A white french onion soup crock on a black table top, surrounded with chopped onion and 3 slices of bread.

Best French Onion Soup Crocks – A Comprehensive Guide

As a wanna-be cook, I find that collecting different kitchen gadgets and accessories is one of the most fun aspects of cooking. And if there’s one thing I love as much as cooking, it’s eating…especially when that food is delicious! The French onion soup crock has been around for years, and there’s a reason why it’s still around – because it’s awesome!

If you want to make the best French onion soup out there, you need one of these bad boys.

What bowls are used for French onion soup?

French onion soup bowls or crocks, as they are commonly known, are perfect for French onion soup. Why? That is because the deep well in the center of the crock allows you to pile high your toppings without the worry of them falling into the soup itself. Plus, the heat from the oven or convection microwave oven, will evenly cook the cheese and bread, providing you with the perfect bite each time.

And if you’re looking for an added touch of elegance, some of these crocks come with the lid to keep your soup warm and bubbly until you’re ready to serve.

French onion soup bowl type

There are many a different French onion soup bowl types:

French onion soup crock bowls with handles and lid

One of the best French onion soup crocks is one like this red one with handles and a lid.

There’s something about a classic ceramic crock with handles on either side that just feels right. It’s the perfect size for a bowl of French onion soup, and it’s just begging to be picked up and hugged. Plus, it looks great on the table. Whether you’re serving up a hearty stew or a simple salad, this timeless piece of tableware is sure to add a touch of elegance to your meal.

So if you’re looking for the perfect way to complete your table setting, look no further than the classic ceramic crock.

Stoneware French onion soup bowls

The stoneware soup mug is a classic French onion soup bowl that has been around for centuries [1]. The mug is made of stoneware, which is a type of ceramic material that is fired at a high temperature to make it durable and sturdy. The soup mug is typically white or cream-colored, and it has a wide base and a narrow opening.

The stoneware soup mug is also oven-safe, so you can cook your soup right in the mug and then serve it directly to your guests. The stoneware soup mug is a versatile piece of tableware that can be used for both casual and formal occasions.

Porcelain French onion soup bowls

A white porcelain onion soup bowl filled with soup, a slice of bread and melted cheese, with a white spoon.

These pots are durable, heat evenly, and look amazing on the table so they’re perfect for making French onion soup. The thick walls of the bowl help to create a deep, rich flavor, while the enamel coating prevents the onions from sticking and burning. So if you’re looking for the perfect way to make French onion soup, just use this bowl.

Metal French onion soup bowls

These bowls are designed specifically for enjoying French onion soup, with their wide rims perfect for holding a thick slice of bread and cheese. But the metal soup bowl serves another important purpose: it helps to keep the soup hot. The heat from the broth quickly transfers to the bowl, making sure that every last bite is just as piping hot as the first.

So next time you want to enjoy a bowl of French onion soup be sure to appreciate a metal soup bowl that will make it possible.

Pottery French onion soup bowls

The thick ceramic walls help to retain heat, ensuring that your soup stays nice and warm from the first spoonful to the last. And of course, let’s not forget about the aesthetic appeal of a beautifully crafted pottery bowl. Whether you’re serving French onion soup for a casual family dinner or a fancy dinner party, it’s sure to impress your guests.

Best of all, pottery bowls are relatively inexpensive, so you can stock up on them without breaking the bank. So next time you’re in the mood for some French onion soup be sure to reach for a pottery bowl. It’ll make the perfect vessel for your delicious creation.

Terracotta French onion soup bowls

A light brown terracotta onion soup bowl filled with soup and a slice of bread with melted cheese, served on a dish with a cloth and spoon.

Made from natural clay, these bowls are sturdy and dishwasher-safe. They also have a unique design that allows you to cook your soup directly in the bowl. The best part about terracotta French onion soup bowls is that they are affordable and easy to find. You can find them at most kitchen stores or online retailers. Whether you are looking for a gift for a friend or simply want to treat yourself, terracotta French onion soup bowls are a great option.

Glass French onion soup bowls

Not only does the glass allow you to see the beautiful layers of caramelized onions, cheese, and bread, but it also keeps the soup nice and hot. Plus, there’s something about eating out of a glass bowl that just feels fancy. So go ahead and treat yourself to a glass French onion soup bowl the next time you’re in the mood for some cozy comfort food. Your taste buds will thank you.

How to make French onion soup without oven-safe bowls

French onion soup is a classic dish that is often cooked in oven-safe bowls however, there are a few ways to make the soup without using oven-safe bowls. One method is to cook the soup on the stovetop with good cookware that really can do your soup justice and then transfer it to regular bowls before serving.

Another option is by browning the onions in a pan on the stovetop and then adding them to the slow cooker or even easier, you could use an Instant Pot, with the other ingredients. Cook on low or on high on the appropriate settings before serving, top with cheese and croutons, if desired.

These methods allow you to enjoy French onion soup without having to use oven-safe bowls.

How to make French onion soup bowl

A deep white French onion soup bowl, with a handle, filled with fresh soup, a slice of bread and topped with melted cheese and some herbs.

This way, you can customize the toppings for each person and make sure that everyone gets the perfect ratio of soup to bread and cheese plus, it’s just so darn cute.

Here’s what you’ll need

  • 1 large x onion, sliced thinly
  • 2 tbsp. x butter
  • 4 cups x beef broth
  • 1/2 cup x white wine
  • 1 tsp x thyme leaves
  • 4 slices x baguette, toasted
  • 4 oz. x Gruyere cheese, shredded
  • salt & pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Start by sautéing the onions in the butter until they’re browned nice and soft
  2. Then add the beef broth, white wine, and thyme leaves
  3. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and then let the soup simmer for about 30 minutes
  4. While the soup is simmering, toast the baguette slices and shred the Gruyere cheese

To assemble the bowls

Ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls, top with a baguette slice and a generous sprinkling of cheese. Then bake/grill on high for a few minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

There are different ways to make French soup so be sure to play around and find your favorite recipes.

Calories in French onion soup bowl

A classic French Onion Soup features a rich, flavorful broth loaded with caramelized onions and topped with a cheesy croutons. While this soup is delicious, it can also be quite high in calories. The majority of these calories come from the large amount of onions that are used in the dish, as well as the butter and cheese that are often added. Other ingredients such as beef stock, garlic, and wine can also contribute to the calorie content/count.

A single bowl of French Onion Soup can have upwards of 190 calories [2] so if you are watching your calorie intake, you may want to enjoy French Onion Soup in moderation. There are ways to make this soup more figure-friendly, for example, you can substitute low-fat milk for cream, use leaner cuts of beef, or eliminate the croutons altogether.

By making a few simple changes, you can enjoy French Onion Soup without sabotaging your diet.

Tips for French onion soup

A silver spoon holding onions taken from a white French onion soup bowl with a slice of melted cheese bread.

The key to making a good French onion soup is to caramelize the onions properly. This means cooking them over low heat for a long period of time until they turn a deep golden brown color. Once the onions are caramelized, you can add in the other ingredients, such as garlic, beef broth, and red wine.

Let the soup simmer for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. When it is finished, top each bowl with a slice of baguette and some shredded Gruyere cheese or try a tasty variant sandwich that compliments French onion soup.  

French onion soup bowl size

French onion soup is typically served in small, lidded ceramic bowls hence the bowl should be low enough that the cheese and onions are completely submerged when the soup is ladled in, and the lid helps to keep the croutons in place. The size of the bowl also helps to control the portion size, as it can be difficult to stop eating once you’ve started.

For those looking for a heartier meal, a larger bowl can be used, but it is important to remember that the soup will lose its heat more quickly. As a result, it is best to eat larger bowls of French onion soup soon after they are served.

How many ounces should a French onion soup crock be?

The French onion soup crock cups are approximately 4-6 fluid ounces [3] and this size is ideal for a small soup or side dish.  The French onion soup crock bowls can hold 8-12 ounces and this is perfect  size if the soup is the main meal. The bowls should be deep enough to allow the onion to cook properly, but not so deep that the broth becomes diluted.

In addition, the bowl should be wide enough to accommodate a large piece of bread, which is often used to soak up the soup. When choosing a French onion soup bowl or crock or cup size, it is important to consider both function and form.

FAQs – Best French onion soup crocks

A dishwasher filled with all sorts of dishes and a green plastic bowl with cutlery.

Are French onion soup bowls dishwasher safe?

French onion soup bowls are typically made from ceramic or stoneware. These materials are both dishwasher safe, meaning they can withstand the high temperatures and harsh detergents found in most dishwashers. However, it’s important to check the manufacturer’s instructions before washing the bowls in a dishwasher.

Some bowls may be decorated with delicate patterns or gold trim, which can be damaged by the high temperatures and strong detergents used in dishwashing. In these cases, best to hand wash the bowls using a mild soap and plenty of water. With proper care, your French onion soup bowls should last for many years.

How to eat French onion soup in bread bowl?

Bread bowls are made by hollowing out a loaf of bread and then filling it with the soup. The bread soaks up the flavors of the soup and makes for a hearty meal. To eat a French onion soup bread bowl, start by spooning the soup into the bowl. Then, use a fork to break up the bread and soak up the soup.

Where can I buy French onion soup crocks?

When it comes to French onion soup, the crock is just as important as the soup itself. The right crock will keep your soup warm and provide the perfect vessel for dipping a crusty piece of bread into the rich, flavorful broth. While you can find the best French onion soup crocks at many kitchen stores, they can also be purchased online.

When choosing a crock, make sure to select one that is oven-safe and microwave-safe. You’ll also want to choose a size that is appropriate for the amount of soup you typically make.

Summing it up

I’m sure we can all agree that nothing beats a bowl of hot and hearty French onion soup, this classic comfort food is perfect for chilly evenings spent indoors with family or friends. If you’re looking to up your game in the kitchen (or just want an excuse to eat more soup), then I suggest investing in a quality French onion soup crocks. Lucky for you, I did all the research for you, so get your soup on!

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Charlene Gallant

Charlene is a lover of good food. She enjoys nothing more than cooking up a storm in the kitchen and sharing her favourite recipes with her readers. She also enjoys reading a good book.

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