When the craving for comfort food strikes but you’re committed to staying on track with your keto goals, this Keto French Onion Soup is the ultimate solution. It’s everything you love about the classic—deep, caramelized onions swimming in a rich, savory broth, topped with cheesy crust—minus the carb overload.
I first stumbled upon French onion soup years ago at a cozy bistro, and it quickly became my ultimate comfort food. But when I switched to a keto lifestyle, I assumed that this hearty, cheesy soup was off-limits. Subbing traditional bread for a low-carb alternative—was all it took to bring this dish back into my life.
The onions are slow-cooked to release their natural sweetness, filling your kitchen with an irresistible aroma, while the bubbling layer of Gruyère cheese adds a toasty, nutty richness. Plus, studies show that a keto diet can help with weight management and energy levels, making this dish a win-win.
You’re going to love every spoonful of this keto twist on a beloved classic.
What I Didn’t Expect About This Recipe?
- It’s comfort food that fits my goals: There’s nothing like cozying up with a bowl of soup that’s warm, cheesy, and keto-friendly.
- It’s surprisingly easy to make: With a few pantry staples and a little patience, you can recreate that bistro-quality flavor at home.
- It’s endlessly adaptable: I’ve swapped Gruyère for mozzarella, used bone broth for extra nutrients, and even added a dash of sherry for depth.
- It supports my keto lifestyle effortlessly: This recipe proves that staying on track doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor or satisfaction.
Keto French Onion Soup Recipe
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Ladle
- Chef’s knife
- Wooden spoon
- Cutting board
- Soup pot
Instructions
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add the onions and cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until they are soft and dark brown.
- Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute, then remove the skillet from heat.
- Deglaze the skillet by adding red wine or ½ cup broth.
- Simmer for 2 minutes while scraping up browned bits.
- Transfer the contents to a soup pot.
- Add the caramelized onions, thyme, bay leaf, and the remaining broth to the soup pot.
- Cover the pot and let the soup simmer gently for 20 minutes.
- Remove and discard the thyme sprigs and bay leaf.
- Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and top with a slice of chaffle or low-carb bread.
- Sprinkle ¼ cup of cheese over each bowl and place under the broiler until the cheese is melted, hot, and bubbly.
Notes
- Cook the onions slowly to achieve deep color and flavor; rushing this step may result in uneven cooking.
- Gruyere or Swiss cheese are traditional, but cheddar or mozzarella can also be used.
| Nutrition | Value |
| Calories | 316g |
| Carbohydrates | 14g |
| Fibre | 2g |
| Fat | 22g |
| Protein | 13g |
| Cholesterol | 60g |
Variations That Will Help You Customize Your Dish!
- Cheese Lovers’ Delight: Swap the traditional Gruyère for a mix of cheeses like cheddar, provolone, or Swiss for a more complex, cheesy topping.
- Herb-Infused Twist: Add fresh thyme, rosemary, or a bay leaf to the broth for an aromatic layer of flavor that complements the caramelized onions.
- Protein-Packed Boost: Toss in shredded chicken, slices of beef, or crumbled sausage to turn this soup into a heartier meal.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use a plant-based cheese alternative and coconut cream to recreate the creamy richness while keeping it dairy-free.
- Low-Carb Croutons: Top the soup with keto-friendly croutons made from almond flour bread or even crispy cheese chips for added texture.
