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Crockpot French Onion Soup

Crockpot French Onion Soup
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A comforting and effortless Crockpot French Onion Soup featuring caramelized yellow onions simmered in rich beef or vegetable broth, topped with toasted baguette slices and melted Gruyere cheese. This slow cooker recipe delivers deep, savory flavors perfect for chilly evenings and family gatherings, with easy customization options to suit your taste.

Ingredients

Scale

Soup Base

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

Toppings

  • Baguette slices, toasted
  • 1½ cups shredded Gruyere or Swiss cheese

Instructions

  1. Prepare and Caramelize the Onions: Slice your yellow onions thinly and sauté them in butter over medium heat until golden and caramelized, about 20-30 minutes. This step unlocks their natural sugars, setting the base for your deep flavors.
  2. Transfer Onions and Add Broth: Once the onions are beautifully caramelized, transfer them to your crockpot and pour in the broth, garlic, thyme, and bay leaves. Stir gently to combine everything evenly.
  3. Slow Cook for Maximum Flavor: Set your crockpot to low and cook the soup for 6 to 8 hours. This slow, steady simmer allows each ingredient to meld into a rich, harmonious broth.
  4. Toast the Baguette Slices: While the soup simmers, slice your baguette and toast it until crisp and lightly browned. This step creates the perfect vessel for the melted cheese topping.
  5. Assemble and Broil: When ready to serve, ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls, top with toasted baguette slices, and generously sprinkle with shredded Gruyere. Place under the broiler until the cheese bubbles and turns golden brown.

Notes

  • Slice onions uniformly for even caramelization and texture throughout the soup.
  • Use real butter for richer flavor and better caramelization compared to margarine or oils.
  • Don’t skip sautéing the onions first; raw onions won’t develop that deep sweetness in the crockpot alone.
  • Leave some space in your crockpot to prevent boiling over during slow cooking.
  • Gruyere melts beautifully and imparts a nutty flavor—avoid shredded mixes that include anti-caking agents for best melt.

Nutrition

Keywords: French Onion Soup, crockpot soup, slow cooker recipe, caramelized onions, easy soup, comfort food, cozy dinner

Find it online: https://lillysplate.com/crockpot-french-onion-soup/