Can You Freeze French Onion Soup?

There’s probably nothing more effective at giving warmth during cold weather than a hot bowl of French onion soup. However, making one every time a chilly day hits is time-consuming. Thus, making a large amount of it and storing some for the rainy days has been the choice of most French onion soup lovers. We did the legwork for you to provide you the best ways to keep this heartwarming soup longer.

Freezing is one effective option to store your delectable French onion soup. This particular soup freezes well, just like most soups. Just make sure not to include the cheesy crouton, and use a vacuum container to avoid compromising the soup’s integrity. 

Now that you know freezing French onion soup is possible, we will help you determine the best ways to do it in this article, so continue reading.

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A deliciously cooked French Onion soup served on a small ceramic bowl, Can You Freeze French Onion Soup?

How do you store leftover french onion soup?

A deliciously cooked French Onion soup served on a small ceramic bowl

Whether you have leftover soup or just want to keep a bowl of it in preparation for a chilly day in the future, there are several ways you should follow to ensure your soup stays edible and tasty as it should when you want to store it in the freezer.

Important French Onion Storing Reminders

Reminder 1: Always remember that you need to make sure that the soup has completely cooled down at room temperature. This will ensure that no moisture can form in the airtight container you packed them in.

Reminder 2: Once the soup has cooled down, remove the cheese or crouton from the soup. These two ingredients don’t freeze well and become soggy, which can spoil the soup.

Reminder 3: Ladle the soup into a sealed container or heavy-duty freezer bag. Only use these two types of containers when freezing your French onion soup as they completely keep the soup in a vacuum-like environment to avoid moisture loss and hopefully from going tasteless. Keep them in individual portions, so you can reheat them individually rather than thawing all of the soup. 

Reminder 4: Put the date of freezing as well as the estimated “expiration date,” which is after three months, on the container. Also, if you have several freezers, label the one you are using to store the soup.

How long can you freeze French onion soup?

Assuming that you religiously followed the reminders above without missing any of them, you can keep the soup frozen for up to three months.

This duration can differ depending on the container you use, as well as the spot on the freezer you placed it on. Some French onion soup enthusiasts noted that the soup can remain safe to eat for as long as four to six months when one takes the proper steps in packaging and storing them.

How long can you keep French onion soup in the fridge?

Not all people plan on keeping their French onion soup for such a long time, though. Some just want to enjoy the soup every day for as long as it stays good and edible. So storing the soup in the fridge is enough for them.

The good news is that French onion soup can last up to three to four days in the fridge, assuming that it’s stored using the right container. But if the soup is not fully consumed and you still want to enjoy its flavor after that time has elapsed, then freezing it will be your best choice. You only need to properly store it using a heavy-duty freezer bag or airtight container. 

How do you thaw and reheat French onion soup?

Freshly cooked French onion soup garnished with ginger bread on top

When you are already craving a hot bowl of French onion soup, simply remove it from the freezer and let it defrost overnight at room temperature. If you don’t want to wait until the next morning, just prepare a warm tub of water and place the soup container or freezing bag in it.

Once the ice has melted, you can now prepare to reheat the soup. Here’s a quick process to guide you in properly reheating the soup.

When using an Oven to Reheat

1. Preheat oven to around 350°F to 400°F (175°C to 200°C)

2. Ladle the soup in an ovenproof bowl and reheat it for 15 minutes.

3. After time has elapsed, remove the soup from the oven.

4. Add your baguette and shredded cheese and return it to the oven.

5. Turn your oven from bake to broil and wait for three to five minutes until the cheese has melted.

When using a microwave to reheat

1. Place the soup in a microwave-safe bowl.

2. Set the microwave on high for 3-5 minutes and start reheating your soup.

3. Meanwhile, make up a fresh cheesy crouton.

4. Remove the soup from the microwave and add the crouton.

5. Heat the soap again for another minute.

And that’s how you can continue savoring your French onion soup longer. You can now rest easy knowing that freezing can make French onion soup last for at least three months.

What Is The Difference Between Onion Soup And French Onion Soup?

But before you go and start making your French onion soup, let’s clear the confusion surrounding the difference between a French onion soup and a regular onion soup, aside from the word French. 

Authentic French onion soup generally always uses beef stock or broth. On the other hand, regular or English onion soup uses beef, chicken, or vegetable stock or broth. And if you’re truly an enthusiast for French onion soup, flavoring it with sherry or red wine will make your soup as good as an authentic version.

Another difference boils down to the cheese and bread on the onion soup. According to Mashed, French onion soup is usually topped with French bread or baguette and Gruyere, Emmental, and/or Swiss cheese. On the other hand, English onion soup only usually goes with any bread and cheddar cheese.  

As you can see, there are different areas where French onion soup differs from a regular one. You might need to ask a French chef if you want to become more granular on these differences.

Throughout its history, with its origin that can be traced back to 8000 years in Ancient Rome, this national treasure underwent many changes. It only took a different shape and got its well-deserved reverence from connoisseurs and regular diners alike in the 18th century when it was made with caramelized onions, beef broth, white wine, bay leaves, and thyme.

But two things remain constant about this heartwarming dish: the need for a bunch of onions in different colors, sizes, and types, as well as the storage process. 

Final thoughts

A bowl of French onion soup is undoubtedly best served hot. But making it takes a lot of your time, so it makes sense to cook French onion soup in large amounts and keep some for the future. Freezing the soup helps you keep it for a longer time without compromising its flavor. Keep in mind the reminders and steps above so you will have a French onion that's good as new to look forward to when the cold breeze starts to blow.

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