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–+ servings

Easy French Onion Soup Recipe

This easy French onion soup recipe offers a deep, caramelized flavor without the hassle of constant stirring. Made with simple ingredients and adaptable cooking methods, it ensures a satisfying, cheesy dish perfect for any occasion.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Depends on Method (up to 11 hrs.) 11 hours
Total Time 11 hours 15 minutes
Course Soup
Cuisine French
Servings 6

Equipment

  • Slow Cooker (Optional)
  • Pressure Cooker (Optional)
  • Broiler or Oven
  • Oven-safe Bowls (or Parchment-lined Baking Sheet)

Ingredients
  

  • 6 tablespoons salted butter
  • 3 medium yellow onions thinly sliced
  • 2 medium shallots thinly sliced
  • 1 teaspoon honey or brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves plus more for garnish
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup dry red wine e.g., Cabernet Sauvignon
  • 2 quarts low-sodium beef or vegetable broth
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 bay leaves
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
  • 6 slices French bread
  • 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese

Instructions
 

Slow Cooker Method (6–11 hours):

  • Place the butter, sliced onions, shallots, and honey or brown sugar in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours, stirring once or twice, until the onions are golden and caramelized.
  • Mix in the thyme, sage, and flour, stirring to coat the onions evenly. Let the mixture cook for another 2 minutes, or until the flour is lightly browned.
  • Pour in the wine, broth, Worcestershire sauce, and add the bay leaves. Season with salt and pepper. Set the slow cooker to low and cook for an additional 5 hours, or 2 to 3 hours on high, allowing the flavors to blend fully.
  • Preheat your broiler. Ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls, place a slice of bread on top of each, and generously sprinkle with shredded Gruyère cheese. Broil until the cheese is melted and golden, about 3 to 5 minutes. Garnish with thyme before serving.

Pressure Cooker Method (35 minutes + pressure time):

  • Add the butter, onions, shallots, and honey to the pressure cooker. Lock the lid and set the cooker to manual high pressure for 20 minutes. Once done, release the pressure quickly.
  • Use the sauté mode to stir in the thyme, sage, and flour. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the mixture is golden brown and fragrant.
  • Stir in the wine, broth, Worcestershire sauce, and bay leaves. Season with salt and pepper, then lock the lid again. Cook on manual high pressure for an additional 10 minutes, followed by a quick release.
  • Serve as with the slow cooker method: pour the soup into bowls, top with bread and cheese, and broil until bubbly and browned. Garnish with fresh thyme.

Stovetop Method (1 hour 10 minutes):

  • Heat the butter in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the sliced onions, shallots, and honey or brown sugar. Cook for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring regularly, until the onions become deeply golden and caramelized.
  • Sprinkle in the thyme, sage, and flour, stirring continuously to coat the onions. Cook for about 2 minutes until the flour is lightly toasted.
  • Gradually pour in the wine, stirring to deglaze the pot. Add the broth, Worcestershire sauce, bay leaves, and season generously with salt and pepper. Simmer over medium heat for 15 to 20 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.
  • Follow the final step of the slow cooker method: pour the soup into bowls, add bread slices, top with cheese, and broil until the cheese is golden and bubbly. Sprinkle thyme on top before serving.

Notes

  • Oven-Safe Bowls Alternative: Use a parchment-lined baking sheet to broil bread and cheese, then serve atop soup.
  • Variations: Swap Gruyère for another melting cheese like Swiss or Emmental. Adjust sweetness with honey or sugar to taste.
Keyword beginner soup recipe, cheesy onion soup recipe, classic French soup, Easy Food Recipes, easy French onion soup, slow cooker onion soup
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