How to Cook Costco French Onion Soup Easy Best Recipe

If you’re like me, then you are loving this time of year! Fall is my absolute favorite season! As the days get shorter and the air gets crisper, there’s nothing quite like the cozy embrace of comfort food to chase away the autumn chill. And when it comes to comfort food, one dish that immediately comes to mind is French Onion Soup. But not just any French Onion Soup – we’re talking about the hand-warming, oh-so-delicious Costco French Onion Soup. But you might be asking yourself: How to Cook Costco French Onion Soup?

Your local Costco has always been a treasure trove of delightful finds, and their French Onion Soup is no exception. But why not take things up a notch and enjoy this comforting classic from the comfort of your own kitchen? In this post, we’re going to explore all the fantastic ways you can enjoy Costco’s French Onion Soup at home and make it truly your own.

Plus, we’ll share our family’s favorite Classic French Onion soup recipe that we make at least once a month when the temperatures drop. Its rich, silky texture and gooey, cheesy crusted bread topping is guaranteed to melt you into your favorite easy chair! So, grab your favorite blanket and let us share how to cook Costco French Onion Soup!

Costco French Onion Soup Directions on Cooking:

Photo Credit: Cuisine Adventure Foods

Microwave Magic: Quick and Easy

First up, the microwave method. When time is of the essence, and you ask yourself how to cook Costco French onion soup, this is your go-to option. Grab your microwave-safe bowl, pour in that rich, oniony goodness, and zap it for 2-3 minutes on medium power. Stir in between to ensure even heating. This method is perfect when you’re in a hurry but still want to savor the flavors of fall.

Stovetop Simplicity: Classic and Reliable

For those who appreciate the slow and steady approach, the stovetop method is your best bet. Pour the soup into a saucepan, let it gently simmer over medium heat, and watch as your kitchen fills with the irresistible aroma of caramelized onions. This method allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a deeply comforting bowl of soup. Just remember to stir occasionally and keep an eye on it – we don’t want any burnt onions in our happy autumn tale.

Oven Charm: When You Want to Impress

Now, if you’re looking to up your French Onion Soup game and impress your friends or family, the conventional oven method is the way to go. Preheat your oven to 350°F, pour the soup into an oven-safe dish, and cover it with foil. Place the soup on a baking sheet on the middle rack in the oven.

Then let the oven work its magic for about 20-30 minutes. What emerges is a bubbling cauldron of flavor, ready to be adorned with a blanket of gooey, golden cheese. Pop it under the broiler for a minute or two to achieve that beautiful, melty perfection, and voilà, you’ve got a restaurant-quality bowl of goodness right at home!

Cooking Method	Time Required	Equipment Needed	Result
Microwave	2-3 minutes	Microwave	Quick and easy, evenly heated
Oven	20-25 minutes	Oven, Oven-safe bowl	Rich flavor, perfect for broiling cheese on top
Stovetop	10-15 minutes	Pot, Stove	Controlled heating, allows for adding ingredients

So, which method takes the crown when it comes to how to cook costco french onion soup?

It really depends on your mood and available time. The microwave is unbeatable for convenience, while the stovetop and oven methods allow the flavors to develop and intensify. But if we had to pick the ultimate winner for the best french onion soup with that authentic, deeply satisfying experience, it’s got to be the oven method. The slow, even heat and the melty cheese topping combine to create a French Onion Soup that’s nothing short of divine. Trust us; it’s worth the extra effort.

As fall rolls in, don’t deny yourself the simple pleasures of warming comfort food. Whether you choose the quick-and-easy microwave, the classic stovetop simmer, or the impressive oven method, homemade Costco French Onion Soup is sure to hit the spot. So grab a cozy blanket, snuggle up, and savor the flavors of fall – one comforting spoonful at a time.

Costco French Onion Soup Vs. Trader Joe’s French Onion Soup

Determining whether Trader Joe’s or Costco offers the “better” French Onion Soup can be subjective and depends on various factors, including personal taste and specific preferences. Both stores are known for offering quality products, but there are differences between their French Onion Soups that may influence your choice. Here are some factors to consider:

Trader Joe’s French Onion Soup:

1. Smaller Portion Sizes: Trader Joe’s French Onion Soup typically comes in smaller, individual-serving portions. This can be ideal if you’re looking for a quick and convenient meal for one person.
2. Ingredients: Trader Joe’s is known for using high-quality ingredients, and their French Onion Soup is no exception. It often contains traditional ingredients like onions, beef broth, and Swiss cheese.
3. Convenience: The smaller portion sizes make it convenient for reheating and enjoying as a quick snack or light meal.

Costco French Onion Soup:

1. Larger Quantities: Costco offers French Onion Soup in bulk, making it an excellent choice if you need to serve a larger group of people or if you want leftovers.
2. Ingredients: Costco’s French Onion Soup is known for its rich and hearty flavor. It typically includes generous portions of onions and Gruyere cheese, which many people find delicious.
3. Value for Money: Buying in bulk at Costco often provides a cost-effective option for those who plan to consume larger quantities of French Onion Soup.

Ultimately, the choice between Trader Joe’s and Costco’s French Onion Soup depends on your specific needs and preferences. We prefer Costco, but try them both for yourself and see which one you like best! It’s pretty hard to find a terrible French Onion soup!

DIY French Onion Soup:

Cooking a homemade French Onion Soup is like creating a warm and comforting masterpiece in your own kitchen: slowly caramelized onions, a touch of brown sugar for sweetness, and a splash of red wine for depth of flavor. As the soup simmers, the rich aroma fills the air, making you anticipate the delicious results. You’ll savor the umami notes from soy sauce and Worcestershire sauce, all while knowing that this recipe is flour-free, making it silky and rich without being dull and cloudy. Finally, the pièce de résistance – a golden blanket of Gruyere cheese, melted to perfection, crowns your bowl, ready to be savored with each spoonful. It’s a labor of love, but as the first spoonful touches your lips, you’ll realize that creating this homemade French Onion Soup is worth every minute of cooking time spent in the kitchen.

Our Family’s Favorite Classic French Onion Soup

This recipe rivals most restaurant versions and has become one of our favorite soups of the fall! 

Photo Credit: Dana Devolk

What You need

• 4 large onions, thinly sliced
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup red wine (choose a dry red wine)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 8 cups beef broth
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 4-6 slices of baguette or French bread
• 1 1/2 cups Gruyere cheese, grated
• Fresh thyme sprigs (optional, for garnish)

How to make it

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until they become soft and deeply caramelized. This can take about 30-40 minutes. Be patient; it’s worth it for that sweet onion flavor.
2. When the onions are nicely caramelized, add minced garlic and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
3. Sprinkle the brown sugar over the caramelized onions and stir to combine. Cook for another 5 minutes to allow the sugar to caramelize and deepen the flavor.
4. Pour in the red wine, soy sauce, and Worcestershire sauce, stirring to deglaze the pot. Allow the mixture to simmer for 5-7 minutes, letting the alcohol cook off and the flavors meld.
5. Add the beef broth to the pot. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 15-20 minutes to allow all the flavors to come together. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. While the soup simmers, preheat your oven’s broiler. Arrange the baguette or French bread slices on a baking sheet and toast them under the broiler until they become golden brown on both sides. Keep an eye on them, as they can brown quickly.
7. Ladle the hot soup into oven-safe bowls or crocks. Place a slice of toasted bread on top of each bowl and sprinkle a generous amount of grated Gruyere cheese over the bread.
8. Place the bowls under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese melts and is bubbly and golden brown.
9. Carefully remove the bowls from the oven (they will be hot), garnish with fresh thyme sprigs if desired, and serve your delicious homemade French Onion Soup immediately.

Frequently asked questions for french onion soup

Which cheese is the best for topping French Onion Soup?

French Onion Soup traditionally features a gooey and flavorful cheese topping that melts and forms a delicious crust over the soup. The choice of cheese can significantly impact the taste and texture of the soup. Here are some of the best cheeses to use on top of the soup for French Onion Soup and why they work well:

1. Gruyere: Gruyere is perhaps the most classic cheese for French Onion Soup. It has a nutty and slightly sweet flavor that complements the rich, savory broth of the soup. Gruyere also melts beautifully, forming a smooth, golden-brown crust that adds a delightful creaminess to each spoonful. At Kitchen Easy Life, we prefer Gruyere!
2. Swiss: Swiss cheese, such as Emmental or Jarlsberg, is another excellent choice. It has a mild, nutty flavor and melts well, creating a creamy and slightly stretchy cheese topping. Swiss cheese blends harmoniously with the flavors of the soup without overpowering them.
3. Parmesan: Parmesan cheese is known for its sharp and salty taste. While it’s not a traditional choice, a sprinkle of grated Parmesan can add a savory, salty kick to your French Onion Soup. You can use it alone or in combination with another melting cheese like Gruyere or Swiss.
4. Provolone: Provolone is a semi-soft cheese with a mild and tangy flavor. It melts smoothly and contributes a creamy texture to the soup. It can be used on its own or combined with other cheeses for a well-rounded flavor.
5. Fontina: Fontina cheese has a creamy, buttery texture and a slightly nutty taste. It melts beautifully and adds richness to the soup, making it a delightful choice if you prefer a creamier texture.
6. Mozzarella: Mozzarella cheese, especially fresh mozzarella or part-skim mozzarella, can be used to create a lighter and milder cheese topping. It melts well and adds a mild, stretchy, and gooey cheese layer to the soup.

Don’t forget the bread! Most people agree that a sliced, crusty French baguette is the only way to go!

Photo Credit: Anastasia Gezalova

Which oil or fat should I use?

In French Onion Soup, the choice of oil depends on your tastes and dietary needs. Here are some common options and why you might choose one over another:

Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is a popular choice for sautéing the onions in French Onion Soup. It imparts a mild, fruity flavor to the soup and is considered a healthier option due to its monounsaturated fats. However, it has a lower smoke point than some other oils, so be cautious not to heat it too high. We always reach for olive oil here!

Butter: Butter is another classic choice for sautéing onions in French Onion Soup. It adds a rich, creamy flavor and a luxurious mouthfeel. However, butter contains saturated fats and has a lower smoke point, so it may brown quickly.

Vegetable Oil: Neutral-tasting vegetable oils, like canola or grapeseed oil, have higher smoke points than butter and olive oil. They won’t add much flavor to the soup, allowing the natural sweetness of the onions to shine through. These oils are good choices for those who want a milder onion flavor.

Safflower Oil: Safflower oil is a neutral-tasting, light oil that won’t add any distinct flavor to your soup. It has a high smoke point, typically around 450°F (232°C), making it suitable for high-heat cooking methods like sautéing. This oil is heart-healthy as it is low in saturated fats and contains mostly monounsaturated fats. It’s a good option if you’re looking for a healthier choice without altering the flavor of your soup.

Canola Oil: Canola oil is another neutral-flavored cooking oil with a high smoke point, usually around 400°F (204°C). Like safflower oil, it won’t overpower the natural flavors of your French Onion Soup. Canola oil is also low in saturated fats and is a good source of heart-healthy monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. It’s a versatile and widely used oil in cooking and baking.

Which onions are best?

If you are wondering how to cook Costco French onion soup (copycat recipe), you’ll need the right onions. Traditional French Onion Soup is typically made with yellow onions.

Yellow onions have a balanced flavor profile, with a mild to moderately sweet taste and a slightly pungent, savory note. When caramelized, they become sweet and develop a deep, rich flavor that is a hallmark of French Onion Soup.

Red onions, white onions, and sweet onions are all milder tasting than yellow onions. If you’re looking for a milder or sweeter taste, feel free to experiment with different onion types to yield different flavor profiles to suit your tastes.

Chopped Onion or Sliced Onion?

For French Onion Soup, it’s traditional to slice the onions rather than chop them. Slicing the onions into thin, even slices allows them to caramelize evenly and develop that characteristic sweet and rich flavor that is essential to the dish. The slow cooking process of caramelization brings out the natural sweetness of the onions and creates the deep, savory taste that defines French Onion Soup. Slicing the onions thinly and uniformly ensures that they cook evenly and become tender and sweet during the slow cooking process.

​What About thickening the soup?

While many people choose to thicken their French Onion Soup with a cornstarch slurry or flour, there’s a delightful alternative for those looking to avoid these ingredients. By simply cooking the soup down, you can achieve a luscious, thickened consistency naturally.

As the onions slowly caramelize and release their sugars, and the liquid reduces during the simmering process, the soup naturally thickens, creating a velvety texture without the need for flour or cornstarch. This method preserves the soup’s pure, unadulterated flavors while still delivering that rich, comforting experience we all crave from a bowl of French Onion Soup.

How to store French Onion soup:

So now that you have answered the question of how to cook Costco French onion soup, let’s talk about the proper way to store it. Storing both Costco French Onion Soup and homemade French Onion Soup involves similar steps. Here’s how to properly store them:

Costco French Onion Soup:

1. Refrigeration: If you have opened a container of Costco French Onion Soup but have leftovers, promptly refrigerate it. Transfer the soup to an airtight container or cover the original container with plastic wrap or foil.
2. Label and Date: It’s a good practice to label the container with the date when you stored the soup. This helps you keep track of its freshness.
3. Use Within Timeframe: Consume the refrigerated soup within 3-4 days for optimal quality.

Homemade French Onion Soup:

1. Cooling: Allow your homemade French Onion Soup to cool to room temperature before storing it.
2. Refrigeration: Transfer the soup to an airtight container. You can also use individual portion-sized containers if you prefer. Make sure the container is sealed tightly to prevent odors from the refrigerator from seeping in.
3. Label and Date: Label the container with the date of preparation. This helps you keep track of the freshness.
4. Freezing (optional): If you have a large batch of homemade soup and don’t plan to consume it within a few days, consider freezing it. To do so, let the soup cool completely in the refrigerator, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or freezer bags. Leave some space for expansion, seal tightly, and label with the date. French Onion Soup can typically be frozen for up to 2 months.

FAQS

How do you heat up Costco French Onion Soup in the microwave?

1. Remove Packaging: Take the soup out of its outer packaging.
2. Vent: If it’s in a microwave-safe container, slightly open the lid or cover to allow steam to escape.
3. Heat: Microwave on high for about 2-3 minutes.
4. Stir & Check Temperature: Give it a good stir and make sure it’s evenly heated.
5. Enjoy: Serve it up and dig in!

Remember, microwaves vary, so adjust the time as needed.

What is the best way to eat French Onion Soup?

• Cheesy Croutons: Top with toasted baguette slices or croutons, generously covered with grated Gruyère or Swiss cheese.
• Broil to Perfection: Briefly broil until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
• Savor: Enjoy each spoonful with the perfect blend of soup, melted cheese, and crunchy bread.

How long to reheat French Onion Soup in the oven?

Oven Reheat Method:

1. Preheat Oven: Set it to 350°F (175°C).
2. Oven-Safe Bowl: Pour the soup into an oven-safe bowl.
3. Heat: Bake for about 20-25 minutes.
4. Check Temperature: Ensure it’s steaming hot throughout.

This method helps maintain the soup’s rich flavor.

How do you add depth of flavor to French Onion Soup?

Flavor Boosters:

• Wine or Brandy: A splash of red wine or brandy adds complexity.
• Herbs: Thyme or bay leaves infuse an aromatic touch.
• Caramelized Onions: Slow-cooked onions till they’re deeply caramelized bring out a natural sweetness.
• Rich Stock: Use a high-quality beef or vegetable stock for a robust base.

How long should you heat soup in the microwave?

Microwave Timing Guide:

• Small Serving (1 cup): Start with 1-2 minutes.
• Larger Serving (2 cups): Heat for 2-3 minutes.
• Stir Midway: For even heating, pause halfway to stir.
• Check Consistency: Heat until it’s steaming hot, but not boiling over.

Always adjust based on your microwave’s wattage.

I hope you love our family’s favorite French Onion soup below! Make it and tell us what you think!

Craving more delicious recipes? Try these: Simple Haitian Cake