Panera French Onion Soup Copycat Recipe

This Panera French Onion Soup Copycat Recipe brings the soul-warming comfort of restaurant-style soup right into your own kitchen. With golden, caramelized onions, savory broth, a kiss of tomato, and a bubbling crown of cheese and croutons, every spoonful is pure magic. It’s the perfect bowl when you’re craving something cozy, yet easy enough to whip up for a weeknight treat or impress guests at your next dinner party. Now, you can enjoy all the nostalgic, cheesy goodness that makes Panera’s version a classic—only fresher, richer, and even more satisfying at home!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Panera French Onion Soup Copycat Recipe is carefully chosen to balance out savory, sweet, and umami flavors, while lending that unmistakable color and texture we all love. Don’t skip anything—each item plays a deliciously important part in this symphony of flavor!

• Unsalted butter: Using butter instead of oil helps deeply caramelize the onions for rich complexity and a velvety mouthfeel.
• Sweet onions: Grab Vidalia or yellow onions, which bring just the right amount of natural sweetness and become lusciously tender with time.
• Salt: Essential for drawing out liquid from the onions during caramelization and heightening every other flavor in the pot.
• Black pepper: Adds a subtle heat and rounds out the soup’s savory depth.
• Dried thyme: This herb infuses earthiness and warm aroma, perfectly complementing the onion’s sweetness.
• Granulated garlic powder: Enhances the savory character of the broth without overpowering the onions.
• All-purpose flour: Just enough to lightly thicken the soup and give it that comforting body you expect.
• Condensed tomato soup: A secret ingredient that mimics Panera’s balance of tang and richness, lending subtle tomato depth and a gorgeous hue.
• Chicken stock or beef stock: Either works beautifully, bringing a gentle backbone of flavor to carry all the other ingredients (use beef stock for a heartier base).
• Croutons: Skip baking your own—store-bought work fine and save time, turning irresistibly crisp and chewy under the cheese.
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into a stretchy, bubbly blanket that’s pure bliss with every bite.

How to Make Panera French Onion Soup Copycat Recipe

Step 1: Caramelize the Onions

Melt butter in a Dutch oven or deep heavy-bottomed pot set to medium heat. Add your sliced sweet onions, salt, black pepper, thyme, and garlic powder. It’s important to stir frequently—every few minutes—to keep those sugars from burning on the bottom. Give the onions at least 20 minutes to soften, deepen in color, and develop that signature golden sweetness—this is where all the magic happens, so don’t rush it! Caramelized onions are the heart and soul of every good Panera French Onion Soup Copycat Recipe.

Step 2: Add the Flour

Sprinkle all-purpose flour over your deeply golden onions. Cooking and stirring the flour for a minute or two helps thicken your soup ever so slightly and takes away any raw flour taste. It’ll bind the flavors together, creating a luxurious texture when you add the broth later.

Step 3: Stir in Condensed Tomato Soup

Add the condensed tomato soup right into the pot, stirring until all those glossy onions are evenly coated. The tomato brings just enough brightness and a beautiful reddish color, making this Panera French Onion Soup Copycat Recipe truly special and that much closer to the original!

Step 4: Add the Stock

Pour in your chicken or beef stock, whisking gently until everything is combined into a savory, slightly thickened soup. Let it bubble gently for about 5 to 10 minutes—just enough time for the flavors to marry and the broth to turn silky and aromatic. Have a taste and adjust the salt and pepper to your liking—this soup loves a little extra seasoning!

Step 5: Assemble and Serve

Ladle your steaming soup into bowls and finish each with a generous handful of croutons. Top with as much shredded mozzarella cheese as your heart desires (and don’t be shy!). If you’d like, pop the bowls under your broiler for a minute or two, just until the cheese gets bubbly and golden. Now, you have a perfect bowlful of Panera French Onion Soup Copycat Recipe ready to savor in the comfort of your own home!

How to Serve Panera French Onion Soup Copycat Recipe

Garnishes

This soup is all about the finishing touches! Scatter extra croutons and an extra pinch of thyme or black pepper right on top just before serving. For true restaurant flair, add a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan or a drizzle of good olive oil right before serving—little details make every bowl a feast for the senses.

Side Dishes

Pair your Panera French Onion Soup Copycat Recipe with slices of crusty baguette, a light green salad, or a roasted vegetable medley for a complete meal. If you’re looking for extra comfort, consider a grilled cheese sandwich—the gooier, the better! These simple additions make it feel just like dining in a cozy cafe.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings, set out mini oven-safe bowls or mugs and let guests do their own toppings buffet: croutons, several types of shredded cheese (think Gruyère, Swiss, Parmesan), even a sprinkle of fresh herbs. A sprinkle of chopped chives or parsley adds color and a pop of freshness. Sharing your Panera French Onion Soup Copycat Recipe this way makes every meal special and interactive!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover soup keeps beautifully in the fridge for 3 to 4 days if stored in an airtight container (just keep the croutons and cheese separate so they don’t get soggy). The flavors deepen and become even more delicious by the next day—a delight you won’t want to miss!

Freezing

If you end up with extra, the soup base freezes very well! Ladle cooled soup (minus the croutons and cheese) into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Defrost in the refrigerator overnight for best results. For individual portions, try freezing in smaller containers for grab-and-go lunch options.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium until just simmering, stirring occasionally. If the soup has thickened too much, splash in a little stock or water to reach your desired consistency. Add fresh croutons and cheese at the very end before serving—this way, you keep that irresistible crunch and melt!

FAQs

What makes the Panera French Onion Soup Copycat Recipe different from traditional French onion soup?

This copycat recipe gets its signature flavor in part from condensed tomato soup, which adds a slight tang and body you’ll recognize from Panera’s version. The addition of mozzarella (instead of Gruyère) and convenient croutons makes it especially approachable and family-friendly.

Can I use beef stock instead of chicken stock?

Absolutely! Beef stock lends a deeper, more robust flavor, making your soup even richer. Chicken stock gives a lighter, cleaner taste—both are delicious, so use whichever matches your mood or what you have on hand.

Can I make this Panera French Onion Soup Copycat Recipe vegetarian?

You sure can! Just use vegetable stock instead of chicken or beef, and check the ingredients on your tomato soup to make sure it’s vegetarian. You’ll still get all that mellow, sweet onion flavor and cheesy goodness.

What’s the best way to get onions perfectly caramelized?

Patience is key! Slice onions thinly and keep your heat at medium, stirring often to avoid burning. The longer you cook them (and resist the urge to rush), the more golden, sweet, and complex they become. Don’t skip this step—it’s what makes the Panera French Onion Soup Copycat Recipe taste so fabulous.

Can I use a different cheese for topping?

Definitely! If you prefer, try Gruyère, Swiss, provolone, or even a sharp white cheddar for a more traditional or intense cheesy crust. Mozzarella melts smooth and creamy, but mixing cheeses is always welcome for an extra layer of flavor.

Final Thoughts

There’s truly nothing like a steaming bowl of Panera French Onion Soup Copycat Recipe to make you feel cozy and cared for, no matter how busy life gets. If you’ve been craving that savory, cheesy bakery-cafe classic, this homemade version will absolutely hit the spot. Share it with friends, loved ones, or savor every spoonful yourself—either way, I hope it earns a spot as your new kitchen favorite!

Print