Let’s talk comfort food. This Cheesy French Onion Ramen Noodle Soup is what happens when cozy French onion soup crashes into a bowl of budget-friendly ramen—and it’s magic.
We’re talking caramelized onions, melty cheese, buttery broth, and soft noodles soaking it all up. It’s rich, savory, and super easy to make in under 30 minutes.
Grab a spoon and a stretchy pair of pants. You’re gonna want seconds.
Why I Love This Recipe
This bowl brings back memories of cold nights when I wanted something fast, cheap, and full of flavor. I had leftover onions, a few ramen packets, and just enough cheese to make it cozy. I tested a few versions, and this combo hit every comfort note. It’s now one of my go-to rainy day meals.
- Takes under 30 minutes
- Deep, rich flavor with barely any work
- Budget-friendly and filling
- No fancy ingredients
- Perfect way to upgrade a ramen packet
Makes: 3-4 servings
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
What You’ll Need
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 medium onions, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 packs instant ramen noodles (discard seasoning packet)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup shredded gruyère cheese
- 1 baguette, sliced and lightly toasted
- Optional: fresh parsley for garnish
Tools You’ll Need
- Large sauté pan or deep skillet
- Medium pot
- Wooden spoon
- Ladle
- Cheese grater (if shredding yourself)
- Oven-safe bowls (or a broiler-safe dish)
- Sheet pan (for toasting bread)
Pro Tips
- Slice the onions as evenly as you can so they caramelize at the same rate.
- Don’t rush the onions! Let them turn golden and soft—it builds the flavor.
- Use oven-safe bowls for the final broil step so the cheese gets bubbly and browned.
- Add extra broth if you like it soupier.
- You can prep the onions ahead—they keep well and deepen in flavor overnight.
Substitutions & Variations
- Swap beef broth for vegetable broth (for a lighter flavor)
- Use provolone or Swiss cheese instead of gruyère
- Add mushrooms for extra umami
- Use gluten-free ramen if needed
- Toasted sandwich bread works if you don’t have a baguette
Make Ahead Tips
Caramelize the onions up to 2 days in advance. Store them in the fridge and reheat before continuing with the recipe.
Recipe + Instructions
Step 1: Caramelize the onions
In a large sauté pan, melt 2 tablespoons butter with 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add 3 thinly sliced onions, 1 teaspoon sugar, and ½ teaspoon salt. Stir often and cook for 15–20 minutes until soft and golden.
Step 2: Add garlic and seasonings
Stir in 2 cloves minced garlic, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, and ½ teaspoon dried thyme. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Add flour to thicken
Sprinkle in 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour and stir for 1 minute to coat the onions and cook out the raw flour taste.
Step 4: Pour in broth and simmer
Slowly pour in 4 cups beef broth, stirring to combine. Add 1 tablespoon soy sauce and 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce. Bring to a simmer and let cook for 5 minutes.
Step 5: Add ramen noodles
Break up 2 ramen noodle blocks and add to the soup. Simmer for 3 minutes or until noodles are soft.
Step 6: Toast baguette slices
Place sliced baguette on a baking sheet and toast at 400°F for 5–7 minutes until golden.
Step 7: Broil with cheese
Ladle soup and noodles into oven-safe bowls. Top each with 1–2 baguette slices, then sprinkle with 1 cup shredded mozzarella and ½ cup shredded gruyère. Broil for 2–3 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
Leftovers & Storage
Let leftovers cool completely. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove. Add a splash of broth if it thickens. Toast fresh bread and add cheese before reheating under the broiler.
Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
Caramelizing onions slowly breaks down their sugars, making them sweet and savory. Adding a touch of flour helps thicken the soup so the cheesy topping doesn’t sink. Ramen noodles soak up the flavor quickly, making it fast and satisfying.
Common Mistakes
- Rushing the onions: They need time to develop flavor. Don’t skip this part.
- Not stirring the flour enough: Make sure it blends in well or your soup might taste chalky.
- Using the ramen seasoning: Toss it. You don’t need it here—it’ll clash with the rich broth.
- Overcooking the noodles: They cook fast! Pull them as soon as they soften.
What to Serve With
- A crisp green salad with vinaigrette
- Roasted veggies like Brussels sprouts or broccoli
- A simple glass of red wine or iced tea
- Warm apple tart for dessert
FAQ
Can I make this vegetarian?
Yep—just use veggie broth and skip the Worcestershire (or use a vegan one).
Can I use a different cheese?
Sure. Provolone, Swiss, or even cheddar can work. Just make sure it melts well.
How do I make it spicier?
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the broth.
Can I make it ahead?
You can caramelize the onions and make the broth ahead. Don’t add noodles until ready to eat.
Final Thoughts
This soup hits every cozy note: buttery onions, savory broth, melty cheese, and tender noodles. It’s easy, satisfying, and just a little bit fancy without any extra work. I hope you try it and love it as much as I do. Drop a comment if you make it—I’d love to hear how it turns out or if you added your own spin!