Crockpot French Onion Soup is a rich, savory classic that’s perfect for a comforting meal any time of the year. By using a slow cooker, this recipe simplifies the traditional method of making French Onion Soup, allowing the flavors to develop beautifully over several hours. The caramelized onions meld perfectly with the beef broth and herbs, creating a deeply flavorful base. Topped with toasted French bread and melted cheeses, this soup transforms into a delightful, hearty dish that warms both the body and soul. Perfect for a cozy dinner or a special occasion, this slow cooker version of French Onion Soup is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
- Soup Base:
- 3 large white onions, sliced
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 64 ounces (8 cups) reduced sodium beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 4 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1 bay leaf
- Topping:
- 8 slices dry French bread
- 3/4 cup Gruyere cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup Emmental cheese, shredded
- 6 tablespoons fresh Parmesan cheese, shredded
Instructions:
- Caramelize the Onions:
- In a large non-stick pan, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium-low heat. Add the sliced onions and 2 tablespoons of brown sugar. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are golden and caramelized, about 20 minutes. The slow, gentle cooking allows the natural sugars in the onions to caramelize, enhancing their sweetness and flavor.
- Transfer to Slow Cooker:
- Once the onions are caramelized, transfer them to the slow cooker. Add 64 ounces of reduced sodium beef broth, 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, 1 minced clove of garlic, 4 sprigs of fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme), and 1 bay leaf. Stir to combine all the ingredients. The beef broth provides a rich, savory base for the soup, while the herbs add depth and complexity to the flavor.
- Slow Cook:
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours. During this time, the flavors will meld together beautifully, resulting in a deeply flavorful and aromatic soup. The long cooking time allows the onions to become incredibly tender and infuses the broth with their sweet, caramelized flavor.
- Prepare the Topping:
- About 10 minutes before the soup is done, preheat your oven’s broiler. Ladle the hot soup into oven-safe bowls. Top each bowl with a slice of dry French bread. Sprinkle a generous amount of the shredded Gruyere, Emmental, and Parmesan cheeses over the bread.
- Broil:
- Place the bowls on a baking sheet and broil for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and browned. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning. The broiling step creates a deliciously gooey and slightly crispy cheese topping that perfectly complements the rich, savory soup.
- Serve:
- Carefully remove the bowls from the oven and serve immediately. Be cautious, as the bowls will be very hot. Enjoy the soup while it’s hot, with the melted cheese providing a wonderful contrast to the rich broth and tender onions.
Serving:
This Crockpot French Onion Soup is best served hot, straight from the oven. Here are some serving suggestions:
- Main Course: Serve with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
- Appetizer: This soup makes an excellent starter for a more elaborate meal, setting the stage with its rich and savory flavors.
Notes:
- Bread Choice: Dry French bread is recommended as it holds up well to the broth and provides a sturdy base for the cheese. You can dry the bread slices in the oven if they are not stale.
- Cheese Variations: While Gruyere, Emmental, and Parmesan are classic choices, you can experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella or Swiss.
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove over low heat until warmed through.
FAQs:
Q: Can I use a different type of onion? A: Yes, yellow or sweet onions can also be used. Each type will impart a slightly different flavor profile to the soup.
Q: What if I don’t have fresh thyme? A: You can substitute with 1 teaspoon of dried thyme or use other herbs like rosemary or bay leaves to enhance the flavor.
Q: Can I make this soup without a slow cooker? A: Yes, you can make it on the stovetop. Caramelize the onions as directed, then simmer all the ingredients in a large pot over low heat for about 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
Q: How do I make the bread and cheese topping without oven-safe bowls? A: You can toast the bread slices with cheese on a baking sheet under the broiler, then place the cheesy toasts on top of the soup just before serving.
Q: Can I freeze this soup? A: Yes, French Onion Soup freezes well. Freeze the soup without the bread and cheese topping. When ready to serve, thaw, reheat, and add the bread and cheese topping before broiling.
Q: What can I use instead of Worcestershire sauce? A: Soy sauce or a mixture of soy sauce and a splash of balsamic vinegar can be used as substitutes.
Enjoy your Crockpot French Onion Soup, a comforting and flavorful dish that’s easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion!