Classic 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 cheesy, crusty bread 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 flavor, so you can enjoy this comforting favorite any night of the week.
This recipe utilizes the magic of the slow cooker to achieve perfectly caramelized onions with minimal effort. The low and slow cooking process allows the onions to develop a deep, sweet flavor that’s the hallmark of a great French Onion Soup. Plus, the hands-off approach means you can focus on other things while dinner practically makes itself!
What makes this Slow Cooker French Onion Soup so good?
- Deeply Caramelized Onions: The slow cooker allows the onions to cook low and slow, developing a rich, sweet, and complex flavor.
- Rich and Flavorful Broth: A combination of beef and chicken broth creates a deeply savory base.
- Easy to Make: Minimal hands-on time – perfect for busy weeknights.
- Classic Comfort: All the flavors you love in traditional French Onion Soup, made easy.
Tips for the Best Slow Cooker French Onion Soup:
- Onion Selection: Yellow onions are the traditional choice, but you can also use a mix of yellow, white, and even red onions for a more complex flavor.
- Slicing Onions: Consistent slicing is key for even cooking. Aim for about 1/4-inch thick slices.
- Don’t Skip the Tea Towels: The tea towels help trap steam and encourage the onions to caramelize rather than steam. This is a crucial step!
- Broil Carefully: Keep a close eye on the cheesy bread under the broiler to prevent burning.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve this Slow Cooker French Onion Soup with a simple side salad or a crusty baguette for dipping. It’s also a fantastic appetizer for a cozy gathering.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this soup ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can make the soup base (up to the point of adding the bread and cheese) a day or two in advance. Store it in the refrigerator and reheat before serving. Add the bread and cheese just before broiling.
Q: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A: Gruyère is the traditional cheese for French Onion Soup, but Swiss or Cheddar cheese also work well. Feel free to experiment with your favorite melting cheese!
Q: Can I make this vegetarian?
A: Yes! Substitute vegetable broth for the beef and chicken broth. You may also want to add a splash of balsamic vinegar or Worcestershire sauce (ensure it’s vegetarian) to enhance the umami flavor.
Q: What if I don’t have sherry or brandy?
A: You can omit the sherry or brandy altogether. It adds a nice depth of flavor, but it’s not essential.
Q: How long will the soup keep in the refrigerator?
A: Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Slow Cooker French Onion Soup
Ingredients
- 6 large onions thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1 tbsp packed brown sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 4 cups beef broth
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 tbsp dry sherry or brandy optional
- 12 slices baguette about 1/2 -inch (1 cm) thick
- 2 cups Swiss or Cheddar cheese shredded
Instructions
- In a 5- to 6-quart slow cooker, combine onions and butter, stirring well. Cover and cook on High for 45 to 90 minutes, stirring twice, until onions are softened.
- Add brown sugar, salt, pepper and soy sauce. Place two clean tea towels, each folded in half (so you have four layers), over top of insert. Cover and cook on High for 3 to 4 hours, stirring three or four times to prevent onions from sticking and burning on edges of insert, until onions are very soft and deep brown.
- Stir in beef broth, chicken broth and sherry (if using). Leave tea towels off. Cover and cook on High for 1½ to 2 hours, until very hot.
- Preheat broiler. Place baguette slices on a baking sheet and toast on both sides. Sprinkle cheese on one side of each slice and broil for 2 to 3 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Ladle soup into serving bowls and top with cheesy bread.
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