Recipe—Warm, Comforting & Packed with Flavour

There’s something truly special about a warm bowl of French onion soup on a chilly day. This vegan version has all the rich, deep flavours of the classic dish, minus the dairy. It’s loaded with slow-cooked caramelized onions and topped with golden baguette slices and gooey, stretchy vegan cheese. Whether you’re vegan or just looking to eat more plant-based meals, this soup is pure comfort in a bowl.

Ingredients You Will Need

For the Soup:

• 6 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
• 4 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 5 garlic cloves, minced
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup dry white wine (or use more broth if you prefer)
• 6 cups vegetable broth
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• More salt, to taste
• 1 baguette, sliced into rounds

For the Vegan Cheese Topping:

• 1/2 cup raw cashews
• 1 1/2 cups water
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 4 tablespoons tapioca starch

How to Make Vegan French Onion Soup

Step 1: Caramelize the Onions
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and mix them well with the oil. Cook for 15 minutes, stirring often, until soft. Turn the heat up slightly and cook for 30 more minutes, stirring now and then until they turn golden brown. Add sugar and salt, and cook another 10-15 minutes until caramelized.

Step 2: Build the Soup Base
Add the minced garlic to the pot and sauté for 1-2 minutes. Stir in the flour and cook for another minute. Pour in the white wine (or broth) to deglaze the pot, scraping up the brown bits from the bottom. Add the remaining broth, thyme, bay leaf, and pepper. Stir well and bring to a boil. Lower the heat and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove the bay leaf and season with more salt if needed.

Step 3: Toast the Bread
Preheat your oven to 400°F (about 200°C). Place the baguette slices on a baking tray lined with parchment paper and toast for 5–7 minutes, or until slightly golden. Set them aside.

Step 4: Make Stretchy Vegan Cheese
Soak the cashews in hot water for at least 5 minutes, then drain. Blend the soaked cashews with water, lemon juice, salt, and tapioca starch until smooth. Pour the mixture into a pan and cook over medium-high heat, stirring constantly. It will thicken and become stretchy like cheese. Remove from heat.

Step 5: Assemble and Serve
Spread a scoop of stretchy cheese onto each toasted baguette slice. Place under the broiler for a few minutes until the top is bubbly and golden. Serve the hot soup in bowls with the cheesy toast placed on top. You can also ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls, add the toast and cheese on top, and broil directly.

This vegan French onion soup is proof that plant-based meals can be just as rich, savoury, and comforting as their traditional versions. The slow-cooked onions bring a deep sweetness, while the cheesy toast topping adds that satisfying finish. Whether you’re serving it as a starter or making it the star of the meal, this soup is sure to become a favourite. It’s a great way to impress guests or treat yourself to something special – all while staying 100% vegan.

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