Print

Slow Cooker French Onion Soup

Slow Cooker French Onion Soup

Experience the cozy and rich flavors of Slow Cooker French Onion Soup, featuring sweet caramelized onions, savory beef broth, and a golden, melted Gruyère cheese topping. This hands-off recipe is perfect for weeknight meals or chilly days, delivering comforting taste with ease and simple pantry ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale

Soup Ingredients

  • 4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh or dried thyme
  • 2 bay leaves
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Toppings

  • Baguette slices, toasted
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded Gruyère cheese

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Onions: Slice yellow onions thinly, separating the layers to ensure even caramelization in the slow cooker.
  2. Caramelize in the Slow Cooker: Add butter and sliced onions to the slow cooker and cook on low for 7 to 8 hours, stirring occasionally if possible, allowing the onions to become sweet and golden.
  3. Add Garlic, Herbs, and Broth: Stir in minced garlic, thyme, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. Pour in the beef broth, mix well, and let simmer on low for an additional hour to meld flavors.
  4. Prepare the Toasted Bread: While the soup finishes, toast baguette slices until crisp to create the perfect vessel for the cheese topping.
  5. Assemble and Broil: Ladle soup into oven-safe bowls, top with toasted bread and shredded Gruyère cheese. Broil for 3 to 5 minutes until the cheese bubbles and browns beautifully.

Notes

  • Use thin onion slices for quicker and more even caramelization.
  • Don’t skip the long caramelization process to develop depth of flavor.
  • Stir the onions occasionally during cooking to prevent sticking or burning.
  • Choose a quality beef broth for richer flavor.
  • Watch the cheese closely while broiling to avoid burning.

Nutrition

Keywords: French Onion Soup, Slow Cooker Soup, Comfort Food, Caramelized Onions, Easy Dinner