Are yellow or white onions better for French onion soup?
The best type of onion for French Onion Soup is any variety that can be properly caramelized without being too sharp or bitter (like red) and won’t overpower other flavors (like white). Sweet yellow onions are the best option, but any onion will do!
Table of Contents
What makes French onion French onion?

It is not French cuisine; it is called “French” because it is made with dehydrated French onion soup mix.
What makes French onion soup French?
Classic French Onion Soup gets its name because it originated in France in the 18th century and it has been a national treasure – nay, worldly treasure – ever since. French Onion Soup is made with caramelized onions, beef broth, white wine, bay leaves and thyme, thus French + Onion + Soup!
Is onion soup and French onion the same?
Is there a difference between onion soup and French onion soup? Onion soup usually requires a combination of a variety of onions. French onion soup is traditionally made with yellow onions. Also, French onion soup is always made with beef stock while onion soup uses any type of stock or broth.

What’s the best onion for soup?
yellow onion
When you are sauteing onions to build flavor as a base for your dish (soup, tomato sauce, you name it), the yellow onion is your friend. That being said, white onions are a totally acceptable substitute for yellow, especially if you’re cooking them.
What onion is best for soups?
Can I use red onion instead of yellow in soup?
Red onions will sometimes lend a red tinge to your cooking, but are a decent flavor substitute for yellow or white onions. Pearl or boiling onions are smaller. They’re delicious in stews and baked into gratins.
What’s the difference between a white onion and a yellow onion?
White Onions – These onions tend to have a sharper and more pungent flavor than yellow onions. They also tend to be more tender and have a thinner, more papery skin. They can be cooked just like yellow onions, but we also like them minced and added to raw salsas and chutneys.
How do you cut onions for French onion soup?
Cut the onions root off on both ends and peel away the skin. Place the sliced end on the cutting board for stability and then slice it in half like a half moon. Slice it into thin strips. You will have several cups of onions.
Is purple onion good in soup?
Traditionally, a French onion soup uses white onions, but I had purple on hand (I always buy purple onion and purple cabbage for the evidence-based reason that they are just prettier). The key to bringing out the sweet flavour is caramelizing the onions.
What’s the difference between a red onion and a yellow onion?
Red Onions Sharper and spicier than yellow onions, you’ll often see them raw, whether in salads, like Greek salad or kachumber, or alongside long-cooking braises. Soak them in ice water as you prep your other ingredients to make them extra crisp and rid them of some fierceness.