Slow Cooker French Onion Soup
If you’re looking for a comforting dish that warms the soul, look no further than Slow Cooker French Onion Soup. This delightful recipe is not only simple to prepare but also rewards you with rich, layered flavors that are perfect for any day of the week. With very little hands-on time, you can let your slow cooker do all the magic while you go about your busy day!
Recipe Information
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 480 minutes
Total Time: 495 minutes
Servings: 8
Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information (per serving)
Calories: 284
Protein: 9g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Fat: 17g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 715mg
Why Make Slow Cooker French Onion Soup
There are countless reasons to love Slow Cooker French Onion Soup. For starters, it’s incredibly healthy—packed with vitamins from the onions and the comforting goodness of beef broth. This recipe is versatile, allowing you to modify it to suit your tastes, whether you prefer it extra cheesy or with added spices for a kick. Ideal for meal prepping, you can easily batch-make this soup and store it for later, making it a great choice for busy days when you want a homemade meal without the hassle.
How to Make Slow Cooker French Onion Soup Step by Step
Ingredients
4 large onions, thinly sliced
4 cups beef broth
1 cup dry white wine
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 teaspoons sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon dried thyme
Baguette slices
1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese
Directions
- In a slow cooker, combine the sliced onions, butter, olive oil, sugar, salt, pepper, and thyme. Mix well.
- Pour in the beef broth and white wine, and stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or until the onions are soft.
- When ready to serve, preheat your oven broiler.
- Ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls, place a slice of baguette on top, and sprinkle with Gruyere cheese.
- Broil until the cheese is melted and bubbly, about 3-5 minutes.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
How to Serve Slow Cooker French Onion Soup
Slow Cooker French Onion Soup is delicious on its own, but pairing it with a light salad or crispy green beans can elevate your meal. Consider serving it alongside a fresh garden salad drizzled with a zesty vinaigrette to balance the richness of the soup. For a more filling option, a platter of charcuterie with cured meats and cheeses complements the flavors beautifully.
How to Store Slow Cooker French Onion Soup
To keep your Slow Cooker French Onion Soup fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When reheating, simply warm it on the stovetop or in the microwave. If you’d like to freeze the soup, avoid adding the cheese until you’re ready to serve; it freezes well for up to three months. Just thaw and reheat, then broil the cheese for that perfect bubbly finish!
Expert Tips for Cooking Slow Cooker French Onion Soup
- Use sweet onions for a milder flavor that balances well with the broth.
- For extra depth, consider adding a splash of balsamic vinegar to the slow cooker.
- Keep the soup from becoming too salty by using low-sodium beef broth.
- Experiment with different types of cheese like Swiss or Parmesan for unique flavors.
- Always season to taste; everyone’s palate is different!
Delicious Variations of Slow Cooker French Onion Soup
For those who love a twist, consider adding sliced jalapeños for a spicy kick or fresh herbs like rosemary and parsley for a garden-fresh flavor. You could even experiment with a citrus twist by incorporating a splash of fresh lemon juice. If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, substitute vegetable broth and use a plant-based cheese alternative for a lighter yet equally delicious version.
This rich, flavorful Slow Cooker French Onion Soup is sure to impress anyone who tries it. Its ease of preparation combined with the comforting flavors makes it a must-try! You’ll love how you can enjoy gourmet soup from the comfort of your home with minimal effort. So grab your slow cooker and get ready to delight your taste buds!
Slow Cooker French Onion Soup
A comforting, rich soup made with sweet onions, beef broth, and topped with melted Gruyere cheese, perfect for any day of the week.
For the soup
- 4 large large onions, thinly sliced (Use sweet onions for a milder flavor.)
- 4 cups beef broth (Low-sodium beef broth is recommended.)
- 1 cup dry white wine
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt (Adjust to taste.)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
For serving
- Baguette slices Baguette slices
- 1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese (You can experiment with different cheeses.)
Preparation
- In a slow cooker, combine the sliced onions, butter, olive oil, sugar, salt, pepper, and thyme. Mix well.
- Pour in the beef broth and white wine, and stir to combine.
Cooking
- Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or until the onions are soft.
Serving
- When ready to serve, preheat your oven broiler.
- Ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls, place a slice of baguette on top, and sprinkle with Gruyere cheese.
- Broil until the cheese is melted and bubbly, about 3-5 minutes.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
For a vegetarian option, substitute vegetable broth and use a plant-based cheese. Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days; avoid adding cheese if freezing for up to three months.
