If you’re looking for a hearty, comforting soup that brings together the rich, savory flavors of classic French onion soup with protein-packed butter beans, this Quick French Onion and Butter Bean Soup is exactly what you need. Sweet, caramelized onions simmer with creamy butter beans in a flavorful broth enriched with wine, herbs, and a touch of cream, creating a cozy one-pot meal that’s perfect for chilly evenings. The whole dish comes together in about 45-60 minutes, and it’s topped with toasted bread and melted cheese for that classic French onion soup experience with an extra boost of fiber and protein.
This version strikes the perfect balance between the elegant depth of French onion soup and the heartiness of a bean-based meal, making it both satisfying and nourishing. Serve it with crusty bread and a simple salad for a complete dinner that feels special but couldn’t be easier.
Complete Ingredient List (Serves 4)
This version is easy to scale up for meal prep or leftovers.
For the Soup
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2-3 tablespoons butter
- 2-3 large white onions, thinly sliced
- 3-4 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1-2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- ½ cup dry white wine (optional)
- 2 cans (15 oz each) or 700g jarred butter beans, drained
- 2-2½ cups vegetable or beef broth
- 1 sprig fresh rosemary (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried)
- ½ cup heavy cream or crème fraîche
- 1 teaspoon white miso paste (optional, for depth)
- Black pepper, to taste
For Serving
- 4 slices French baguette or crusty bread
- 1-2 teaspoons olive oil for brushing
- ½ cup shredded Gruyère, Swiss, or cheddar cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Paprika (optional)
- Extra virgin olive oil for drizzling
Step-By-Step Instructions
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 45-60 minutes
Total time: About 55-70 minutes
Servings: 4
Caramelize the Onions
Heat the olive oil and butter in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-low heat. Once the butter has melted, add the thinly sliced onions and a large pinch of salt.
Cook the onions slowly, stirring often, for 20-40 minutes until they’re deeply caramelized and a rich golden-brown color. The longer you cook them, the deeper and sweeter the flavor will be. Add a splash of water or stock from time to time to prevent burning and help release the browned bits from the bottom of the pan. If you’re short on time, you can sauté the onions for just 5-7 minutes and continue, but the flavor won’t be as deep.
Add Aromatics and Deglaze
Once the onions are caramelized, add the minced garlic and stir well for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Drizzle in the balsamic vinegar, stirring well and scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. If using white wine, increase the heat to medium-high, pour it in, and let it cook for 3-4 minutes until the alcohol has cooked off and the liquid has reduced.
Add Beans and Broth
Pour in the butter beans (along with their liquid if using jarred beans). Add the rosemary sprig, bay leaves, thyme, and hot vegetable or beef broth. Season with black pepper.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes until the soup has thickened and the flavors have melded together.
Finish with Cream
If you prefer a thicker soup, use a stick blender to partially purée some of the beans, or transfer a ladle or two to a blender, blend until smooth, and stir it back in. Pour in the heavy cream or crème fraîche and simmer for another 5 minutes. If using miso paste, dissolve it in a splash of boiling water and stir it into the soup.
Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Remove the bay leaves, rosemary sprig, and thyme stems if using fresh herbs.
Prepare the Toasts
While the soup finishes cooking, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Brush the bread slices with olive oil on both sides, place them on a baking sheet, and toast for 3-5 minutes until golden and crispy.
Serve
Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Top each serving with a slice of toasted bread and sprinkle generously with shredded Gruyère, Swiss, or cheddar cheese. You can place the bowls under the broiler for 1-2 minutes to melt and brown the cheese, or simply let the heat from the soup melt it.
Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, a pinch of paprika, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. Serve immediately with extra crusty bread on the side.
Tips for the Best French Onion Butter Bean Soup
Take your time caramelizing the onions—this is where most of the flavor comes from. If you use jarred butter beans, save the liquid as it adds extra flavor and body to the soup. For a richer flavor, use beef broth instead of vegetable broth. Make a bigger batch and store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days; the flavors get even better as the soup sits. For a vegetarian or vegan version, skip the cream or use coconut cream, and use vegetable broth.
Variations and Customizations
Add cooked bacon or pancetta for extra smoky, savory flavor. Use cannellini beans or great northern beans instead of butter beans for a different texture. Stir in fresh spinach or kale in the last few minutes of cooking for added greens. For a thicker, stew-like consistency, mash more of the beans or add less broth. Add a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce for deeper umami flavor. Top with homemade or store-bought croutons instead of toasted bread for extra crunch.
Nutrition Snapshot (Per Serving)
This soup is packed with plant-based protein and fiber from the butter beans, keeping you full and satisfied. The onions provide antioxidants and natural sweetness, while the herbs add vitamins and minerals. The cream and cheese add richness and calcium. You can lighten it by using less cream and cheese, or by using a plant-based cream alternative.
Why This Works So Well for TikTok and Pinterest
The Quick French Onion and Butter Bean Soup is incredibly photogenic with its rich, golden-brown broth, creamy beans, and melty cheese-topped bread. The caramelizing onions and cheese-pull moments make for satisfying video content, and the “perfect cozy dinner” hook resonates with viewers looking for comforting, one-pot meals. For Pinterest, focus on rustic, cozy shots showing the soup in bowls with steam rising, melted cheese stretching from the spoon, and crusty bread on the side. Overhead shots highlighting the deep caramel color of the broth and the herbs also perform well.
Serve this hearty soup with a simple green salad and extra crusty bread for dunking. Once you try it, you’ll understand why this protein-packed twist on classic French onion soup has become such a favorite for cozy weeknight dinners and meal prep.
