Silky creamy onion soup

Creamy onion soup is the gentler cousin of French onion soup - smooth, elegant, and wonderfully comforting. The onions are cooked until soft and sweet, then blended into a velvety puree that's finished with cream.

This soup is perfect as an elegant first course or a cozy weeknight dinner. The natural sweetness of the onions shines through, balanced by a hint of nutmeg and thyme.

Best Onions to Use

  • Vidalia: Super sweet, best choice
  • Walla Walla: Equally sweet
  • Yellow onions: More savory depth
  • Mixed: Complex flavor

Tips for Smoothness

  • Cook onions until very soft
  • Use a high-powered blender
  • Strain for extra silkiness
  • Add cream after blending

Serving Suggestions

  • Crispy shallots on top
  • Fresh thyme
  • Crusty bread
  • Elegant dinner party starter

Creamy Onion Soup

Silky smooth soup with sweet onions and cream.

Prep: 15 min
Cook: 30 min
Total: 45 min
Servings: 6

Nutrition per serving

225Calories
5gProtein
18gCarbs
15gFat
2gFiber
10gSugar

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Cook onions. Melt butter in a large pot over medium-low heat. Add onions and thyme. Cook 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until onions are very soft and lightly golden.
  2. Simmer. Add broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer 15 minutes.
  3. Blend. Remove thyme stems. Blend soup until completely smooth. For extra silkiness, strain through a fine-mesh sieve.
  4. Finish. Return to pot. Stir in cream and nutmeg. Heat gently. Season with salt and white pepper. Serve topped with crispy shallots if desired.

Recipe Notes

  • Lighter version: Use half-and-half instead of cream.
  • Vegan: Use olive oil and coconut cream.
  • Add depth: Include a splash of dry sherry.
  • Storage: Refrigerate 4 days. Freezes well without cream.