Cream of Onion Soup

Cream of onion soup is a rich, creamy dish that highlights the natural sweetness of onions. When cooked slowly, onions caramelize beautifully, developing a deep, delicate flavor that defines this soup.

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Why Make It: Onion soup is a slow-simmering, one pot soup that goes from the stovetop to the tabletop in minutes!
Skill Level: This is an easy made-from-scratch soup recipe that every home cook needs in their cookbook.
Technique: Unlike a traditional French Onion soup, the caramelized onions and celery are pureed for a rich and creamy soup that’s perfect for dipping crusty bread.
Serving Suggestion: Keep it warm in a Crockpot and let everyone help themselves. Set out bowls of shredded cheese and some homemade croutons.

Ingredient Notes

Onions: This recipe is best with sweet onions like Walla Wallas, Vidalias, or a combination of the two, but regular onions will work just fine too.
Soup Base: Broth and heavy creams make the perfect base. Any type of broth or stock will do; simply adjust the seasonings.
Add-Ins:
- Onion soup is ideal for adding in leftover baked ham (or honey ham)!
- Or for a heartier vegetable-style soup, stir in or puree roasted veggies like carrots or potatoes.
- Make it cheesy by removing the soup from the heat, then stirring in Swiss or cheddar a handful at a time so it melts smoothly.

onions and celery in a pot to make Cream of Onion Soup

adding flour to pot to make Cream of Onion Soup

How to Make Cream of Onion Soup

Caramelize the onions and celery in a large pot.
Add flour & thyme (full recipe below).
Stir in the remaining ingredients & bring to a boil, then simmer.
Puree soup. Season & serve.

Serve It With…

Crispy Fried Onions

Homemade Croutons (with Parmesan)

Homemade Garlic Bread

The Best Cheesy Breadsticks (Pizza Dough)

Beet & Arugula Salad

Old Fashioned Three Bean Salad

Brussels Sprout Salad

For Perfect Onions: Slice the onions evenly so they soften at the same pace.
For Sweet and Tender Onions: Cook the onions over medium heat until soft and translucent, not browned, for the mellowest flavor.
For Smooth Soup: Add the broth a little at a time at first. Blend thoroughly before adding the cream.
For the Best Flavor: Taste after the cream goes in since dairy softens the seasoning. It often needs another pinch of salt.

Storing, Freezing, and Reheating

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and in the freezer for up to 4 weeks. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat. Avoid a hard boil after the cream is added so the texture stays smooth.

Cozy Soup Night Favorites

Did you enjoy the Cream of Onion Soup? Leave a comment and rating below.

image of Everyday Comfort cookbook by Holly Nilsson of Spend With Pennies plus text

4.98 from 35 votes

Author Holly Nilsson

Cream of Onion Soup

Author Holly Nilsson

Servings 4 servings

This cream of onion soup is silky, savory, and made with sweet onions, celery, broth, and cream for a cozy bowl that feels simple and special.

Save Rate Print

Servings 4 servings

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 25

Total Time 40

Equipment

Ingredients

▢ ⅓ cup butter
▢ 1 pound sweet onions cut into ¼" slices
▢ 3 ribs celery finely chopped
▢ ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
▢ ¼ teaspoon dried thyme leaves or 1 sprig fresh thyme
▢ 3 cups chicken broth
▢ ¾ cup heavy whipping cream
▢ salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add onions and celery and cook until tender and translucent, about 5 to 7 minutes.
Stir in flour and thyme, cook 1 minute more.
Stir in broth, a bit at a time, stirring until smooth after each addition.
Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer and cook uncovered 8 to 10 minutes or until vegetables are very soft.
Blend soup with a hand blender, add in cream and simmer 5 minutes more. Season with salt & pepper to taste.
Garnish with parsley if desired and serve.

Notes

1 cup of sharp cheddar or swiss can be added to the soup before serving if desired.

Leftover soup can be stored in a covered container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Freeze cooled soup in a zippered bag for up to 4 weeks. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.

4.98 from 35 votes

Nutrition Information

Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.

Course Dinner, Lunch, Soup

Cuisine American

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