French Onion Cabbage Soup with Gruyère
This is everything you love about French onion soup — but with a nourishing twist. Sweet onions and tender cabbage are caramelized to deep, rich perfection, then simmered in savory broth and topped with golden, cheesy bread. Comfort in every spoonful.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 40 mins
- Total Time: 1 hr
Ingredients
12 tbsp vegetable oil, divided
2 small heads green cabbage, cored and thinly sliced (about 32 cups), divided
2 large sweet onions, thinly sliced (about 6 cups), divided
6 tbsp cider vinegar, divided
15 cups unsalted vegetable broth
2 tsp reduced-sodium soy sauce
2 tsp chopped fresh thyme (plus more for garnish)
2 tsp ground pepper (plus more for garnish)
½ tsp salt
10 cups cubed whole-wheat baguette (½-inch pieces)
1½ cups shredded Gruyère cheese
Instructions
Caramelize the cabbage and onions: In two large skillets or in batches, heat half the oil over medium. Add half the cabbage and onions to each skillet. Cook for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and golden.
Deglaze: Add 3 tbsp cider vinegar to each skillet. Stir and scrape any browned bits. Cook 2–3 more minutes.
Combine and simmer: Transfer all caramelized cabbage and onions to a large stockpot. Add broth, soy sauce, thyme, pepper, and salt. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15–20 minutes to blend flavors.
Toast the bread: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread baguette cubes on a baking sheet and toast for 8–10 minutes until crisp and golden.
Serve: Ladle hot soup into bowls. Top with toasted baguette and sprinkle generously with Gruyère. Garnish with extra thyme and pepper if desired.
Nutrition
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 8g
- Fat: 24g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 12g