Name: French Onion Cabbage Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced; 3 cups green cabbage, shredded; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 6 cups vegetable broth; 2 tablespoons dry sherry (optional); Salt and black pepper, to taste; 4 slices crusty baguette; 1 cup grated Gruyère cheese

Hey y'all! If you’re craving something warm, hearty, and packed with flavor, this French Onion Cabbage Soup is about to become your new favorite comfort meal. With sweet caramelized onions, tender Cabbage, and a cheesy, savory topping, this soup is both cozy enough for chilly evenings and impressive enough to serve at a dinner party. Plus, it’s simple to make and oh-so-satisfying. Let’s get cooking!

Why You'll Love This French Onion Cabbage Soup

Rich, savory flavor with sweet caramelized onions and tender cabbage.
Hearty and filling—perfect as a meal or a starter.
Easy to make with everyday ingredients and minimal prep.
Versatile: suitable for vegetarians and easy to customize.
Freezes well for make-ahead meals or meal prep.

Ingredients

3 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
4 cups green cabbage, thinly sliced
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 teaspoon fresh)
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)
7 cups beef or vegetable broth
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 bay leaf
8 slices of crusty French bread or baguette
2 cups shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese
Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Directions

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 1 hour 5 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Step 1: Caramelize The Onions

In a large Dutch oven or soup pot, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions with a pinch of salt and cook, stirring frequently, for about 25-30 minutes until deeply golden and caramelized. Adjust the heat as necessary to avoid burning; low and slow is key!

Step 2: Add The Cabbage & Garlic

Add the cabbage and garlic to the caramelized onions. Sauté for another 8-10 minutes, until the cabbage wilts and starts to soften.

Step 3: Season & Deglaze

Sprinkle in the salt, black pepper, thyme, and flour (if using for added thickness). Stir well, then pour in the Worcestershire sauce, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.

Step 4: Simmer The Soup

Add the broth and bay leaf. Bring to a simmer, reduce heat, and allow to cook uncovered for about 20-25 minutes, until flavors meld and the cabbage is fully tender. Remove the bay leaf and taste for seasoning.

Step 5: Prepare The Cheesy Bread Topping

Preheat your oven broiler. Place bread slices on a baking sheet and toast under the broiler for 1-2 minutes per side until golden. Top each slice with Gruyère cheese, then return to the broiler until the cheese melts and bubbles (about 2-3 minutes).

Step 6: Serve & Enjoy

Ladle the hot soup into bowls, place a cheesy bread slice on top, and sprinkle with parsley if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy that irresistible cheesy, savory goodness!

Notes

For extra flavor, use a mix of sweet and yellow onions.
Stir the onions often while caramelizing to prevent sticking or burning.
Omit the flour if you prefer a thinner, brothier soup.

Variations

Vegan: Use olive oil, vegetable broth, and vegan cheese or omit the topping.
Low-Carb: Skip the bread and serve as is, or use keto-friendly bread.
Meaty: Sauté diced bacon or pancetta with the onions for added depth.

Required Equipment

Large Dutch oven or soup pot
Wooden spoon
Baking sheet
Knife and cutting board
Ladle

Storage Instructions

Leftover French Onion Cabbage Soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze the soup (without bread or cheese) for up to 2 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop before serving, and add fresh cheesy bread for best results.

Suggested Pairings & Serving Recommendations

Serve with a crisp green salad tossed in light vinaigrette.
Pair with a glass of dry white wine or apple cider.
Add a side of roasted root vegetables for extra comfort.

Pro Tips

Let the onions caramelize fully—this deepens the flavor, don’t rush this step!
Add a splash of dry sherry or white wine to the onions after caramelizing.
Toast extra bread for dipping—everyone will want more with the gooey cheese.

FAQ

Can I make French Onion Cabbage Soup ahead of time?: Absolutely! Prepare the soup in advance and store it without the cheesy bread. Just reheat and top with fresh bread and cheese when serving.
What kind of cheese works best?: Gruyère is classic, but Swiss or provolone also melt beautifully and add rich flavor.
Can I freeze the soup?: Yes, freeze the soup without the bread or cheese topping. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently on the stove.