French onion soup is a classic French dish that is beloved for its deep, savory flavor. It’s made by slowly caramelizing onions in butter and olive oil for a long period of time to develop complex flavors, then adding broth, wine, and croutons to create the quintessential soup. While French onion soup is best when freshly made, plenty of people have leftovers after preparing a batch. So can you safely eat leftover French onion soup?
How long does French onion soup last in the fridge?
Properly stored, homemade French onion soup will last 3 to 5 days in the refrigerator. To maximize freshness and shelf life, transfer the soup to an airtight container and store it towards the back of the fridge where temperatures are coldest. Make sure the soup is cooled to room temperature before refrigerating. The onions, broth, wine, and melted cheese in French onion soup can go bad after a while in the fridge.
Here are some signs your leftover soup has gone bad and needs to be tossed:
- Mold is growing on the surface
- The soup smells sour or unpleasant
- The color has changed dramatically
- You see bubbles or foam on the surface
- The texture is thick and gloopy
As long as none of those changes have happened, your French onion soup should be fine to eat for 3 to 5 days when refrigerated.
Can you freeze French onion soup?
Yes, French onion soup freezes well for longer term storage. To freeze, allow the soup to cool completely then transfer to freezer bags or airtight containers, leaving about 1 inch of headspace to allow for expansion. Flatten bags to remove excess air. Well-wrapped soup can be frozen for 2 to 3 months before quality starts to decline.
To thaw frozen soup, transfer it to the fridge overnight. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave until heated through, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth or water if the soup seems too thick after reheating.
How to reheat leftover French onion soup
The best ways to reheat leftover French onion soup are:
- On the stovetop over medium-low heat. Heat gently, stirring occasionally, until hot. Add broth or water to thin out if needed.
- In the microwave. Heat in 30 second intervals, stirring between each, until hot. Watch carefully to prevent boiling over.
- In the oven. Transfer soup to oven-safe bowls and bake at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until hot.
Avoid reheating the soup repeatedly, as this can impact the flavor and make it taste dull or bitter. Only reheat the amount you plan to consume. For best results, reheat individual portions rather than the whole pot.
Can you reheat French onion soup with croutons?
It’s best not to reheat French onion soup with the croutons inside. The croutons will become soggy and unappealing if they sit in the broth too long. Instead, store the croutons separately and add them just before serving.
To reheat:
- Reheat the soup base gently on the stovetop or microwave.
- While soup heats, toast fresh croutons until crispy and golden brown.
- Ladle hot soup into oven-safe bowls and top with cheese.
- Broil for 2-3 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from oven, top with croutons, and serve immediately.
Can you add more broth when reheating?
Yes, adding a bit of broth when reheating leftover French onion soup can help thin it out and restore moisture lost through refrigeration. Good options include:
- Beef broth or stock
- Chicken broth or stock
- Vegetable broth or stock
- Water
Start with just a splash or two and continue adding more until the soup reaches your desired consistency. Stir well to incorporate. Avoid adding too much extra liquid at once, as this can dilute the onion flavor.
Storage Tips for Leftover French Onion Soup
Here are some top tips for storing leftover French onion soup:
- Let soup cool completely before storing. Transfer to airtight containers or resealable bags.
- Store soup towards the back of the fridge where temperatures are coldest.
- Only reheat the portion you plan to eat. Don’t keep reheating the full pot.
- Consume within 3 to 5 days for best quality and food safety.
- Freeze for longer storage. Soup keeps well frozen for 2 to 3 months.
- Label containers with date and contents before freezing.
- Don’t freeze any soup that already has croutons in it.
Conclusion
Leftover French onion soup keeps well for 3 to 5 days when properly stored and can be safely reheated and enjoyed during that window. Freezing also allows the soup to be kept for months while maintaining quality. Take care not to reheat the soup too many times, as this can negatively impact the taste. With proper storage and reheating, leftover French onion soup can be just as delicious as the original batch.
| Storage Method | Shelf Life |
|---|---|
| Refrigeration | 3-5 days |
| Freezer | 2-3 months |
FAQs about Leftover French Onion Soup
Can you reheat French onion soup in the microwave?
Yes, you can reheat leftover French onion soup in the microwave. Heat it in 30 second intervals, stirring between each, until hot throughout. Watch carefully to prevent boiling over. Microwave reheating can thin out the texture, so add a splash of broth or water if needed.
Should French onion soup be refrigerated right away?
Yes, French onion soup should be refrigerated as soon as possible after cooking. Allow the soup to cool to room temperature first, then transfer to airtight containers or resealable bags. Refrigerate within 1-2 hours of cooking for best food safety and quality.
How do you store soup with croutons on top?
It’s best not to store French onion soup with the croutons inside the liquid. The croutons will become undesirably soggy. Store the cooked soup base and croutons separately in the fridge. Add fresh croutons when reheating individual portions.
Can you freeze French onion soup with cheese on top?
No, French onion soup should be frozen without the cheese topping. The cheese won’t hold up well through freezing and thawing. Prepare the soup base, cool, and freeze on its own. Add shredded cheese on top after thawing and reheating the soup.
Is it better to reheat French onion soup on the stove or in the oven?
The stovetop and oven are both good options for reheating French onion soup. Stovetop allows you to reheat smaller portions more quickly and evenly. Oven-heating in broil-safe bowls makes it easy to melt cheese on top.
Nutrition Facts for French Onion Soup
Here is the nutrition information for 1 cup (240g) of traditional French onion soup:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 171 |
| Fat | 10g |
| Carbohydrates | 13g |
| Protein | 5g |
| Sodium | 817mg |
French onion soup provides a range of important vitamins and minerals, including:
- Vitamin A – 18% DV
- Vitamin C – 6% DV
- Calcium – 6% DV
- Iron – 10% DV
The high sodium content comes mostly from the broth, cheese, and added salt. Those with dietary restrictions should take the sodium level into account.
Tips for Making French Onion Soup from Scratch
Making homemade French onion soup is easy with these tips:
- Slowly caramelize the onions over low heat for maximum flavor.
- Use a mix of yellow and red onions for depth.
- Add a dash of sugar when cooking onions to enhance browning.
- Deglaze the pan with sherry or white wine after caramelizing.
- Simmer the soup with a combo of beef and chicken broth.
- Toast or double-toast the bread slices before adding.
- Top with Gruyère, Swiss, or Provolone cheese.
- Broil at the end to melt and slightly brown the cheese.
With deep, caramelized onions as the base, homemade French onion soup is truly exceptional. The aroma as it cooks is impossible to resist!
Common Questions about French Onion Soup
What type of onions are best?
A combination of yellow and red onions provides the best flavor for French onion soup. Sweet yellow onions become caramelized and mellow. Red onions add vibrant color and a slight tang.
What broth is best?
A 50/50 mix of beef broth and chicken broth gives French onion soup the richest flavor. Vegetable or mushroom broth can be subbed for vegetarian versions.
What bread should be used?
Traditional French onion soup uses a French bread like a baguette. Sourdough and ciabatta also work well. The bread should be toasted or double toasted first.
What cheese is traditionally used?
Gruyère cheese is the classic choice, but a mix of Gruyère and Swiss or Provolone can also be amazing. The cheese should be shredded or grated before topping.
Does the soup contain wine?
Dry sherry or dry white wine are usually added when cooking the onion base. The alcohol cooks off, leaving behind acidity and flavor.
Variations on Classic French Onion Soup
While traditional French onion soup is amazing, there are many delicious ways to put a spin on it:
- Caramelized Shallot Soup – Use entirely shallots instead of onions.
- Cheese and Beer Soup – Swap beer for the wine and use a bold cheese like gouda.
- Crockpot Onion Soup – Slow cook the onions on low for maximum sweetness.
- Broccoli Cheddar Soup – Blend soup with broccoli and cheddar for a creamy twist.
- Onion and Apple Soup – Saute apples with the onions for fruity depth.
- Bacon Onion Soup – Add crumbled bacon when cooking onions for a smoky layer.
Feel free to get creative with ingredients and spices! Just maintain the caramelized onion base.
Conclusion
Leftover French onion soup can absolutely be safely eaten for 3 to 5 days when properly stored in the fridge. Freezing also allows longer term storage without sacrificing too much quality. Be sure to let the soup cool before refrigerating or freezing, and don’t keep reheating the full pot- only reheat what you will consume. With proper handling, leftover French onion soup maintains both its delicious flavor and food safety. This classic soup was meant to be enjoyed for days!