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Home » Best Of » 18 French winter soups you’ll keep repeating

18 French winter soups you’ll keep repeating

Modified: Oct 13, 2025 by Molly Pisula · Published: Oct 15, 2025 · As an Amazon affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

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As winter wraps its chilly arms around us, there’s nothing more comforting than diving into the rich, layered flavors of French cuisine through a steaming bowl of soup. This collection of 18 French winter soups isn't just a testament to the inviting warmth of French cooking; it's your culinary passport to hearty meals that you'll want to relish time and again. Each recipe promises simplicity and satisfaction, perfect for cozy nights in.

French Lentil Soup

French Lentil Soup
Image credit: www.vanillabeancuisine.com

French Lentil Soup is a heartwarming dish that embodies the simplicity and elegance of French cuisine. This vegetarian recipe combines the earthy flavors of lentils with the sweetness of onions and carrots, all softened into creamy perfection. A touch of spinach adds a fresh, vibrant note. For an authentic French touch, simmer the soup slowly to allow all the flavors to meld beautifully. Serve this nourishing soup as a comforting lunch or a satisfying dinner, perhaps with a slice of crusty bread to complete the experience.
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Classic French Onion Soup Recipe

Classic French Onion Soup Recipe
Image credit: www.vanillabeancuisine.com

Classic French Onion Soup is the epitome of heartwarming cuisine, combining the sweetness of caramelized onions with a robust beef broth. Topped with a crusty slice of baguette and a generous layer of melted Gruyère cheese, it achieves a perfect golden-bubbly finish under the broiler. This dish not only warms the body but also carries the charm of French culinary tradition, ideal for those cool evenings when comfort is craved. A tip for the authentic flavor: take your time caramelizing the onions to deep golden brown—they're the flavor foundation of this timeless soup.
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Classic French Onion Soup Gratinée

Classic French Onion Soup Gratinée
Image credit: copykat.com

Classic French Onion Soup Gratinée is more than just a meal; it's a delightful journey into French culinary tradition. This rich, savory soup, topped with a golden layer of melted cheese and crusty bread, brings the rustic charm of France to your dining table. The key to its deep flavor lies in slowly caramelizing the onions until they are perfectly sweetened and golden. Pairing it with a crisp, dry white wine enhances the experience, making it a perfect choice for both cozy dinners and festive gatherings. Bon appétit!
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Lentil Soup

Lentil Soup
Image credit: xoxobella.com

Dive into the warmth of French cuisine with this classic Lentil Soup recipe. Celebrated for its simplicity and depth of flavor, this dish is not only a staple in French households but also a testament to the versatility of lentils. What makes this version delightful is its adherence to vegetarian and vegan principles, ensuring everyone can enjoy a bowl. Rich with layers of flavor that develop through slow cooking, it's a perfect example of how basic ingredients can be transformed into a comforting meal. Serve with a slice of rustic bread for an authentic touch!
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Homemade French Onion Soup

Homemade French Onion Soup
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Discover the heartwarming delight of Homemade French Onion Soup, a culinary classic straight from the cobblestone streets of France. This recipe brings you the sweetness of slowly caramelized onions mingled with a deep, savory beef broth, topped off with a luxurious layer of melted cheese. Achieving that perfect golden crust of cheese is all about a quick broil – a simple step that elevates this dish from homemade to haute cuisine. It's not just soup; it's a spoonful of French tradition in every bite.
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Easy French Onion Soup

EASY French Onion Soup and VIDEO
Image credit: walkingonsunshinerecipes.com

This French Onion Soup epitomizes the heartwarming simplicity of French cuisine. This easy-to-follow recipe brings the comfort of sweet caramelized onions merged into a rich broth, topped with crunchy croutons and sumptuously melted cheese. Ideal for cozying up on chilly evenings, every spoonful transports you to a quaint Parisian cafe. The trick to authentic flavor? A slow and steady caramelization of the onions, ensuring they release all their natural sugars. Dive into this bowl of comfort, where each ingredient sings harmoniously.
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Brennan’s French Onion Soup

Brennan’s French Onion Soup
Image credit: copykat.com

Discover the rich layers of flavor in Brennan’s French Onion Soup, a creamy twist on a classic French recipe. Known for its savory broth and caramelized onions, this version adds a velvety touch of cream, enhancing the traditional soup’s depth. Topped with a golden, melted cheese crust, each spoonful is a perfect blend of hearty and elegant. For an authentic taste, slowly cook the onions to draw out their natural sweetness, a technique that’s key to achieving the iconic French flair.
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Chicken Pot Pie Soup

Chicken Pot Pie Soup
Image credit: www.thekitchenmagpie.com

Experience the comforting embrace of French cuisine with this Chicken Pot Pie Soup. This recipe transforms the classic chicken pot pie into a simpler, yet equally satisfying, soup. It encapsulates the rich, creamy essence of the traditional pie, with tender chunks of chicken and a melody of vegetables simmering together. The pie crust crackers, reminiscent of a flaky pie topping, add an irresistible crunch. For a quicker version, skip the crackers, but for the full experience, they're a must-try. Bon appétit!
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Creamy Brussels Sprouts Soup

Creamy Brussels Sprouts Soup
Image credit: www.runningtothekitchen.com

Indulge in the velvety smoothness of Creamy Brussels Sprouts Soup, a French culinary delight that marries the subtle bitterness of Brussels sprouts with the pungent warmth of garlic. This soup transforms simple ingredients into a luxurious blend, effortlessly prepared in a blender, capturing the essence of French simplicity and elegance. For an authentic touch, finish with a drizzle of crème fraîche and a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley.
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Creamy Root Vegetable Soup

Creamy Root Vegetable Soup
Image credit: www.runningtothekitchen.com

Experience the essence of French cuisine with this Creamy Root Vegetable Soup, a perfect blend of seasonal roots and aromatic herbs. Root vegetables like parsnips, turnips, and carrots simmer slowly, absorbing thyme and rosemary, releasing their sweet, earthy flavors into a velvety broth. For a touch of French authenticity, finish with a swirl of crème fraîche. This soup not only warms the body but also offers a delightful exploration of texture and taste, making every spoonful a comforting embrace.
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Instant Pot French Onion Soup

Instant Pot French Onion Soup
Image credit: www.thekitchenmagpie.com

Instant Pot French Onion Soup brings a touch of Parisian bistro right into your kitchen with the ease of modern technology. This classic French dish combines sweet, caramelized onions with a deep, savory beef stock. The soup is then crowned with a slice of crusty baguette and generously topped with melted cheese. Using an Instant Pot not only cuts down on cooking time but also ensures that the onions are perfectly caramelized, capturing the authentic flavors of this beloved French recipe.
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Creamy Cauliflower Leek Potato Soup

Creamy Cauliflower Leek Potato Soup
Image credit: www.vanillabeancuisine.com

Creamy Cauliflower Leek Potato Soup is the epitome of French comfort food, blending smooth textures and deep flavors. This soup showcases a classic mirepoix base—carrots, celery, and onions—with the addition of leeks and cauliflower for a creamy consistency without heavy cream. A dash of nutmeg or a splash of white wine can elevate the flavors further, embodying the French knack for culinary finesse. It's perfect for a chilly evening, offering a warming bowl that satisfies with every spoonful.
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Vegetable Soup

Vegetable Soup
Image credit: www.thekitchenmagpie.com

Vegetable Soup, a quintessential French dish, is your perfect companion on chilly evenings. This recipe not only promises ease with minimal prep time but also bursts with a medley of fresh vegetables, embodying the essence of a hearty, nurturing meal. The secret to its deeply satisfying flavor lies in the slow simmering process, which allows the natural tastes of the vegetables to meld beautifully. Serve it piping hot and perhaps, with a sprinkle of herbes de Provence, to capture that authentic French countryside feel.
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Smoked French Onion Soup

Smoked French Onion Soup
Image credit: www.orwhateveryoudo.com

Smoked French Onion Soup elevates a timeless French classic with a rich, smoky infusion. This beloved dish, renowned for its heartwarming qualities, is transformed by the subtle aroma of smoked onions, intertwining with the deep flavors of a traditionally slow-cooked broth. Perfect for chilly evenings, the smokiness brings a new layer to the caramelized onions, topped with a golden, bubbly layer of Gruyère cheese. To capture that authentic French flavor, consider using a good quality beef stock and a hint of thyme.
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Chilled Cherry Fennel Soup

Chilled Cherry Fennel Soup
Image credit: www.runningtothekitchen.com

Discover the refreshing elegance of Chilled Cherry Fennel Soup, a delightful blend of sweet cherries and the distinct, tangy notes of fennel and dill. This French-inspired recipe offers a unique twist on traditional fruit soups, infusing every spoonful with a burst of summer freshness. Serve chilled to enhance the soup's subtle flavors, perfect for a sophisticated starter or a light, aromatic dessert.
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Flu Busting Soup

Flu Busting Soup
Image credit: lifecurrentsblog.com

Experience the healing power of Flu Busting Soup, a French culinary remedy steeped in tradition and bursting with flavor. This spicy concoction is crafted to kickstart your immune system and clear those stubborn sinuses, making it perfect for those times you feel under the weather. Infused with piquant spices and robust, natural ingredients, each spoonful promises a vibrant fusion of tastes and a comforting warmth. Remember to simmer gently to allow the flavors to meld beautifully, capturing the essence of authentic French cuisine in your kitchen.
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Cream of Potato Leek Soup

Cream of Potato Leek Soup
Image credit: copykat.com

Cream of Potato Leek Soup is a quintessential French delight, combining the earthy sweetness of leeks with the comforting richness of potatoes. This version is elevated with crispy bacon, adding a savory depth. It’s perfect for those who appreciate a creamy texture and robust flavors, all achieved without the fuss of extra garnishes. For an authentic touch, slowly sweat the leeks to coax out their natural sugars, ensuring your soup has a subtly sweet and deeply savory profile.
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Creamy Carrot Fennel Soup

Creamy Carrot Fennel Soup
Image credit: www.runningtothekitchen.com

Creamy Carrot Fennel Soup blends the rustic charm of French countryside cooking with modern dietary awareness. The sweetness of carrots and the aromatic lift of fennel create a soup that's both comforting and invigorating. Cannellini beans add a creamy texture and protein punch, making this dish satisfying yet light. For a truly French touch, consider a sprinkle of herbes de Provence. This vegan, gluten-free recipe is perfect for welcoming the freshness of spring.
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I'm Molly, a former personal chef trained in French pastry. Here you'll find veggie-forward, seasonal recipes with a little French kiss!

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