Crock Pot French Onion Soup – Easy & Delicious!

Cook up an easy and delicious French Onion Soup in your crock pot. Serve and enjoy a classic, comforting soup with minimal effort.

This recipe is for you if you’re a fan of comforting soups that pack a flavorful punch. With minimal effort and a crock pot doing most of the work, you can whip up a delicious batch of French Onion Soup that will warm both your body and soul. This classic dish is a true crowd-pleaser, from the slow-cooked caramelized onions to the savory broth and gooey cheese topping. 

In this post, I’ll provide you with a step-by-step recipe and offer serving suggestions to elevate your dining experience. Whether you’re looking for a simple yet satisfying meal or want to impress your guests with a twist on the traditional, we’ve got you covered. 

So grab your crock pot, gather the ingredients, and let’s dive into the world of Crock Pot French Onion Soup!

Why does French Onion Soup taste so good?

French Onion Soup is known for its incredible taste due to the combination of several key factors.

The process of slow-cooking the onions until they caramelize brings out their natural sweetness and enhances their flavor. This adds depth and richness to the soup. The use of beef stock as the base of the soup provides a savory and robust flavor, creating a perfect balance with the sweetness of the caramelized onions. The final touch of topping the soup with melted cheese, typically Gruyere, adds a creamy and indulgent element to each spoonful. 

French Onion Soup has a way of evoking warm memories and a feeling of comfort. The aroma of the soup wafting through the kitchen and its hearty nature can soothe the soul and make it incredibly satisfying. So why not give this slow-cooker French Onion Soup recipe a try?

Ingredients

• 3 pounds of yellow onions (approximately 6 large)
• 1/2 cup of butter (melted)
• 2 cloves of garlic (minced)
• 1/2 cup of dry sherry wine
• 8 cups of beef broth
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 sprigs of fresh thyme (or 1/4 tsp. dry)
• Salt & pepper to taste
• 1 loaf of french bread
• Olive oil
• 8 oz of Gruyere cheese (shredded and divided)

Instructions

Cut onions in half and slice thinly. Place them in a large 6-quart crock pot. Thoroughly stir melted butter into the onions to ensure they are fully coated.

Set the crock pot to low and cook overnight for 10-12 hours.

Add minced garlic to the cooked onions in the morning. Stir sherry into the onion mixture, scraping the bottom of the crock pot to mix in any browned bits. Tie the bay leaf and thyme sprigs together with kitchen twine and add them, along with salt, pepper, and broth, to the crock pot. Stir well.

Cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours until flavors are well combined.

Preheat the oven to 400°F and position the rack in the middle. Slice the French bread into 1/2″ thick slices and lightly brush both sides with olive oil. If you don’t have French bread, you can also use baguette slices, though baguettes tend to have more holes in them. Arrange the bread slices on a baking sheet and bake for 8 minutes on the first side, then 2 minutes on the second side, until golden brown.

Switch the oven to broil.

Pour the soup into bowls, filling them 3/4 full. Make sure you are using oven-safe bowls. Divide half of the shredded Gruyere cheese among the bowls. Place the baked bread on top of each bowl and sprinkle with the remaining cheese. Broil the topped soups on the middle rack for 2-3 minutes or until the cheese is lightly browned and bubbly.

Allow the soup to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy!

Serving Suggestions

These serving suggestions will enhance the enjoyment of your Crock Pot French Onion Soup, providing a range of options to suit different tastes and preferences. Get creative and personalize your meal to make it a truly delicious experience.

A Classic Combo

Serve a piping hot bowl of Crock Pot French Onion Soup alongside a toasted baguette smeared with creamy Boursin cheese. The combination of the rich, savory soup with the indulgent cheese spread will create a heavenly taste experience.

A Cheese Twist

Top your French Onion Soup with a grated Parmesan sprinkle or a tangy goat cheese dollop for an extra cheesy kick. The added creaminess and sharpness will take this comforting soup to the next level.

Green and Fresh

Pair your soup with a crisp side salad loaded with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and a light vinaigrette dressing. The contrasting textures and flavors will provide a refreshing balance to the hearty soup.

Beefy Delight

Accompany your French Onion Soup with a succulent beef sandwich or burger. The tender, juicy meat paired with the robust flavors of the soup will create a satisfying and filling meal.

Savory Grilled Cheese

Elevate your soup experience by serving it with a gooey, melty grilled cheese sandwich. Use slices of crusty bread, buttery Gruyere or Swiss cheese, and a touch of Dijon mustard for an irresistible combination of flavors and textures.

Variations and Customizations

These variations and customizations offer different ways to personalize the Crock Pot French Onion Soup recipe and experiment with flavors, allowing you to tailor the soup to your liking and preferences.

Veggie Twist

For a vegetarian version, substitute beef broth with vegetable broth. You can also add in additional vegetables like sliced mushrooms, diced carrots, or bell peppers for added flavor and texture.

Sweet Onion Twist

Instead of regular yellow onions, try sweet onions like Vidalia or Walla Walla onions for a subtly sweeter flavor. This variation can add a unique twist to the traditional French Onion Soup.

Beer Infusion

For a different depth of flavor, replace the sherry wine with a dark beer, such as stout or porter. The rich maltiness of the beer will complement the onions and give the soup a distinct character.

Try A Cheesy Bread Bowl

Instead of placing the baked bread on top of the soup, hollow out individual bread rolls, toast them and then fill them with the soup. Sprinkle the cheese inside the bread bowl and melt it under the broiler for a deliciously cheesy and edible bowl.

Herbal Infusion

Experiment with different herbs to infuse the soup with unique flavors. Instead of thyme, try rosemary or sage. You can also add a pinch of dried herbs like oregano or basil to the soup for an extra layer of taste.

A Spicy Kick

If you enjoy a bit of heat, add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the soup. The spicy element will add an exciting twist to the comforting flavors of the French Onion Soup.

Gluten-Free Option

Substitute the French bread with gluten-free bread or opt for gluten-free croutons as a topping. It allows those with dietary restrictions to enjoy this delicious soup still.

Frequently Asked Questions

For more great soup suggestions, may I point you to my easy 5-ingredient potato soup recipe that is freezer-friendly and gluten-free or my 2-in-1 slow cooker beef soup that makes a bonus green bean soup?

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Indulge in the warmth and comfort of homemade Crock Pot French Onion Soup with this easy-to-follow recipe. The slow-cooked caramelized onions, savory beef broth, and gooey Gruyere cheese come together to create a rich and flavorful experience.

Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a cooking enthusiast, this recipe offers a delicious journey into the heart of French cuisine. Explore serving suggestions and customizable variations to make this classic soup truly your own. So, heat up your crock pot, savor the aroma, and treat yourself to a bowl of culinary delight.

Don’t forget to share your thoughts and any unique twists you add to make this French Onion Soup your signature dish!