When the weather turns chilly and warm comfort food beckons, few dishes can rival the heartwarming allure of French onion soup. Rich, savory, and deeply flavorful, it graces tables with elegance and warmth. But what if you’re avoiding gluten?
Don’t worry! This recipe delivers all the taste with none of the gluten. Before diving into the delicious details of gluten free French onion soup, let’s explore what you can pair with this delightful dish.

Pairing Perfection
French onion soup is fantastic on its own, yet, when paired correctly, it transforms into a star of the meal. Think about these pairings:
- Crusty Gluten-Free Bread – A warm, gluten-free baguette is perfect for dipping and soaking up the broth.
- Salad – A light mixed green salad drizzled with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the soup beautifully.
- Cheese Platter – A selection of cheese complements the strong flavor but selects gluten-free crackers or veggies for dipping.
- Roasted Vegetables – Seasonal roasted veggies add a colorful, nutritious touch.
- Main Protein – A simple grilled chicken or a slice of lean beef gives your meal more substance and rounds it out.
These are just a few ideas to get your imagination cooking. Now, let’s jump into the delicious depths of gluten free French onion soup!
What is Gluten Free French Onion Soup?
Imagine a bowl filled with sweet caramelized onions swimming in a rich, savory broth topped with a gooey, melted layer of cheese.
That’s French onion soup, but gluten-free! In essence, while the traditional recipe typically uses bread and a flour thickener, this version swaps those ingredients for gluten-free alternatives while keeping all the other classic elements intact.
When I took my first spoonful, I could hardly distinguish it from the traditional version. If anything, it felt even more comforting.
Why You’ll Love This Gluten Free French Onion Soup
There’s a lot to love about this dish!
- Rich Flavor Profile – The combination of sweet onions, robust broth, and savory cheese is pure magic.
- Comfort Food Vibes – Nothing says comfort like a warm bowl of soup on a cold day. It simply wraps you in a cozy hug.
- Easily Customizable – You can adapt this soup to suit your dietary preferences and ingredient availability. Whether you like it more onion-forward, or generally cheesier, the sky’s the limit.
- Healthier Twist – Using gluten-free ingredients can make this dish lighter while still offering a satisfying experience.
By the end of this, you’ll see why I proudly declare this soup as a kitchen gem worthy of every recipe box.
The Ingredients You Will Need to Make Gluten Free French Onion Soup
Let’s gather everything before we dive into the cooking process. Here’s the shopping list for our comforting bowl of goodness:
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 4 slices Schar Artisan Baker 10-Grain & Seeds Bread
- 3 large yellow onions, sliced to a medium thickness (about 8 cups)
- 2 Tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 Tablespoons cold-pressed olive oil
- 4 cups rich beef stock (gluten-free)
- 2 cups flavorful chicken stock (gluten-free)
- 1 Tablespoon rice flour (gluten-free)
- 3 sprigs fresh thyme
- 1 Tablespoon gluten-free Worcestershire sauce
- 1 Tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 4 slices Swiss cheese
- 4 oz shredded Gruyère cheese
- A hearty pinch of sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper

Directions to Cook This Delight
Step 1: Caramelize the Onions
Begin by shredding your onions in thin slices. In a large pot, melt the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Toss in the sliced onions. The secret to caramelizing onions is patience. Stir the onions occasionally and allow them to soften and turn caramel in color.
This process can take about 30 minutes, so let your mind wander, or pour a glass of wine—after all, it’s cooking time!
Step 2: Deglaze and Create the Base
Once your onions are beautifully caramelized, pour in the dry white wine. This will deglaze the pot, picking up all those lovely fond bits stuck to the bottom. Cook until the liquid is reduced by half, about another 5-7 minutes.
Step 3: Build Flavor with Broth and Spices
Add your gluten-free beef stock and chicken stock to the caramelized onions. Toss in the rice flour to help thicken the broth. Whisk it in to avoid lumps. Season with salt, pepper, thyme, Worcestershire sauce, and balsamic vinegar. Let this simmer for about 20 minutes to deepen the flavors.
Step 4: Toast the Bread
While the soup simmers, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the gluten-free bread slices on a baking sheet and toast them for roughly 10-15 minutes, or until golden and crispy.
Step 5: Assemble the Bowls
It’s assembly time! Ladle the hot soup into oven-safe bowls. Place the toasted bread on top, and pile on the shredded Gruyère cheese along with the Swiss slices.
Step 6: Broil for Perfection
Set the bowls under the broiler for 2-5 minutes, watching closely (you don’t want your cheese to burn). When it’s perfectly bubbly and golden-brown, remove from the oven.
Notes: Tips to Remember
- Choose Your Onions Wisely – Yellow onions offer the best sweetness for caramelizing.
- Don’t Rush the Onions – Patience with the onions is key to unlocking their natural sugars!
- Experiment with Stocks – Swap the beef or chicken stock with vegetable stock for a vegetarian version.
- DIY Cheese – If you can’t find Gruyère, feel free to substitute with any cheese that melts boastfully.
- Store Leftovers Properly – If you have leftover soup, store the broth separately from the cheese-topped bread to avoid sogginess.
Storage Tips
- Refrigerate – Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze – You can also freeze the soup without the toppings. Store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months, and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Conclusion
In a world full of flavors, gluten free French onion soup stands proudly as a dish that encapsulates warmth and comfort. With cravings only a spoonful away, it not only delivers on taste but also allows everyone at the table to indulge.
Filled with rich flavors and topped with a bubbly blanket of cheese, it reflects both tradition and adaptability. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and let the aromatic adventure unfold. You might just find you’re not just making soup; you’re creating memories.
Cheers to that!
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- Martha Stewart French Onion Soup Copycat Recipe
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Gluten Free French Onion Soup Recipe – Gourmet And Food
Description
When I first attempted to make French onion soup at home, I was enchanted by the idea of the caramelized onions melding with cheese like an old song on a record player.
It was a nostalgic process that reminded me of chilly nights spent in cozy restaurants, the smell of simmering broth filling the air.
However, the challenge of keeping it gluten-free loomed large. Who knew it could be so fulfilling and oddly satisfying to create a gluten-free version that didn’t skimp on flavor or the experience?
Ingredients
Instructions
Step 1: Caramelize the Onions
-
Begin by shredding your onions in thin slices. In a large pot, melt the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Toss in the sliced onions. The secret to caramelizing onions is patience. Stir the onions occasionally and allow them to soften and turn caramel in color.
This process can take about 30 minutes, so let your mind wander, or pour a glass of wine—after all, it’s cooking time!
Step 2: Deglaze and Create the Base
-
Once your onions are beautifully caramelized, pour in the dry white wine. This will deglaze the pot, picking up all those lovely fond bits stuck to the bottom. Cook until the liquid is reduced by half, about another 5-7 minutes.
Step 3: Build Flavor with Broth and Spices
-
Add your gluten-free beef stock and chicken stock to the caramelized onions. Toss in the rice flour to help thicken the broth. Whisk it in to avoid lumps. Season with salt, pepper, thyme, Worcestershire sauce, and balsamic vinegar. Let this simmer for about 20 minutes to deepen the flavors.
Step 4: Toast the Bread
-
While the soup simmers, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the gluten-free bread slices on a baking sheet and toast them for roughly 10-15 minutes, or until golden and crispy.
Step 5: Assemble the Bowls
-
It’s assembly time! Ladle the hot soup into oven-safe bowls. Place the toasted bread on top, and pile on the shredded Gruyère cheese along with the Swiss slices.
Step 6: Broil for Perfection
-
Set the bowls under the broiler for 2-5 minutes, watching closely (you don’t want your cheese to burn). When it’s perfectly bubbly and golden-brown, remove from the oven.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 482kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 31.4g49%
- Saturated Fat 14.4g72%
- Trans Fat 0.1g
- Cholesterol 85mg29%
- Sodium 1257mg53%
- Total Carbohydrate 26g9%
- Dietary Fiber 5g20%
- Sugars 5g
- Protein 25g50%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
- Choose Your Onions Wisely – Yellow onions offer the best sweetness for caramelizing.
- Don’t Rush the Onions – Patience with the onions is key to unlocking their natural sugars!
- Experiment with Stocks – Swap the beef or chicken stock with vegetable stock for a vegetarian version.
- DIY Cheese – If you can’t find Gruyère, feel free to substitute with any cheese that melts boastfully.
- Store Leftovers Properly – If you have leftover soup, store the broth separately from the cheese-topped bread to avoid sogginess.
