| |

How To Cook Costco French Onion Soup Cuisine Adventures

Cooking Costco’s French onion soup can be a delicious soup and an effortless way to enjoy a warm, comforting meal at home. Here’s the scoop on how to cook Costco French onion soup!

white bowl filled with french onion soup and toast

Known for its rich flavors and gooey cheese at the top of the soup, this frozen soup is a popular seasonal item amongst food lovers looking for a quickly-melted soup and an easy solution to satisfy their taste buds, even on a calorie diet. 

Cuisine Adventure’s French onion soup package at your local Costco comes with six individually packed servings, each weighing approximately 10 ounces. 

Aldi’s version, Aldi’s Bremer Bistro French onion soup, and Trader Joe’s French onion soup are also great options without artificial flavors and with a similar result. 

The soup features a layer of firm cheese on top that, when cooked, melts delightfully and adds a wonderfully creamy and chewy texture. 

With options like cooking in an oven, microwave oven, toaster oven, or even an air fryer, you can choose the method for the best result that works for you.

Throughout this guide, we will detail different cooking processes and share helpful tips to ensure you achieve the perfect balance of flavors, texture, and presentation. 

With these cooking methods in mind, French onion soup is about to become one of your favorite soups. 

Whether you are a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, let’s dive into the world of Costco’s French onion soup and discover the secrets to a warm and delectable full meal dish.

We’ve got the scoop on various methods suited for preparing this delightful favorite soup in less time!

About Costco French Onion Soup

french onion soup in ceramic bowl

Cuisine Adventures

Costco offers a delicious frozen French Onion Soup made by Cuisine Adventures in the freezer section. 

This soup is known for its rich flavors and convenience, as it is a quick and easy option for those who enjoy a warm bowl of French Onion Soup without spending hours preparing it themselves.

As such, the soup requires no preheated oven, only low heat and some crusty bread that comes in thick slices, ready to enjoy!

Cost and Package Size

The Cuisine Adventures French Onion Soup at Costco is reasonably priced at $10.99 for six portions, giving you a chance to enjoy your leftover French onion soup the next day. 

Each portion of the French onion soup recipe is about 10 ounces in size, making it a great value for those who want a tasty meal without breaking the bank.

Nutritional Information

The nutritional information for Costco’s French Onion Soup is as follows:

NutrientAmount per 10 oz portion
Calories210
Saturated Fat6g
Trans Fat0g
Cholesterol30mg
Sodium850mg

The soup is relatively low in calories and trans fat, making it perfect for a calorie diet like other whole foods. 

However, it is important to note that it contains at least six grams of fat, cholesterol, and 850 mg of sodium. 

Fortunately, there aren’t any grams of sugar. 

Enjoying this soup in moderation can still be part of a balanced diet.

Ingredients and Flavor

french onion soup with cheese and garnish

Costco’s French Onion Soup by Cuisine Adventures is a convenient and delicious way to enjoy this classic dish. 

Made with a flavorful broth and topped with Swiss cheese and cheesy croutons, this frozen soup provides a close-to-homemade experience as you ladle soup into your soup bowls. 

The broth consists of:

  • Water
  • Cooked vegetables like fresh onions, carrots, and celery
  • Sunflower oil
  • Teaspoon salt or teaspoon pepper
  • Onion and carrot powder
  • Yeast extract
  • Brown sugar
  • Sugar
  • Canola oil
  • Bay leaf
  • Roasted malted barley

The broth is typically made of beef stock or beef roast, and sometimes chicken stock. 

For variety, you can also add garlic cloves, sweet onions, yellow onions, or even a splash of sherry in different ways. Just watch out for those onion tears!

The use of cooked vegetables and slow-cooked onions adds depth and richness to the flavor. 

Additionally, Swiss cheese made from milk, salt, bacterial culture, microbial enzyme, calcium chloride, and cellulose gum enhances the soup’s creaminess and indulgence.

Adding olive oil also creates a healthier alternative. 

Preparing The Soup

cheese melted over french onion soup in bowl

Preparing this soup is quite simple, with multiple cooking options. 

You can either use a conventional oven, or a Dutch oven for a quicker oven method, by heating the soup at 400°F for 40 minutes, or microwave by heating on high for 3 minutes, stirring, and then microwaving for 2 more minutes as the cheese melts.

When using an oven, make sure you use oven-proof bowls and a sheet pan.  

Make sure to cook until the cheese is golden brown. An air fryer can also be used.

To further amplify the taste and traditional elements of the soup, consider adding extra ingredients or spices, such as bay leaf. 

For example, you may add a few bread slices, baguette slices, bread with minced garlic, or even additional Swiss cheese. 

Additionally, incorporating a dash of spices like thyme or rosemary can improve the overall taste.

When serving the Costco French Onion Soup, keep in mind that each package typically contains multiple servings. 

If following a specific dietary requirement, be aware of the enriched flour, wheat flour, and soy present in the soup, as well as the presence of milk protein in the Swiss cheese.

Costco French Onion Soup offers a flavorful, convenient option for those looking to enjoy this classic dish. 

By using high-quality ingredients and providing simple cooking instructions, this soup can quickly become a go-to choice for a satisfying meal.

Cooking Methods

2 cups of french onion soup with cheesy toast on top

Here’s the scoop on different cooking methods for Costco French Onion Soup, including conventional oven, microwave, and air fryer. 

Follow the instructions carefully to enjoy a delicious serving of this popular soup.

Conventional Oven

To cook Costco French Onion Soup in a conventional oven, follow these steps:

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C).
  2. Remove the frozen soup from its package and place it in an oven-safe bowl, cheese side up.
  3. Bake the soup for 50-60 minutes or until it reaches 165°F (74°C) and the cheese is golden brown.

Please note that cooking time may vary depending on your oven’s performance.

Microwave

For a quicker method, you can use a microwave to heat your Costco French Onion Soup by following these steps:

  1. Remove the soup from its packaging and place it in a microwave-safe bowl.
  2. Microwave the soup on high for 3 minutes.
  3. Stir and microwave for an additional 2 minutes.

Always check the temperature and ensure that the soup reaches 165°F (74°C) before consuming.

Air Fryer

Another method to cook Costco French Onion Soup is by using an air fryer. Follow these instructions:

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (205°C).
  2. Remove the soup from its packaging and place it in an oven-safe bowl, cheese side up.
  3. Cook in the air fryer for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the cheese is golden brown.

As air fryer cooking time may vary, always check the temperature and ensure the soup reaches 165°F (74°C) before consuming.

Each of these three methods can provide a delicious bowl of Costco French Onion Soup. Choose the method that best suits your preferences and enjoy!

French Onion Soup Preparation

french onion soup in bowl with toast and cheese

Prep Time and Cook Time

To begin your affordable Costco French onion soup adventure, first set your oven to preheat at 400°F. 

The average soup serving is approximately 10 ounces, so use as many individual portions as desired. 

The total time for preparing and cooking the soup is about 60 minutes, but your future self will thank you! 

Caramelized Onions

Caramelized onions are an essential part of French onion soup, as they create a rich, sweet, and savory base. To prepare your onions, you’ll need:

  • Onions (preferably sweet or yellow)
  • Butter
  • Salt (optional)
  • Herbs (optional)

Begin by thinly slicing the onions. The best onion will have dry skin and a harder exterior. 

Next, heat butter in a large pan over medium heat. 

Add your onions and a pinch of salt, stirring occasionally to ensure they cook evenly. 

If desired, add herbs such as thyme or bay leaves for added flavor. 

Cook the onions slowly for about 30-40 minutes until they become soft, golden, and caramelized.

Croutons and Cheese

cheesy french onion soup and toast

Adding croutons and cheese to your Costco French onion soup enhances the overall taste and texture, making it closer to a homemade version. 

Prepare the croutons by following these steps:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
  2. Cut bread into cubes or slices.
  3. Toss bread pieces in melted butter or oil.
  4. Season with salt or other desired seasonings.
  5. Spread bread pieces onto a baking sheet.
  6. Bake for 10-15 minutes until crispy and golden brown.

When your Costco French onion soup is close to being fully heated, you can add the croutons and cheese. 

Traditional French onion soup uses Gruyère or Swiss cheese, but you can select any cheese that melts well.

Layer the prepared croutons over the heated soup and sprinkle the grated cheese on top. 

Return the ovenproof bowl to the oven and continue baking until the cheese is melted and golden brown, approximately 10-15 minutes.

Costco French onion soup can be elevated to a homemade, delightful meal with the addition of caramelized onions, croutons, and cheese. 

Follow these simple steps and prepare for an enjoyable dining experience.

Alternate Cooking Options

two bowls of french onion soup topped with toast and cheese

Vegetarian Version

If you’re looking to make a vegetarian version of Costco’s French Onion Soup, simply swap out the traditional beef broth for a vegetable-based broth. 

This will maintain the rich flavor of the soup while accommodating dietary preferences. 

Follow the same cooking instructions for the oven or microwave as provided for the original recipe.

Fresh vs Frozen

While Costco’s French Onion Soup comes frozen, you can also make a fresh version at home. 

The key is to properly caramelize the onions to bring out their natural sweetness. 

Once you have your base of caramelized onions, simply add your choice of broth (either beef or vegetable), and top with cheese before following the same heating instructions as for the frozen soup. 

Note that cooking times may vary slightly when using fresh ingredients.

If you have any leftover soup, make sure it’s stored in a freezer-safe container or any other airtight container, with plastic wrap covering the top. 

Make sure that your soup doesn’t sit for long in a space set at room temperature. 

Seasonal Availability

a bowl filled with french onion soup and cheesy toast

Seasonal ingredients can elevate the flavor of French Onion Soup. 

In colder months, consider adding hearty root vegetables or winter squash that grocery stores sell during that season to provide additional texture and depth of flavor. 

In warmer months, fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can be added for a brighter taste. 

Costco’s French Onion Soup comes in individual portions of approximately 10 ounces each, making it easy to customize your serving with the addition of seasonal ingredients (just be sure to note the item number when you shop!)

Keep in mind that the texture of the soup may change slightly depending on the ingredients and whether you’re using a fresh or frozen version. 

Regardless, enjoy experimenting with different flavors and ingredients to make this classic dish your own.

Serving Suggestions and Reviews

a cup filled with cheesy french onion soup and toast

Costco’s French Onion Soup is a convenient and delicious option for those who want to enjoy this classic dish at home. 

With 6 servings provided in a package, each being about 10 ounces in size, you can easily prepare a cozy meal for your family or friends. 

Here are some serving suggestions and reviews for this popular frozen soup.

Firstly, there are various methods to cook Costco’s French Onion Soup that can suit your preference. You can opt for:

  • Oven: Preheat the oven to 400 F and heat the frozen soup (with cheese on top) for about 50 to 60 minutes or until it reaches 165 F and the cheese is golden brown1.
  • Microwave: Unwrap the soup brick, place it in a microwave-safe bowl with the cheese side up, microwave for 3 minutes on high, stir and microwave for an additional 2 minutes2.
  • Hybrid Method: Microwave for 3 minutes, add extra Swiss cheese, and bake for 20 more minutes in a 400° oven3.

Feel free to enhance the soup with some common French Onion Soup add-ins, such as croutons or bread. 

This can add extra texture and flavor to the dish, making it even more enjoyable.

Costco’s French Onion Soup has received positive reviews for its taste and value. 

Many customers have praised the rich flavor and convenience of this frozen soup option, as it’s nearly cheaper (or in some cases, literally cheaper) than buying all the ingredients to make it yourself. 

Moreover, it saves time compared to preparing the traditional slow-cooked version of the recipe.

However, please note that this soup might not be suitable for those with a wheat allergy or intolerance, as it may contain wheat in the ingredients or in the cheese topping. 

Always check the packaging for full nutritional and allergen information before consuming.

Final Thoughts

Cooking Costco French Onion Soup is a delicious and convenient way to enjoy a comforting bowl of flavor-packed goodness.

It is important to note that the soup contains ingredients such as folic acid and ascorbic acid, which are essential for maintaining optimal health.

By following the cooking instructions provided and considering the daily values of these nutrients, individuals can ensure they are incorporating a nutrient-rich meal into their diet.

Whether enjoyed as a standalone dish or paired with a side, Costco French Onion Soup offers a convenient and flavorful option that can be easily prepared and enjoyed in the comfort of one’s home.

how to cook costco french onion soup Pinterest image

Get the scoop on more like this:

This post contains affiliate links for a small commission, thanks for the support!

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *