Slow Cooker French Onion Soup
Cozy Up with the Best Slow Cooker French Onion Soup!
Is there anything more comforting than a warm bowl of French Onion Soup? This classic dish is known for its deeply caramelized onions, rich broth, and bubbly, cheesy topping. But let’s be honest, traditional French Onion Soup can be a lot of work. That’s where our Slow Cooker French Onion Soup recipe comes in! We’ve streamlined the process without sacrificing any of the incredible flavor.
This recipe allows you to achieve perfectly caramelized onions with minimal effort. Simply combine the ingredients in your slow cooker and let it do its magic. The result is a deeply flavorful soup that’s perfect for a chilly evening, a cozy gathering, or just when you’re craving something truly comforting.
What makes this Slow Cooker French Onion Soup so special?
- Effortless Caramelization: The slow cooker gently caramelizes the onions over several hours, developing a depth of flavor you won’t believe.
- Rich and Flavorful Broth: We use a combination of beef broth and a touch of dry sherry (optional, but recommended!) to create a complex and satisfying base.
- Perfectly Toasted Cheese: The final broil step creates a golden, bubbly layer of Gruyere cheese that’s simply irresistible.
Tips for the Best Slow Cooker French Onion Soup:
- Onion Selection: Sweet onions are key for achieving that perfect caramelization. They have a higher sugar content, which helps them break down and develop a rich, sweet flavor.
- Don’t Rush the Caramelization: The longer the onions cook, the deeper the flavor will be. Resist the urge to speed up the process.
- Sherry Substitute: If you don’t have dry sherry, you can substitute with a dry white wine or a tablespoon of balsamic vinegar.
- Cheese Choice: Gruyere is traditional, but you can also use a combination of Gruyere, Swiss, and Provolone.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve this Slow Cooker French Onion Soup with a side of crusty bread for dipping. It’s also delicious paired with a simple green salad.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this soup ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can make the soup base (up to step 2) a day or two in advance. Store it in the refrigerator and then proceed with the final steps when you’re ready to serve.
Q: Can I use a different type of onion?
A: While sweet onions are recommended, you can use yellow onions in a pinch. Just be aware that they may not caramelize as quickly or deeply.
Q: Is this soup vegetarian?
A: No, this recipe uses beef broth. To make it vegetarian, substitute with vegetable broth.
Q: Can I freeze this soup?
A: It’s not recommended to freeze the soup after it’s been assembled with the bread and cheese. The bread will become soggy and the cheese will lose its texture. However, you can freeze the soup base before adding the bread and cheese.
Q: What kind of bread is best for French Onion Soup?
A: A sturdy French bread or baguette is ideal. It needs to be able to hold up to the soup without falling apart.
Slow Cooker French Onion Soup
Ingredients
- 3 large sweet onions sliced
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
- 1/4 cup butter melted
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons Dixie Crystals light brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 8 cups beef broth
- 1/2 cup dry sherry optional
- 1 loaf French bread sliced and toasted
- 1 cup Gruyere cheese shredded
Instructions
- In a slow cooker, combine onions, garlic, butter, brown sugar, and flour. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until onions are caramelized.
- Stir in beef broth and sherry (if using). Continue to cook on low for 30 minutes.
- Ladle soup into oven-safe bowls.
- Top each bowl with a slice of toasted French bread and sprinkle with Gruyere cheese.
- Broil until cheese is melted and bubbly.
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