Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This chowder takes the deep, sweet flavor of slow-caramelized onions and transforms it into a creamy, filling meal. It’s richer and heartier than traditional onion soup thanks to the addition of potatoes and cream.

The combination of golden onions, savory broth, and melted cheese creates layers of flavor and texture. It’s perfect for chilly evenings or when you’re craving something warm and comforting.

Best of all, it’s made with simple pantry staples and doesn’t require complicated techniques—just a bit of patience while the onions caramelize.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

yellow onions, thinly sliced
unsalted butter
olive oil
garlic, minced
all-purpose flour
beef broth or chicken broth
russet potatoes, peeled and diced
heavy cream
fresh thyme
salt
black pepper
baguette slices
Gruyère or Swiss cheese, shredded

Directions

In a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook slowly, stirring occasionally, for 30 to 40 minutes until deeply golden and caramelized.

Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Sprinkle the flour over the onions and stir well to coat. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.

Gradually pour in the broth while stirring to prevent lumps. Add the diced potatoes and fresh thyme. Bring the mixture to a simmer.

Cook for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.

Stir in the heavy cream and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes.

Meanwhile, toast the baguette slices until golden. Ladle the chowder into oven-safe bowls, top with toasted bread and shredded cheese, and place under the broiler until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Serve hot.

Servings and timing

Servings: 6 bowls

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 55 to 65 minutes
Total time: About 1 hour and 15 minutes

Variations

Use sweet onions for a milder flavor profile.

Substitute vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.

Blend a portion of the soup for a smoother, thicker texture.

Use a mix of cheeses such as mozzarella and Parmesan for a different flavor combination.

Storage/Reheating

Store the chowder without the bread and cheese topping in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth or cream if it has thickened too much.

To freeze, allow the chowder to cool completely and store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Add fresh toppings after reheating for best results.

FAQs

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, the flavors deepen as it sits, making it even better the next day.

How do I properly caramelize onions?

Cook them slowly over medium to medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until they turn deep golden brown. Avoid rushing the process.

Can I skip the cream?

Yes, but the soup will be less rich and creamy. You can substitute half-and-half if preferred.

What potatoes work best?

Russet potatoes are ideal because they soften nicely and help thicken the chowder.

Can I make it gluten-free?

Yes, use a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch as a thickener and serve with gluten-free bread.

What’s the best cheese for topping?

Gruyère melts beautifully and provides classic flavor, but Swiss or mozzarella also work well.

Do I need oven-safe bowls?

If you don’t have oven-safe bowls, you can broil the bread and cheese separately and place it on top before serving.

Can I use red onions?

Yes, though the flavor will be slightly sweeter and milder.

How do I prevent lumps when adding flour?

Stir continuously when adding the broth and ensure the flour is fully incorporated before adding liquid.

Is this chowder very thick?

It’s thicker than traditional onion soup but still spoonable. You can adjust consistency by adding more broth.

Conclusion

French Onion Chowder is a rich, cozy dish that transforms classic caramelized onion flavor into a creamy, satisfying meal. With tender potatoes, savory broth, and melted cheese topping, it’s perfect for cold days or whenever you want a comforting bowl of homemade goodness. Simple ingredients and deep flavor make this chowder a recipe worth returning to again and again.

---