Description
Slow Cooker French Onion Soup
Ingredients
6 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
3 tbsp unsalted butter
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp sugar
3 cloves garlic, minced
8 cups beef broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian)
1/2 cup dry white wine (optional)
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp dried thyme
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 baguette, sliced and toasted
2 cups shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese
Directions
In a skillet, melt butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add onions, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Cook until golden and caramelized, about 15-20 minutes.
Transfer caramelized onions to the slow cooker. Add garlic, beef broth, white wine (if using), Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 4 hours, until flavors meld together.
Preheat the broiler. Ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls. Top each with a baguette slice and a generous handful of cheese.
Broil for 2-3 minutes, or until cheese is bubbly and golden. Serve hot!
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 6-8 hours
Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: ~290 kcal per serving
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Step-by-Step Guide
1. Slice Onions Correctly: Peel and halve your yellow onions. Thinly slice them from root to stem for even cooking. 2. Caramelize the Onions: In a large skillet, melt butter with olive oil over medium heat. Add onions, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 15-20 minutes until deeply golden and sweet. 3. Deglaze (Optional but Recommended): If using white wine, pour it into the hot skillet with the onions to scrape up any browned bits. Let it simmer for 1 minute. 4. Combine in Slow Cooker: Transfer the onion mixture to your slow cooker. Add minced garlic, broth, Worcestershire, thyme, salt, and pepper. 5. Slow Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 4 hours. 6. Broil to Serve: Ladle soup into oven-safe bowls, top with a toasted baguette slice and a mound of cheese. Broil 2-3 minutes until golden.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this rich soup as a decadent starter for a steak dinner or as the main event with a simple side salad, like a crisp arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette. For a beverage pairing, the dry white wine used in the soup (like a Sauvignon Blanc) is perfect, or try a malty brown ale. Remember to place broiled bowls on a small plate to handle safely.
How-to Summary
Thinly slice and caramelize onions with butter, oil, and sugar. Transfer to a slow cooker with garlic, broth, wine, Worcestershire, and thyme. Cook on LOW for 6-8 hours. Finish by ladling into oven-safe bowls, topping with toasted baguette and Gruyère cheese, and broiling until bubbly and golden.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this soup vegetarian? Absolutely. Use a robust vegetable broth and substitute the Worcestershire sauce with a vegetarian alternative or a splash of soy sauce.
How do I store and reheat leftovers? Store soup (without bread/cheese topping) in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stovetop. Add fresh bread and cheese before broiling again.
My onions aren’t caramelizing. What’s wrong? Be patient. Don’t rush by turning the heat too high, as they will burn. The sugar and a pinch of salt help draw out moisture and promote browning. Stir only occasionally.
Can I skip the broiler step? Yes, but you’ll miss the classic presentation. You can simply melt cheese on the bread under a toaster oven or even microwave it before placing on the hot soup.
What’s the best cheese to use? Gruyère is traditional for its excellent melting quality and nutty flavor. Swiss, Comté, or a blend of Mozzarella and Parmesan are good substitutes.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Rushing the Onions: Proper caramelization is the soul of this soup. Don’t shortcut this step.
- Using Weak Broth: The broth is the base. Use a high-quality, low-sodium beef or vegetable broth to control seasoning.
- Overcrowding the Broiler: Broil bowls one rack at a time for even melting and browning. Watch closely to prevent burning.
- Adding the Bread Too Early: Only add the bread and cheese just before broiling to prevent a soggy top.
Conclusion
This Slow Cooker French Onion Soup transforms a classic restaurant favorite into an effortless home-cooked meal. The slow cooker does the heavy lifting, melding the deep, sweet flavors of caramelized onions with savory broth for hours. The final, glorious step under the broiler creates that iconic cheesy, crispy topping that makes every spoonful unforgettable. It’s the ultimate comfort food that is sure to impress.