Copycat Campbell’s French Onion Soup

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Campbell’s French Onion Soup

Making your own homemade Campbell’s French onion soup has never been easier. With this recipe, we will walk you through making your own copycat version of Campbell’s French onion soup entirely from scratch. Check out the below recipe for more information!

Campbell's French Onions Soup

Campbell’s Classic Condensed French Onions Soup

Campbell’s sells classic condensed French onion soup in a can or you can pick it up at any local grocery store. Today, however, we are excited to share with you how you can make your own homemade version of Campbell’s French onion soup. This gives you a fresh taste and does not require a lot of work to prepare it.

About this Item

Campbell’s French onion soup comes in a can, and all you have to do is warm it up and add one can of water to the mix. While some people really enjoy canned soup because of their convenience, they have never been my favorite. I much prefer making my own homemade version of the soup, rather than using canned soup, unless the canned soup is incorporated into another dish of some kind. Let’s look at the basics of what is involved in your classic French Onion soup. 

French Onion Soup

French onion soup is often thought of as a fancier soup. However, it is surprisingly easy to make. French onion soup is based in a beef broth, with sliced onions that are cooked just right. There are other ingredients included as well. However, these are the most permanent ones. 

Quick & Easy French Onion Soup

When making French onion soup, the process from start to finish usually takes me less than 30 minutes to complete. However, I like to let the soup simmer for a little bit after it is completely made so that the flavors have the opportunity to meld together. Letting the soup simmer after it has been completely made, it’s not a necessary step, just one of preference. No matter if you like to let the soup simmer for a bit, or not, making French onion soup from scratch is quick and easy. Not only is it a quick and easy to make, but it also tastes amazing!

Campbell’s French Onion Made with Beef Stock Condensed Soup

Making a copycat version of Campbell’s French onion soup from scratch is also made using beef stock. Beef stock is the base of the soup along with your onions. Combine these two ingredients with a few more things such as seasonings, flour, and a few additional ingredients to make a delicious soup. 

Speedy French Onion Soup

Surprisingly, French onion soup is a very speedy soup to make from scratch. The entire process of making the soup can typically be done in less than 30 minutes. Please note that the time may vary depending on your specific oven and burner temperatures. However, this is a good rule of thumb for time. Not only is it quick and easy to prepare, but it is also a delicious soup for any occasion.

Homemade Campbells French Onion Soup

Now that your appetite is set for the tasty and delicious copycat Campbell’s French onion soup, let’s take a look at what ingredients you will need to make it. We will also look at an overview of how to go about preparing the soup.

Preparation

The process of making this soup is quite easy. However, before you begin, it is important to check all of your ingredients to be sure you have everything that is needed. 

Ingredients You Will Need

Butter
Onion
Bay leaf
Thyme
All-purpose flour
Red wine
Balsamic vinegar
Beef broth
Salt
Pepper
Baguette sliced
Shredded cheese

Ingredient Variations

Bay Leaf. While Campbell’s recipe calls for a dried bay leaf to be used, I have made this recipe with fresh bay leaves and it has also worked well. 

Thyme. Campbell’s recipe also calls for fresh thyme leaves to be used. I have used the same amount of dried thyme and have had good results. 

All-purpose flour. Regular all-purpose flour is used in this recipe. However, if you have any dietary needs, all-purpose flour may be swapped out for other types of flour, including gluten-free all-purpose flour. 

Red wine. Most French onion soup recipes call for red wine. The red wine is poured into the onions and then cooked off. While red wine is the best kind to use, you can also use other kinds if you do not have red. 

Balsamic vinegar. Balsamic vinegar is the best type of vinegar to use when making French onion soup. However, if you do not have access to balsamic vinegar, you can also substitute this for regular vinegar, or even apple cider vinegar. 

How To Make

There are four main steps to making this copycat recipe for Campbell’s French onion soup from scratch. Then after the four steps are completed, you may want to allow it to simmer for a bit, however, this is optional.

Begin by placing your butter into the bottom of your pot, over medium-low heat, and let the butter melt. Next, add sliced onions to the mix and two bay leaves. Cook over medium-low heat, allow the onions to sauté, and become slightly golden in color.

When the onions are sauteed, add thyme and sprinkle on all-purpose flour. Stir so that the flour is coating all the onions. 

Next, add your red wine and balsamic vinegar and cook stirring occasionally, until your wine has cooked off all the way. 

Finally, add your beef broth, stir to combine. Once your broth is added, you can allow it to simmer, or serve right away. 

Campbells French Onions soup top down

Storage

You can store any leftover French onion soup in an airtight container in the fridge for three to four days. You may also store any leftover French onion soup for a longer amount of time by placing it into an airtight container in the freezer. Please note that by freezing the soup your onions may slightly change consistency. However, it will still be okay to eat it. For best results, store in the fridge, and eat within 3 to 4 days after preparing the soup. 

Serving Ideas

French onion soup is traditionally served in small bowls and topped with slices of baguette then finished with shredded cheese. It is then boiled for a few minutes so that the cheese melts and starts to turn a golden-brown color. Once the cheese is melted, the soup is served immediately.

French Onion Soup Recipes

Ingredients

¼ cup butter
3 large onions, sliced thin
2 bay leaves
½ tsp thyme
2 Tbsp all-purpose flour
½ cup red wine
1 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
32 oz beef broth
½ tsp black pepper
French baguette, cut into slices
Shredded cheese, gruyere or mozzarella work well. 

Instructions

Step 1

In a large soup pot, add your butter and allow it to melt over medium-low heat. Next, add the thinly sliced onions and bay leaves. Sauté over medium-low heat until onions begin to turn a golden-brown color.

Step 2

When onions are sautéed, sprinkle thyme into the pot, then sprinkle all-purpose flour over the onions. Stir until the onions are completely coated in flour. Continue cooking for about three minutes.

Step 3

Next, add red wine and balsamic vinegar to the pot. Cook over medium-low heat until the wine has completely evaporated, stirring occasionally. 

Step 4

When the wine has completely evaporated, add your beef broth to the pot. Stir so that everything is mixed. Allow the soup to simmer while covered on low heat until shortly before you are ready to serve.

Step 5

Right before you’re ready to serve, dish the soup into your serving dishes. Add slices of baguette to the top of your soup, then sprinkle shredded cheese on top. Place it into the oven on a low broil. Broil for about five minutes, or until the cheese has turned a golden brown and has melted. Please note that the amount of time on broil may vary depending upon your specific oven. Be sure to keep a close eye on it so that your soup does not burn.

Recipe Tips

There are three main steps involved with making the soup recipe that I have found helpful. Please see the below for details.

Tip #1

Be sure that when you are sautéing your onions, they are cooked completely. This is a crucial step in making sure that your soup turns out to perfection.

Tip #2

When adding the flour to your soup, make sure to sprinkle it throughout the top of the onions, then stir so that it is combined. It is crucial to sprinkle the flour across the top of the onions so that it does not clump.

Tip #3

The last crucial tip when making French onion soup is to be sure that your wine cooks off completely before moving forward. You will know when the wine has cooked off because you will no longer see it in your soup pot. If there is any trace remaining, continue cooking your onions.

Campbells French Onions soup 2

Nutrition Facts & Ingredients

We are now going to turn our attention to the nutritional facts and ingredients. This also includes the allergies and dietary needs that might be associated with the ingredients in the soup. To begin let’s look at the nutritional facts.

Features and Benefits

The nutritional facts for this recipe are based on the assumption that the above recipe contains a total of four servings. Based on this assumption, we have estimated that one serving contained 223 cal. We have also estimated that one serving contains 13 g total fat, 31 mg cholesterol, 809 mg sodium, 15.4 g total carbohydrates, and 6.4 g protein.

Allergens

If you are allergic to dairy products or gluten, you’ll want to substitute accordingly for this recipe. The above-suggested recipe contains both dairy and gluten products.

Warnings

If the above recipe is followed exactly, it contains dairy products and gluten products. Please be aware of these items as you prepare the soup. Please substitute as necessary if you have dietary requirements that dictate you avoid these products.

Disclaimer

As always, please be sure to check the packaging of your ingredients to be sure that all dietary restrictions you may have are being met. Please substitute ingredients as necessary to meet your allergy needs.

Dietary Needs

For dairy and gluten allergies, please be sure to substitute out the butter and flour called for in this recipe. Please substitute these ingredients with variants of these that meet your allergy needs.

Campbell’s Chef Kettle French Onion Soup

Campbell’s French onion soup is an easy recipe to make from scratch and tastes delicious. When this recipe is followed step-by-step as instructed above, it is hard to go wrong with this delicious soup recipe.

Campbell’s French Onion Soup

Making Campbell’s French onion soup from scratch is very easy, and you are rewarded with a delicious and tasty soup. Give this easy recipe a try today and let us know what you think about it!

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Faith
Faith Has been cooking and baking for many years! she loves to share her recipes with the world, and hopes you will enjoy them too!

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