French Onion Soup Casserole Recipe | LaaLoosh (2024)

By Wendy Zitzman

French Onion Soup Casserole Recipe | LaaLoosh (1)

French Onion Soup has always been one of my favorite dishes…who doesn’t love the idea of toasted bread and gooey cheese, melted all over a hot and flavorful onion soup?

But the traditional French Onion Soup recipe is not low calorie or Weight Watchers friendly. I’ve tried a few pre-made, low calorie versions that I’ve found in grocery stores but the taste is either blah or the portion is super small. So I set out on a journey to make my own but also decided to make it as a casserole, just because I was hungry and wanted a meal that had some substance.

It was so easy to make and the finished product was delicious! All the flavors that I love but for fewer Points. And making it into a casserole was really easy. It just basically the soup with more onions and less broth. If you want to make this dish as a soup, just use more broth when making it. So simple, yet so perfect.

And each very large serving is just 5 Points. This low calorie French Onion Soup Casserole Recipe is perfect for warming up on a cold day.

Enjoy!

French Onion Soup Casserole Recipe | LaaLoosh (2)

A casserole version of traditional French Onion Soup, this dish is a real winner. Each serving is very big, and you get all the delicious flavors that are expected. A perfect, low calorie recipe to warm you up on a cold winter day.

No ratings yet

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep TimePrep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook TimeCook Time 45 minutes mins

Total TimeTotal Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins

ServingsServings 4

CaloriesCalories 237 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Dutch Oven

  • 1 Oven

Ingredients

  • 5 medium onions - thinly sliced
  • 2 tbsp light butter
  • 1 cup fat free beef broth
  • ½ cup red wine
  • 3 garlic cloves
  • loaf French baguette
  • 4 slices light Swiss cheese - I used Jarlsberg
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper

Instructions

  • Set a large pot or Dutch oven medium high heat, melt butter and add in onions, garlic and salt.

  • Cook, stirring frequently until onions become caramelized, about 30-40 minutes.

  • If onions start to stick to pan, just stir a tbsp or two of the broth as needed.

  • Once onions are caramelized, add in the broth, wine, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, pepper and thyme. Simmer over medium heat for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

  • Turn heat to low and add in vinegar and season with additional salt and pepper if desired. Cover and keep over low heat to stay hot while you prepare the bread.

  • Preheat oven broiler. Slice 1/3 of a loaf of French baguette into about 12 slices.

  • Spray a baking sheet with nonfat cooking spray, and arrange baguette slices evenly on sheet. Lightly mist again with an olive oil mister or the nonfat cooking spray and then place in oven for 3 minutes on each side, or until bread is well toasted on both sides.

  • Remove bread from oven and set it to bake on 375 degrees.

  • Pour onion mixture into an 8X8 casserole dish. Top evenly with bread slices and then cover evenly with Swiss cheese slices.

  • Place casserole dish into oven and let bake until cheese is melted and bubbly and beginning to brown, about 10-15 minutes. Serve immediately.

Nutrition

Serving: 1.5 cupsCalories: 237 kcal (12%)Carbohydrates: 29 g (10%)Protein: 11 g (22%)Fat: 5 g (8%)Fiber: 3 g (13%)

Cuisine: French Recipes

Diet: Low Calorie Recipes, Low Fat Recipes, Vegetarian Recipes

Main Ingredient: Vegetable Recipes

Category: Casserole Recipes

Tried this recipe?Let me know how it was!

Related Recipes

  • French Onion Chicken Casserole Recipe

  • Roasted French Onion Potatoes Recipe

  • Reuben Casserole Recipe

  • Caramelized Onion Dip Recipe

AuthorWendy Zitzman

As your average, every day, All American woman, I look forward to sharing with you my thoughts and ideas on many different topics that interest me such as dieting, health & fitness. Trust me when I tell you that this is one site you NEED to bookmark! I have the most amazing recipes with Weight Watchers Points that you won’t believe are low calorie! As an avid Weight Watchers follower, I have learned so many helpful tips and tools over the years that I am eager to share.

    You May Also Like

    TikTok’s Whipped Coffee Recipe

    Apricot Glazed Turkey Breast Recipe

    Viral TikTok Salmon and Rice Bowl Recipe

    Chicken Cacciatore Recipe

    20 Comments

    1. barb9 years ago

      Followed exact directions. No problem with extra soup. This is Great! Thanks.

    2. Sarah11 years ago

      About to assemble – but my onions seem like they’re too “soupy”. How much liquid should be in the onion mixture?

    3. Gail11 years ago

      How does this make 4 servings of 1-1/2 cups each with only 1-1/2 cups total liquid?

    4. Dana11 years ago

      Got very excited coming across this recipe only to find out it’s not actually vegetarian. I’m sure that vegetable broth would not make this taste the same.

    5. Chriseda Howard11 years ago

      I just wanted you to know that I made this for my husband and myself this week and we both loved it. Thank you so much for the tip about using some broth to keep the onions from sticking to the pot, that was a real issue for me.

    6. Heather Mathieson11 years ago

      Considering I cook for 1… how well do you think this would keep/reheat??

    7. Gigi11 years ago

      I made this tonight and it was very tasty. I wouldn’t call it a casserole it was too soupy, We ate it as a soup… I followed the directions exactly,

    8. Rebecca O'Malley11 years ago

      this sounds great. do you think you could make the soup mixture ahead of time and refrigerate then just heat up with bread, cheese, etc later?

      • laaloosh11 years ago

        Sounds like a good idea! I think it should work fine….

    9. KatieQ11 years ago

      This casserole should not be classified as vegetarian because it is made with beef broth and Worcestershire sauce which contains anchovies..

      • Beth Baker11 years ago

        Easily remedied by subbing beef flavored veggie broth and anchovy free worcestershire …….but the last bottle of Worcestershire I picked up – no longer listed anchovies in the ingredients.

    10. Steph11 years ago

      Caramelize onions for 30-40 minutes?

      • laaloosh11 years ago

        Yes.

      • k l11 years ago

        they are wonderful.

      • Cate9 years ago

        That is what makes it so yummy!!!!!. I always cook them slow on low heat, but this is the best recipie I have found. I dont have the individual crocks and it still taste the same!

    11. Michelle Englehart Miller11 years ago

      Sounds delish, but to clarify, you’d have to use veg broth for this to be vegetarian.

    12. Just One Boomer (Suzanne)11 years ago

      Perfect for winter comfort food for those of us up in the northeast blue states.

    13. Elizabeth @ Food Ramblings11 years ago

      making it this weekend!!!

    14. Judy@lifeonthefoodchain.com11 years ago

      This is pure genius! If it wasn’t 8 AM I’d run and make it now…it may be on tonights dinner menu, though. Looks delish.

    Food Recipes

    French Onion Soup Casserole Recipe | LaaLoosh (2024)

    FAQs

    How do you deepen the flavor of French onion soup? ›

    My personal go-tos include worcestershire sauce, fish sauce, and brandy. Each deepens the flavor of french onion soup. Balsamic vinegar and soy sauce are other great options.

    How can I thicken my French onion soup? ›

    What is the best way to thicken French onion soup? The easiest way to thicken your French onion soup is with flour.

    What is a good substitute for Gruyere cheese in French onion soup? ›

    Key Ingredients & Substitutions

    Cheese: To me, there is no better cheese in a French onion soup than Gruyere! However, shredded Swiss or provolone also works very well. Just be sure to find something that is easily shredded or grated, as that's what will give you that amazing gooey, melty cheese we all love.

    Why is my French onion soup watery? ›

    Traditionally, French onion soup is made with clear beef stock. If you want a rich (thick) stock, you start with a joint bone. One with lots of connective tissue. You brown this in the oven, then put it in a pot, cover with water, and simmer till all the connective tissue dissolves.

    How do you make soup taste richer? ›

    Add acidic ingredients.

    Foods that have a great deal of acidity, like lemon juice, vinegar, white wine, and tomato puree, can help liven up the flavor of bland-tasting bone and other broths. "The acidity of these ingredients works to complement and enhance the broth's flavors, not mask it.

    How do you make soup taste stronger? ›

    Use fresh vegetables, high-quality meats or broth, and fresh herbs to add depth of flavor. Add acidity: A squeeze of lemon or lime juice, a dash of vinegar, or a splash of wine can brighten the flavors of a soup and make it taste more complex.

    What is the difference between onion soup and French onion soup? ›

    What is the Difference Between Onion Soup and French Onion Soup? French onion soup is always made with beef stock. Other onion soups can be made with chicken, vegetable, or beef stock. Additionally, French onion soup typically contains wine or sherry, which isn't typical or necessary in other onion soups.

    Does sour cream make soup thicker? ›

    Another option for thickening soup is by using dairy like sour cream or yogurt. Start with a small dollop and stir before checking the consistency and adding more. We recommend using plain yogurt so you don't alter the taste of the soup. You can also use cream if you prefer.

    Why do you put flour in French onion soup? ›

    Flour: a little all-purpose flour will help to thicken the soup. You can feel free to use gluten-free flour. Dry white wine: this helps to deglaze the pan and add a boost of flavor.

    What is the best wine to use in French onion soup? ›

    Wine is optional to deglaze the pan and add flavour to the soup. I recommend a dry white or red wine, such as a good quality Pinot Grigio/Gris, Sauv Blanc, Sémillon, Chardonnay, Merlot or Pinot Noir. Generally, if you can't drink it, don't cook with it.

    What cheese is closest in taste to Gruyère? ›

    Comté This French cow's milk cheese has a similar nutty and buttery flavor to Gruyère. Depending on how long the cheese has been aged will determine the best way to use it.

    Can I use Swiss cheese instead of Gruyère? ›

    Basic grocery store Swiss cheese is another potential substitute. Technically, a knockoff of Alpine Emmentaler, American Swiss is made with pasteurized cow's milk and has smaller “eyes” and milder flavor. For a low price and convenience, it's a sturdy Gruyere alternative.

    Why do I get diarrhea after French onion soup? ›

    Onion Intolerance: Symptoms and Diagnosis

    Onion intolerance occurs when an individual's body has difficulty digesting or processing onions. The symptoms can vary from person to person but may include bloating, gas, stomach cramps, diarrhea, or other digestive discomforts.

    Why do you put baking soda in French onion soup? ›

    The caramelized onions for this soup cook more quickly due to a pinch of baking soda but still have that deep, slow-cooked flavor. Topping the soup with hot, cheesy toasts prepared while the soup simmers, eliminates the need to bake the soup in specialty French onion soup bowls.

    Can I use chicken broth instead of beef broth in French onion soup? ›

    It is better to use chicken or vegetable broth rather than sub-standard beef broth. Best to use low salt and add salt if required. 4. Bread - The idea with the recipe is that you can use a spoon to cut through the bread into the soup to eat it (see video).

    How do you doctor up canned French onion soup? ›

    Infusing the soup with a richer taste is as easy as quickly sauteing crushed garlic before pouring the soup in. Some soft, buttery garlic sauteed in earthy olive oil is the perfect addition to enrich canned French onion soup.

    What spices add depth to soup? ›

    Herbs and sources add flavor, aroma, and intensity to the soup broth. You can pick fresh or dried herbs like basil for tomato-based soups or fresh parsley for clear broths. You may also add more spices like turmeric, ground ginger, ground paprika, or nutmeg for a touch of spice and color to your soup broth.

    Top Articles
    Latest Posts
    Article information

    Author: Corie Satterfield

    Last Updated:

    Views: 6340

    Rating: 4.1 / 5 (42 voted)

    Reviews: 81% of readers found this page helpful

    Author information

    Name: Corie Satterfield

    Birthday: 1992-08-19

    Address: 850 Benjamin Bridge, Dickinsonchester, CO 68572-0542

    Phone: +26813599986666

    Job: Sales Manager

    Hobby: Table tennis, Soapmaking, Flower arranging, amateur radio, Rock climbing, scrapbook, Horseback riding

    Introduction: My name is Corie Satterfield, I am a fancy, perfect, spotless, quaint, fantastic, funny, lucky person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.