Health meal, low carbs meals, keto meal

Slow Cooker French Onion Soup

Slow Cooker French Onion Soup is a warm, comforting dish that combines rich, caramelized onions with a flavorful beef broth. This classic soup is topped with crusty bread and melted cheese, making it the perfect dish for a cozy evening. Using a slow cooker takes the effort out of the process, allowing the onions to develop deep, sweet flavors over time. Let’s get cooking!

Table of Contents

Ingredients

  • 4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional)
  • 6 cups beef broth
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 baguette, sliced
  • 2 cups grated Gruyere cheese (or Swiss cheese)

Instructions

Step 1: Caramelize the Onions

  1. Prepare Onions: In a large skillet, melt the butter with the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions, sugar, and salt.
  2. Cook Onions: Cook the onions, stirring occasionally, for 15-20 minutes or until they are soft and caramelized. This step can also be done in the slow cooker on high heat, but using a skillet helps speed up the process.
  3. Add Garlic and Wine: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes. If using white wine, pour it in and let it simmer for about 5 minutes, or until mostly evaporated.

Step 2: Transfer to Slow Cooker

  1. Transfer Onions: Transfer the caramelized onions to the slow cooker.
  2. Add Broth and Seasonings: Add the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, and bay leaf. Stir well to combine. Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours.
  3. Season: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper, as needed.

Step 3: Prepare the Topping

  1. Preheat Broiler: Preheat your oven broiler. Arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet and toast them under the broiler until golden brown on both sides.
  2. Assemble Soup: Ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls. Place a toasted baguette slice on top of each bowl and sprinkle generously with grated Gruyere cheese.
  3. Melt Cheese: Place the bowls on the baking sheet and broil until the cheese is melted and bubbly, about 2-3 minutes. Watch closely to avoid burning.
  4. Serve: Carefully remove from the oven and serve hot.

Cook’s Notes and Tips

  • Onion Choice: Yellow onions are best for this recipe, but you can use a mix of yellow and sweet onions for extra flavor.
  • Caramelizing Onions: Caramelizing the onions is key to developing deep flavor, so take your time with this step.
  • Broth: Beef broth provides a rich base for this soup. For a vegetarian version, substitute with vegetable broth, but keep in mind the flavor will be different.

Variations

  • Herb Addition: Add a sprig of fresh thyme or rosemary to the slow cooker for extra herbaceous flavor.
  • Vegan Version: Use vegetable broth, olive oil instead of butter, and top with a vegan cheese alternative.
  • Sherry Substitute: Instead of white wine, use a splash of sherry for a richer flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions

  • Side Salad: Serve with a crisp green salad with vinaigrette for a fresh contrast.
  • Crusty Bread: Extra slices of crusty bread on the side are perfect for soaking up the delicious broth.
  • Roasted Vegetables: Pair with roasted vegetables for a hearty, complete meal.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I Make This Soup Ahead of Time?

Yes, French onion soup tastes even better the next day. Prepare the soup without the bread and cheese, then refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove, then proceed with adding the bread and cheese.

How Do I Store Leftovers?

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through.

Can I Freeze French Onion Soup?

Yes, you can freeze the soup (without the bread and cheese) for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

What Other Cheeses Can I Use?

Gruyere is traditional, but you can also use Swiss, mozzarella, or even a combination of cheeses for a different twist.

Slow Cooker French Onion Soup is the ultimate comfort food, featuring deeply caramelized onions, rich broth, and a cheesy, crusty topping. This slow cooker version makes it easy to create a classic dish that’s full of flavor without needing to stand by the stove all day. Serve it up with crusty bread and enjoy this cozy, satisfying soup with your loved ones!

Happy Cooking!

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