What can I use instead of wine in French onion soup?

If you prefer not to use Wine, you can substitute 3 Tablespoons white wine vinegar + chicken or beef broth to make 3/4 cup.

Why is there wine in French onion soup?

A fruity, tart, dry white wine is a classic choice that will add a lighter, more delicate balance to the otherwise strong flavors of onions, beef broth, and cheese. Red wine has a robust, sophisticated profile that will offset the strength of the other ingredients and add yet another layer of intensity.

What is a substitute for vermouth in French onion soup?

You can substitute sweet vermouth with sherry (not sherry cooking wine) or brandy. Lillet Blanc is similar to dry white wine but more aromatic. Your favorite dry white wine is fine.

Is French onion soup for the poor?

The story behind this famous soup In ancient times, Romans saw it as a dish for the poor. This is due to the fact that onion cultivation was accessible to all, especially to peasants.

What is a good substitute for wine in soup?

The Best Cooking Wine Substitutes Alcohol-free red wine. Beef broth. Chicken broth. Red wine vinegar (use ½ vinegar and ½ water for similar flavor results) Cranberry juice* Pomegranate juice* Aug 8, 2023

What do you replace wine with in a recipe?

Due to its similar function in cooking, stock is an excellent non-alcoholic substitute for wine. Since beef broth has a deeper color and flavor, it works best as a replacement for red wine. On the other hand, chicken and vegetable broths are better replacements for white wine.

French Onion Soup without Wine - My Gorgeous Recipes (2024)

Published: Mar 9, 2021 · Modified: Jan 24, 2023 by Daniela Apostol · This post may contain affiliate links · 7 Comments

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French Onion Soup without Wine, absolutely delicious, with little prep and big on flavours. I might not have any alcohol in it, but the taste is definitely not compromised at all. The perfect comfort food for all ages, this soup works wonders in the cold season and not only.

French Onion Soup without Wine - My Gorgeous Recipes (1)

The first time I made this soup, I got mixed reviews from my daughters. While the older one said it was the best soup ever and begged me to make it again and again, the little one said it was a little bit horrible, but not too horrible. Small kids hey!

So, I had to make it again to see if the feedback was any different. The older one still loved in, while the little one seemed to like it a bit more. So, yeah, a success! Don't you love when you cook something new and everybody likes it?!

The French onion soup was on my to-make list for a long time. But somehow never got to make it before. I had to tweak it, of course, to leave the booze out. Not that I mind alcohol in my dishes, but I see it as a massive waste given that the wine would not be drunk after. So, no alcohol in my version of the classic soup recipe.

Onion soup might not sound too appealing to some people - it didn't for me-, but it's surprisingly flavourful and soothing. The key to making the best onion soup is caramelising the onions on a low heat until golden brown - but obviously not burnt!

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Ingredients needed
Step-by-step photos and instructions to make French onion soup without wine
Expert tips
What to serve with onion soup
Other soup recipes
French Onion Soup without Wine

Ingredients needed

French Onion Soup without Wine - My Gorgeous Recipes (2)

onions - I used yellow onions, red also ok
garlic - it adds a nice touch to the soup
beef stock/broth - chicken stock also ok
flour - plain flour works best here
butter - it can be salted or unsalted
olive oil - it stops the butter from burning
sugar - it helps caramelized the onions
salt & black pepper
baguette bread - or any other bread of your choice
cheese

Step-by-step photos and instructions to make French onion soup without wine

If peeling and chopping onions sounds like a boring (and teary job), I am afraid it really is (I used my daughters' swimming goggles to avoid crying my eyes out, and it worked - yaay!).

start by peeling the onions, then slice them thinly
heat up the butter and olive oil in a large pan, add the onions, sprinkle the salt and sugar, and place the lid on

French Onion Soup without Wine - My Gorgeous Recipes (3)

leave to cook for 20 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onions are golden
add the chopped garlic, and leave to cook without a lid until caramelised and a deep golden brown colour

NOTE! The onions should be really soft at this stage. Make sure you don't burn them, stirring helps a lot especially towards the end of the cooking.

mix in the flour, then pour over the beef broth/stock
cover and simmer again for a further 15-20 minutes
check for seasoning, and remove from the heat

French Onion Soup without Wine - My Gorgeous Recipes (4)

Expert tips

Make sure the onions are not cooked on a high heat, otherwise they will brown and burn quickly, without them actually being proper soft.

A low heat, although it takes longer, ensures that the onions get a lovely caramelized touch which enhances the deep flavours of this soup.

What to serve with onion soup

The classic recipe wouldn't be what it is without some golden slices of cheesy baguette. It's like the perfect match that couldn't possibly work without one another.

You could, of course, just have the soup with any bread, but I find that the baguette really is the best. Either have it on its own, or top with grated cheese and grill/ bake until the cheese has melted.

Other soup recipes

Chunky Leek and Potato Soup

Creamy Leek and Potato Soup with Bacon

Cream of Garlic Soup

Red Lentil and Chorizo Soup

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