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Crockpot French Onion Soup

Crockpot French Onion Soup
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Crockpot French Onion Soup is a comforting and hearty slow-cooked dish featuring sweet caramelized onions simmered in rich beef broth, topped with toasted French baguette slices and melted Gruyère cheese. This easy-to-make recipe offers deep, layered flavors with minimal hands-on time, perfect for cozy nights or impressing guests with a classic comfort food.

Ingredients

Scale

Soup Ingredients

  • 6 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 6 cups beef broth
  • 1 cup dry white wine (e.g., Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 2 bay leaves
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Bread and Cheese Topping

  • 1 French baguette, thinly sliced
  • 2 cups grated Gruyère cheese

Instructions

  1. Caramelize the Onions: Slice the onions thinly. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat, then add the sliced onions and minced garlic. Stir occasionally and cook until onions turn deep golden brown and develop their natural sweetness, about 30-40 minutes. This creates the rich flavor base.
  2. Combine Ingredients in Crockpot: Transfer caramelized onions to the slow cooker. Pour in beef broth, dry white wine, add thyme sprigs, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, allowing flavors to meld and deepen.
  3. Prepare the Bread and Cheese: About 15 minutes before serving, preheat your oven’s broiler. Slice the baguette and lightly toast the pieces. Top each toasted slice with grated Gruyère cheese, then place under the broiler just until the cheese bubbles and turns golden brown.
  4. Assemble and Serve: When soup is ready, remove thyme sprigs and bay leaves. Ladle soup into oven-safe bowls, float one or two cheese-topped baguette slices on top, and place under the broiler for a few minutes if you want a bubbly, golden crust before serving. Garnish with fresh thyme if desired.

Notes

  • Patience is key: slow cooking develops deep flavors and caramelizes the onions perfectly.
  • Use high-quality yellow onions for balanced sweetness and savory notes.
  • Properly brown onions for essential depth and complexity.
  • Don’t skip the wine; it adds acidity and complements the richness.
  • Broil cheese topping just before serving to avoid sogginess.
  • Store leftover soup in airtight containers for up to 3 days in the fridge; keep bread and cheese separate.
  • Freeze soup without cheese for up to 2 months in portion-sized containers.
  • Reheat gently on stove over low heat; add fresh bread and cheese before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: French onion soup, crockpot soup, slow cooker soup, comfort food, caramelized onions, beef broth, cheesy soup, Gruyère, easy dinner, classic French recipe

Find it online: https://recipesemilly.com/crockpot-french-onion-soup/