Homemade French onion soup will typically last for 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator when stored properly.
To ensure your soup remains safe and delicious for the maximum amount of time, consider the following factors and guidelines:
Proper Storage for French Onion Soup
- Cooling: Allow the soup to cool down to room temperature before refrigerating. Do not leave it at room temperature for more than 2 hours, as this can encourage bacterial growth.
- Airtight Container: Transfer the soup to an airtight container. This will help prevent contamination and keep the soup fresh for longer. Using a shallow container helps the soup cool more quickly.
- Refrigerator Temperature: Ensure your refrigerator is set to 40°F (4°C) or below. This is crucial for inhibiting bacterial growth.
- Separation of Ingredients: Ideally, store the broth separately from the bread and cheese toppings. Adding the bread and cheese only when reheating helps prevent sogginess and maintains better texture.
Signs of Spoilage
Discard your French onion soup if you notice any of the following:
- Unusual Odor: A sour or off-putting smell is a strong indicator that the soup has gone bad.
- Mold: Any visible mold growth is a clear sign of spoilage.
- Slimy Texture: A slimy or unusual texture indicates bacterial contamination.
- Discoloration: Changes in the color of the soup may indicate spoilage.
Freezing French Onion Soup
If you don't plan to consume the soup within 3-4 days, freezing is a good option. Frozen soup can last for 2-3 months without significant loss of quality.
- Cool Completely: Make sure the soup is completely cooled before freezing.
- Portion into Freezer-Safe Containers: Use freezer-safe containers or bags. Leave some headspace to allow for expansion during freezing.
- Thawing: Thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating French Onion Soup
- Stovetop: Reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it's heated through.
- Microwave: Reheat the soup in the microwave in a microwave-safe container, stirring occasionally, until it's heated through.
Remember to only reheat the amount of soup you plan to consume to avoid repeated heating and cooling, which can decrease the quality and safety of the soup. Also, note that the texture of the onions might change slightly after freezing and thawing.
