French Onion Soup
Making French Onion Soup in the microwave is surprisingly simple, and you probably already have everything you need in your pantry. Just toss in a pinch of baking soda to help the onions caramelize faster, mix in some stock and cornstarch to create a soup, then finish it off with cheesy bread toasted under the broiler or in your toaster oven. It's a cozy, easy meal for those nights when you want something warm and comforting but don't want to spend forever in the kitchen.
All of Anyday’s recipes are tested (and retested!) in many different microwave and home kitchens to make sure they work—, and work well. Unless specified otherwise, all recipes should be cooked at full power.
What You’ll Need
What You’ll Need
The Medium Deep Dish
The Anyhand Mitts
Ingredients
- 3 cups (300g) thinly sliced white onion
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 sprig of fresh thyme (optional)
- 2 cups (470ml) beef or chicken stock
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1½ tablespoons cornstarch
- 4-6 slices of thinly sliced baguette or crusty bread
- 1 cup (75g) shredded cheese, such as Gruyere or Swiss
Preparation
- Toss onions, baking soda, butter, and thyme in the Deep Dish.
- Cook uncovered in the microwave for 12 minutes, or until the onions have turned a medium golden brown color. Note that while the onions are cooking, the liquid will bubble up in the dish. As the onion cooks down, the bubbling should stop.
- Once the onions are soft and caramelized, add the stock, Worcestershire sauce, and cornstarch and stir until well incorporated.
- Continue cooking uncovered for 6-7 minutes, or until the soup thickens slightly. Stir halfway through the cooking time for even thickening.
- While the soup cooks, make the topping: Toast the bread in a 500°F preheated oven. Divide the soup into Anyday Small Dishes and top with the toasted bread and shredded cheese.
- Transfer dishes to the oven (or the microwave!) and cook until the cheese is melted and browned, about a minute or two.
Serving suggestions & tips
- Try this soup with sage or rosemary instead of thyme.
- Keep it dairy and gluten-free by omitting the bread and cheese, and use olive oil or plant-based butter.
- Taste and adjust seasonings at each step of this recipe! This will help bring out the flavors.
- Toasting the bread is optional. Drizzle the bread with some olive oil and Italian seasonings for more flavor.
Recipe notes
- Freeze portions of this soup in the 1/2 Cup Anytime Freezer Trays for up to 4 months.
- If you don’t have Worcestershire sauce, try soy sauce or balsamic vinegar for depth of flavor.
- Use any onion variety! Yellow, white, Vidalia, and red onions will all make a delicious soup.
- Microwave ovens vary, even with the same wattages. Adjust cooking times as needed.
All You Need to Know About Making French Onion Soup in the Microwave
Can I make French Onion Soup in the microwave?
Yes, you can make French onion soup in the microwave using an Anyday dish. Caramelizing the onions in the microwave yields the perfect texture for the soup. Once the onions are caramelized, add beef or vegetable broth, cornstarch, and seasonings. Top the soup with bread and cheese and melt in the microwave again. If you want a toasted top, place the Anyday dish in a 500°F preheated oven instead.
Why do we use baking soda to caramelize the onions?
We recommend using baking soda to help speed up the caramelization process. The baking soda also helps the onion break down and caramelize more quickly without dehydrating and burning, resulting in a deeper flavor and darker color in the soup. Additionally, using baking soda can accelerate the Maillard reaction, that occurs when foods are cooked at high temperatures. This reaction leads to browning and the development of complex flavors.
How do I know when the onions are caramelized?
The onions are caramelized when they have turned a medium golden brown color and become soft and sweet. You'll also smell a rich aroma and notice that the volume of the cooked onions has significantly reduced. This typically takes about 15-20 minutes, but cooking times may vary depending on your microwave and the thickness of the onion slices. The baking soda will help the onions release their juices and achieve a delicious texture faster without burning them.
Is it necessary to stir the soup halfway through cooking?
It's not crucial, but stirring the soup halfway through cooking is recommended. Without stirring, the cornstarch, which thickens the soup, may settle at the bottom, leading to the possibility of small lumps of undissolved cornstarch forming.
Can I make French onion soup ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator?
Yes, you can make French onion soup ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Allow the soup to cool completely before refrigerating in an Anyday dish with the lid on for up to 3-4 days. Make sure not to save with the bread and cheese to prevent the bread from soaking all the juices and the cheese from hardening
Can I freeze French onion soup for later use?
Yes, you can freeze French onion soup for later use. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to Anyday Freezer Trays. Freeze for up to 2-3 months for the best quality. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Make sure to add the bread and cheese when ready to reheat or it will soak up all the moisture.
What is the best way to reheat French onion soup?
To reheat French Onion soup in the microwave, transfer the Anyday dish (without the bread and cheese) to the microwave and heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Alternatively, portion the cold soup into smaller dishes and heat it in the microwave before adding the bread and cheese to melt.
