french onion slow cooker recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
french onion slow cooker recipe
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The Best french onion slow cooker recipe

I’ve always been fascinated by the rich flavors and textures of French cuisine, and one dish that never fails to impress is the French Onion Slow Cooker Recipe. This hearty, comforting dish is a staple in many French households, and for good reason – it’s incredibly easy to make and requires minimal ingredients.

The slow cooker method allows the onions to caramelize and develop a deep, sweet flavor that’s simply irresistible. I love serving this dish at family gatherings, as it’s easy to feed a crowd and can be made in large quantities.

My kids devour it, and my husband raves about the flavors. It’s also a great way to use up any leftover beef or chicken you may have on hand.

Plus, the slow cooker does all the work for you, so you can just set it and forget it. I’ve made this recipe countless times over the years, and it never fails to impress.

Whether you’re looking for a comforting meal after a long day or a special occasion dish, this French Onion Slow Cooker Recipe is sure to please. And the best part?

It’s ridiculously healthy – low in calories, high in fiber, and packed with antioxidants from all those onions.

French Onion Slow Cooker Soup

French Onion Slow Cooker Soup

4.6 from 1594 votes

This slow cooker French onion soup delivers deep, caramelized onion flavor with minimal effort. The long, gentle cooking process transforms simple onions into a rich, savory broth.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time8 hours
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time8 hours 20 mins
Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 380 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Soup

4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 bay leaf
1/2 cup dry white wine or sherry
6 cups beef broth, low sodium
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

For Serving

6 slices French bread or baguette, 1 inch thick
2 cups shredded Gruyere or Swiss cheese

👨‍🍳Directions

1Place the sliced onions in the slow cooker.
2Pour the melted butter and olive oil over the onions, then add salt, pepper, dried thyme, and the bay leaf.
3Toss well to coat the onions evenly.
4Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 8 to 10 hours, or until the onions are very soft and deep golden brown.
5Stir once or twice during cooking if possible.
6The onions should look caramelized and smell sweet.
7Add the white wine or sherry to the slow cooker and stir, scraping up any browned bits.
8Cook uncovered on high for 10 minutes to allow the alcohol to evaporate.
9Then add the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, and stir to combine.
10Cover and cook on high for an additional 30 minutes, until the soup is hot and steaming.
11Remove the bay leaf.
12Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed.
13Preheat the broiler.
14Ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls, leaving about 1 inch of space at the top.
15Place a slice of bread on each bowl and top generously with shredded Gruyere cheese.
16Place the bowls on a baking sheet.
17Broil for 2 to 4 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly browned in spots.
18Watch closely to prevent burning.
19Serve immediately while the cheese is hot and the broth is piping hot.

🔧Equipment

6-quart slow cooker
Large skillet (optional, for browning)
Chef’s knife
Cutting board
Measuring cups and spoons
Oven-safe soup bowls or ramekins
Baking sheet

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 380 kcal🧈Total Fat: 18g💛Saturated Fat: 9g❤️Cholesterol: 45mg🧂Sodium: 950mg🌾Total Carbs: 32g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 8g🥩Protein: 18g

📝Notes

For deeper flavor, brown the onions in a skillet over medium-high heat for 10 minutes before adding to the slow cooker. Use a dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a dry sherry. Gruyere cheese is traditional, but Swiss or provolone also work well.

Watch Video Of How French Onion Slow Cooker Soup Works

This French Onion Slow Cooker Recipe is truly a crowd-pleaser – my family devours it every time I make it. And as an added bonus, it’s incredibly healthy!

To store leftovers, let them cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container in the fridge. Reheating is easy – simply transfer them back into your slow cooker or Dutch oven with some additional beef broth if needed.

For serving ideas, try pairing it with crusty bread or over mashed potatoes for an extra-special meal.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About French Onion Slow Cooker Soup

Q: What is the difference between caramelizing onions and sautéing them?

Caramelizing onions involves cooking them slowly over low heat until they turn dark brown and develop a sweet, syrupy flavor. Sautéing them, on the other hand, involves quickly cooking them in a pan with some oil until they soften but still retain their crunchiness.

Q: Can I use any type of onion for this recipe?

While you can use yellow or white onions for this recipe, sweet onions like Vidalia or Maui are preferred because of their naturally sweet flavor.

Q: How long does it take for the onions to caramelize?

The length of time it takes for the onions to caramelize will depend on the heat level and moisture content of your slow cooker. Generally, it takes around 2-3 hours for them to reach their desired level of sweetness.

Q: Can I make this recipe without beef broth?

No, beef broth is an essential component of this recipe as it adds depth and richness to the dish.

Q: What if I don’t have a slow cooker? Can I make this recipe on the stovetop instead?

You can make this recipe on the stovetop by sautéing the onions in a pan until they’re softened and then transferring them to a Dutch oven or large saucepan where they can simmer slowly until caramelized.

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