Effortless Elegance Slow Cooker French Onion Soup
- Recipe Introduction
- All About Those Onions!
- The Rich Broth Foundation
- Don't Forget the Wine (Optional, but Recommended!)
- Cheese, Glorious Cheese!
- Ingredients & Equipment for the Best French Onion Soup
- Effortless Elegance: My Slow Cooker French Onion Soup Recipe
- Recipe Notes for Your Best French Onion Soup
- Frequently Asked Questions
- 📝 Recipe Card
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Fancy a crockpot french onion soup recipe that tastes like you spent hours slaving over a hot stove? Honestly, who doesn't? This is where my slow cooker magic comes in.
Get ready for an intensely savory and sweet bowl of comfort.
Brief Overview
French Onion Soup, with its origins in the bustling markets of Paris, is traditionally quite labour intensive. This version simplifies the process.
It is a n easy crockpot soup recipe . This easy crockpot soup recipes takes about 10 hours total, with minimal effort.
This recipe yields 6-8 servings. It's perfect for a family meal or cozy get-together with friends.
Main Benefits
The best french onion soup can warm you up from the inside out. It is the ultimate comfort food recipes .
The onions get super tender and flavorful. And, bonus onions are packed with antioxidants! Imagine serving this luscious gruyere cheese soup recipe on a chilly winter soup recipes night.
Ready to dive in? Let’s talk ingredients for this caramelized onion soup crockpot .
All About Those Onions!
Oh my gosh, the star of the show is, of course, the onions! We're talking about 3 lbs of thinly sliced yellow onions.
Trust me, don't skimp! I know slicing onions can be a bit of a tear jerker. Honestly, sometimes I wear swimming goggles.
I'm not even joking!
The Rich Broth Foundation
Next up, the broth! Good quality beef broth (8 cups). It's the backbone of this soup. Using low-sodium broth lets you control the salt levels.
I once used a super salty broth, and the whole soup was ruined! Lesson learned, you know?
Don't Forget the Wine (Optional, but Recommended!)
A cup of dry red wine (like a Burgundy or Cabernet Sauvignon) adds so much depth. If you're not a wine person, that's okay.
You can totally leave it out. But honestly, it elevates the flavor. It's like adding a secret ingredient that everyone will rave about.
I've even used a splash of sherry before delicious!
Cheese, Glorious Cheese!
Finally, the Gruyère! About 8 oz, shredded. Don't even think about using pre-shredded cheese. Get a block and shred it yourself.
It melts so much better. I made that mistake once and never again! You can never use too much gruyere cheese soup recipe , right?
Alright, now that we've got our ingredients sorted, let's move on to the magic of slow cooking!
Ingredients & Equipment for the Best French Onion Soup
Hey, friend! So you want to make my crockpot french onion soup recipe ? Awesome! Let's talk about what you'll need.
No need to panic, this easy crockpot soup recipe is pretty straightforward. I've made this so many times, and trust me, it's so worth it!
Main Ingredients
Okay, first things first. Onions! You need 3 lbs (1.36 kg) of yellow onions, thinly sliced. Seriously, yellow onions are where it's at for that classic flavor.
The quality of your onions matter, look for ones that are firm and heavy for their size. Next up: 4 tbsp (56g) of unsalted butter and 2 tbsp (30 ml) of olive oil.
Beef broth is next. You will need 8 cups (1.9 L) of it. I prefer low-sodium so I can control the salt.
For the wine you need 1 cup (240 ml) of dry red wine, Burgundy or Cabernet Sauvignon work great. If you're feeling fancy or avoiding alcohol, you can always skip it!
Seasoning Notes
Now, for the good stuff! For seasoning, you need 1 tsp of granulated sugar, it helps with the caramelized onion soup crockpot , 1/2 tsp of dried thyme, and 1/4 tsp of dried bay leaf.
Then 2 tbsp (30 ml) of Worcestershire sauce. And of course, salt and pepper to taste. Don't be shy with the pepper.
Honestly, the thyme and bay leaf are essential, but if you're missing one, don't sweat it. Just use what you've got! A pinch of rosemary can work in a pinch.
Equipment Needed
You will need 6-quart or larger slow cooker (crockpot) is key, this is a slow cooker french onion soup after all!.
You'll also want a large skillet for caramelizing the onions, a baking sheet, small bowl for the garlic butter, and soup bowls.
If you don't have oven safe bowls, that's okay! You can always skip the broiling step or just serve the soup with the cheesy croutons on top.
That's it! I think this is one of the most easy soup recipes out there. And it makes the best comfort food recipes , especially as a winter soup recipes ! Now, let's get cooking!
Effortless Elegance: My Slow Cooker French Onion Soup Recipe
Honestly, who doesn't love a good bowl of french onion soup recipe ? It’s the ultimate comfort food recipes , especially when it's chilly outside.
And let me tell you, this crockpot french onion soup recipe is a total game changer. Seriously, it's the easiest way to get that rich, caramelized flavor without standing over a hot stove for hours.
I used to be intimidated by this soup. But it is now one of my favourite easy soup recipes .
Prep Steps: Let's Get Organized
Before we dive in, a little mise en place is key. Chop those 3 lbs (1.36 kg) yellow onions thin! Trust me, it makes a difference.
Melt 4 tbsp (56g) unsalted butter. Measure out the spices, and shred 8 oz (225g) of Gruyere cheese soup recipe .
This easy crockpot soup recipes are all about prep. Safety first : Be careful when slicing those onions! Those little guys can be slippery.
step-by-step: Slow Cooker Magic
Here's the super simple process for my slow cooker french onion soup :
- Thinly slice the 3 lbs (1.36 kg) onions.
- (Optional) Caramelize Onions : Saute the onions in a pan with 4 tbsp (56g) butter and 2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil over medium low heat until golden brown. This should take about 30- 45 minutes. During the last 5 minutes, add 1 tsp of granulated sugar, 1/2 tsp of dried thyme and 1/4 tsp of dried bay leaf.
- Place the onions in your crockpot.
- Pour in 8 cups (1.9 L) of beef broth, 1 cup (240 ml) of dry red wine (optional), and 2 tbsp (30 ml) of Worcestershire sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cover and cook on low for 8- 10 hours or on high for 4- 6 hours . You want those onions to be super soft.
- Prepare your garlic butter croutons by mixing 4 tbsp (56g) of unsalted melted butter with 4 minced cloves of garlic. Brush the baguette slices with the butter mixture.
- Ladle the soup into oven safe bowls, top with the garlic butter croutons and a generous amount of Gruyere cheese soup recipe !. Then broil until the cheese is melted and bubbly (about 2- 3 minutes ). Watch carefully!
- Serve immediately. These bowls are hot so be careful.
Pro Tips for Soup Perfection
Okay, here's where the magic happens. Firstly, caramelized onion soup crockpot starts with great caramelization! For real depth of flavour, don't skip caramelizing the onions, it makes it the best french onion soup .
Trust me, it is the key to slow cooker soup recipes . Secondly, taste your broth! Adding a splash of good sherry or brandy can make it extra special.
If I'm short on time, I'll use store-bought caramelized onions, but nothing beats the real deal. Finally, Gruyère cheese is a must! It melts so beautifully.
You can use Fontina or Swiss cheese instead of Gruyère.
Making this winter soup recipes is so satisfying. A good french onion soup recipe is a classic, and the slow cooker makes it so simple. Enjoy!
Recipe Notes for Your Best French Onion Soup
Alright, so you're ready to dive into this Effortless Elegance: Slow Cooker French Onion Soup adventure! Before you grab your apron, let's chat about a few things that'll make your soup making experience even better.
How to Serve Up That Soup
Presentation is key, right? Oh my gosh, I love ladling this into oven safe bowls. The classic way is to float a few garlic butter croutons on top.
Then load on that gorgeous, nutty Gruyère cheese soup recipe , and broil until it's bubbly and golden. Honestly, it's pure comfort in a bowl! Pair it with a simple green salad for a bit of freshness.
Or, you know, just a giant hunk of crusty bread for dipping. I won't judge! And if you're feeling fancy, a glass of dry red wine like a Beaujolais.
Storage Tips to Keep it Fresh
So, you've made a big batch of this slow cooker french onion soup . You have some leftovers? No worries! Once cooled, pop it in an airtight container and it'll keep in the fridge for 3-4 days .
For longer storage, freezing is an option. Freeze it in individual portions for easy thawing. To reheat, gently simmer on the stovetop or microwave until heated through.
Just remember, the croutons are best added fresh!
Remixing the Recipe
One of the best things about soup is how adaptable they are! Want to make it vegetarian? Easy peasy, just swap the beef broth for veggie broth.
Making it gluten-free? I found out that gluten-free baguette works a charm for the croutons. You can experiment with different cheeses too.
Fontina, Swiss... they all melt beautifully. No red wine? No worries! Balsamic vinegar it is. I once used sherry in it, and it tasted amazing!
Simple Nutritional Info
Okay, so here's the deal: this french onion soup recipe isn't exactly a health food. But hey, everything in moderation, right? It's packed with flavour and comfort, and it does offer some protein from the cheese and broth.
Plus, you get some fibre from the onions. Just be mindful of the sodium content, especially if you're using store-bought broth.
This crockpot french onion soup recipe makes about 6-8 servings. An estimated serving is from 450 to 550 calories . It also provides 25 to 30g of protein, 25 to 30g of fat, 30 to 35g of carbohydrates, and 3 to 5g of fiber.
Don't forget to take note of 10 to 15g of sugar and 800 to 1000mg of sodium.
I believe in you! Grab your slow cooker and make some magic with this easy crockpot soup recipes . This easy soup recipes is going to be a hit! This is one of the best french onion soup and comfort food recipes .
You will thank me later. Now go forth and simmer!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it really possible to make a good French onion soup in a crockpot? Won't it lack flavor?
Absolutely! The beauty of the crockpot is its ability to slowly caramelize the onions over time, developing a rich, deep flavor that's often even better than the stovetop version. For the best result, though, consider caramelizing the onions in a skillet beforehand to really unlock their sweetness; think of it as giving your soup a head start like a contestant on "The Great British Baking Show."
Can I skip the wine in this Crockpot French Onion Soup recipe? I don't always have it on hand.
You can definitely skip the red wine! While it adds a certain je ne sais quoi, the soup will still be delicious without it. To compensate, you can add an extra splash of Worcestershire sauce or a tablespoon of balsamic vinegar to the crockpot for a bit more depth.
Think of it as the "Netflix and Chill" version still great, but a bit more relaxed.
How can I store leftover crockpot French onion soup? Can I freeze it?
Leftover soup (without the croutons and cheese) can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2-3 months. However, note that the texture of the onions might change slightly after freezing and thawing, but it will still taste great.
Just like reheating a takeaway curry, it might be even better the next day!
My slow cooker cooks really hot. How do I prevent the onions from burning in this crockpot french onion soup recipe?
That's a valid concern! If your slow cooker tends to run hot, keep an eye on the soup, especially in the first few hours. Consider cooking it on the "warm" setting or on low for a shorter amount of time (check after 6 hours).
Adding a little extra beef broth at the beginning can also help to prevent burning and keep things nicely hydrated, like giving your slow cooker a little "holiday" to chill and not burn.
Is this Crockpot French Onion Soup recipe healthy? What about the sodium and calories?
French onion soup is a comforting classic, but it's not necessarily a health food. The calorie count can vary depending on the amount of cheese and bread you use. To make it healthier, use low-sodium beef broth, go easy on the cheese, and consider using whole wheat baguette for the croutons.
It's all about balance, like enjoying a cheeky pint down the pub after a long week!
Can I make this French onion soup vegetarian in the crockpot? What broth should I use?
Absolutely! To make this vegetarian, simply substitute the beef broth with a high-quality vegetable broth. Look for a rich and flavorful vegetable broth to ensure the soup has plenty of depth.
You might also consider adding a tablespoon of balsamic vinegar or soy sauce for an extra umami kick, proving that even veggie versions can be a total banger!
Effortless Elegance Slow Cooker French Onion Sou
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 450-550 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 25-30g |
| Fiber | 3-5g |
