Applebees French Onion Soup Recipe

Applebee’s French Onion Soup Recipe is made with white onions, beef broth, garlic, Parmesan cheese, Provolone cheese, and firm bread. This hearty and comforting soup recipe creates a savory dinner starter or main course that takes about 1 hour 30 minutes to prepare and can serve up to 8 people.

Applebees French Onion Soup Recipe Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 10 cups thinly sliced white onions (6–7 large onions, loosely packed)
• 1 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
• 1 1/2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 10 cups low-sodium beef broth
• 1 tablespoon beef base (paste preferred)
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 8 slices firm bread (preferably slightly toasted)
• 8 teaspoons grated Parmesan cheese
• 8 slices Provolone cheese

Applebees French Onion Soup Recipe Instructions

1. In a large stockpot over medium heat, melt the butter with the vegetable oil.
2. Add the sliced onions and salt. Sauté the onions, stirring every 3–5 minutes, until they are deeply caramelized, about 25–30 minutes. The onions should have a rich caramel color.
3. When the onions are almost fully caramelized, add the minced garlic. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the garlic is fragrant.
4. Add the beef broth, beef base, and ground black pepper. Stir to combine. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt, if needed. Reduce the heat to low and simmer uncovered for 30–45 minutes.
5. While the soup simmers, preheat the broiler.
6. Once the soup is ready, ladle it into 8 individual ovenproof bowls. Place a slice of toasted bread on top of each bowl of soup.
7. Sprinkle each slice of bread with 1 teaspoon of Parmesan cheese, then lay a slice of Provolone cheese over it.
8. Place the bowls on a baking sheet and broil for 1–3 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
9. Carefully remove the bowls from the oven and serve immediately.

Recipe Tips

• For Extra Depth of Flavor: Add a splash of dry white wine or sherry when caramelizing the onions. This deglazes the pan and enhances the soup’s richness.
• Better Caramelization: Use a wide, heavy-bottomed pot to allow the onions to spread out and cook evenly without steaming.
• Cheese Upgrade: Blend Gruyère cheese with Provolone for a creamier and more authentic French onion soup experience.

How To Store Applebees French Onion Soup Recipe

Refrigerate: Allow the Applebee’s French Onion Soup to cool completely. Transfer it to an airtight container, leaving out the bread and cheese topping. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.

Freeze: For longer storage, freeze the soup without the bread and cheese. Pour the cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. The soup can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Add fresh bread and cheese when serving.

How To Reheat Leftover Applebees French Onion Soup Recipe

In The Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Ladle the soup into an oven-safe bowl, add fresh bread and cheese on top, and place it on a baking sheet. Cover loosely with aluminum foil and heat for 15–20 minutes. Remove the foil and broil for 1–2 minutes to melt and brown the cheese.

On The Stovetop: Pour the soup into a saucepan and warm over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it is thoroughly heated. Add fresh bread and cheese once served.

In The Microwave: Pour the soup into a microwave-safe bowl, leaving space at the top. Heat on high for 2–3 minutes, stirring halfway through. Top with fresh bread and cheese, then microwave for an additional 30 seconds to melt the cheese.

What To Serve Applebees French Onion Soup Recipe

Applebee’s French Onion Soup Recipe pairs well with garlic bread, Caesar salad, roasted vegetables, and crusty baguette. It also can be served alongside grilled chicken, baked potatoes, sautéed green beans, and a light pasta dish for better savoring of the meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use yellow onions instead of white onions?

Yes, yellow onions work well for this recipe and provide a slightly sweeter flavor when caramelized. They are a great alternative to white onions.

What type of bread is best for the soup?

Firm bread like a French baguette or sourdough is ideal because it holds up well without becoming too soggy. Toasting the bread before adding it to the soup enhances its texture.

Can I substitute the beef broth with another type of broth?

While beef broth gives the soup its signature rich flavor, you can use chicken or vegetable broth if needed. However, the taste may differ slightly.

Try more recipes:

• Women’s Weekly Italian Lentil Soup Recipe
• Women’s Weekly Pumpkin Soup Recipe
• Woolworths Chicken And Corn Soup Recipe