the Best Crock pot French Onion Soup recipe! (2024)

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Crockpot French Onion Soup is easy to make and everyone will love the rich and savory broth. Each bowl is topped with a French baguette for the best comfort food.

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Crockpot French Onion Soup Recipe:

Make this easy and delicious crock pot French Onion Soup for a great meal. If you can toss a few things in the crock pot, you can make this simple soup.

French Onion soup is loaded with delicious flavor. The warm beef broth, caramelized onions, and topped with bread and cheese makes this soup the ultimate comfort food.

We love that the slow cooker does all the work to create one of my favorite soup recipes. Serve with a side salad or roasted vegetable for a delicious meal idea.

We also love this Crock Pot French Onion Chicken Recipe. Yum!

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How do you Make French Onion Soup from Scratch:

This French Onion Soup starts with low sodium beef broth to create a delicious base for this soup. Then begin by caramelizing the onions in a skillet before placing in the slow cooker.

Once the onions are cooked, then toss the soup ingredients in the slow cooker. Then the slow cooker cooks the soup base on low to combine the flavors.

The soup is then divided and placed in oven-safe bowls and topped with bread and cheese. It is then broiled in the oven for a gooey topping.

How to Caramelized Onions:

Caramelized makes all the difference in this soup. You want to cook your onions until they are almost golden brown and are translucent under high heat. Cooking in butter and brown sugar gives them extra flavoring.

The process of cooking the onions takes about 30 minutes but the time is worth it. We cooked the onions in a skillet. But if you have a slow cooker that has a cooking system, then you cook everything there.

The great thing about caramelized onions is they freeze great. So you if you have extra you can place in the freezer. They are a great addition to many recipes. Add to casseroles, eggs, and mashed potatoes.

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Slow Cooker French Onion Soup Ingredients:

  • Sweet Onions, Sliced into approximately 1/4″ thick slices
  • Dried Thyme Leaves
  • Butter, melted
  • Brown Sugar
  • Salt
  • Black Pepper
  • Shredded Asiago Cheese
  • Bay Leaf
  • Beef Broth
  • White Dry Wine
  • French Baguette, Sliced into approximately 1″ slices

How to Make Crockpot French Onion Soup:

  • Step 1 – Prepare Skillet – Place the onions, butter and brown sugar in a large non-stick sauce pan. If you have a Ninja cooking system,you can do it all in the same pan.
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  • Step 2 – Caramelize Onions – Stir together and cook over medium low heat. Cook until the yellow onions are brown and caramelized (approximately 30-45 minutes). Stir frequently during this time so that the onions do not burn at the bottom of the pan.
  • Step 3 – Place in Slow Cooker – Once the sliced onions are caramelized, place them in a 6 quarter slow cooker. Add the salt, pepper, thyme, bay leaf, beef broth and white wine to the crock pot as well.
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  • Step 4 – Cover and Cook – Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or cook on high for 3-4 hours.
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  • Step 5 – Prepare Bread – Meanwhile, slice the baguette into 1 inch thick slices. Bake the slice at 350 degrees F for 5-7 minutes to heat and brown slightly.
  • Step 6 – Divide Soup – Then spoon the soup into small oven safe bowls. Top with the baguette (I did 2-3 slices per bowl). Then top with the approximately ¼ cup of the shredded cheese.
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  • Step 7 – Bake Soup – Place the bowls on a baking sheet and heat under broiler for 3-5 minutes. Bake until the cheese has melted and is slightly brown.
  • Step 8 – Serve – Serve immediately and enjoy.
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What is the Best Cheese to use on top?

I think the best part of this soup is the topping. The way the bread soaks up the soup and how the cheese melts to perfection, is my favorite.

You can really use any type of cheese that you prefer. These are some of my suggestions.

  • Gruyere Cheese
  • Mozzarella Cheeses
  • Swiss Cheese
  • Parmesan Cheese
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French Onion Soup Crock Pot Recipe Tips:

  • Caramelize Onions – Before adding the onions to the slow cooker, make sure to cook in a butter, brown sugar mixture. This is the key ingredient in this soup and taste better when cooking them beforehand.
  • Combining Ingredients – Once the onions are cooked, then everything gets combined in the slow cooker. Allow the ingredients to cook on low or high to bring out the best flavor.
  • Adding Toppings – Our favorite part is the toasted bread and cheese topping. To melt the cheese, we like to place the soup in the oven with the bread and cheese topping. It allows the cheese to melt giving it that gooey toppings.

Variation Ideas:

  • Bread Slices – As far as the bread topping, you want to make sure you use a thick slice of bread. Feel free to use French Bread or French Baguette Slices. You can easily find these freshly baked bread at the grocery store.
  • Beef Broth – Instead of beef broth you can also use beef stock.
  • Seasoning – To add in flavor the soup, feel free to add in seasoning or sauces. A great addition to this soup is a teaspoon of Worcestershire Sauce or Balsamic Vinegar. Add in minced garlic, fresh thyme or other fresh herbs for added flavor.
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Can I Make on the Stovetop?

Yes, you can make this soup on the stove in a Dutch Oven or Large pot. Make sure to still caramelize your onions over medium-high heat and then add in the remaining ingredients.

This is a great way to cook the soup if you are going to be home. I like to let the soup simmer for about 30 minutes. Then divide the soup and place in the oven to melt the cheese over the bread.

What to Serve with French Onion Soup:

This is a great soup to serve before a meal or as your main meal. It is rich and filling and the best comfort food. You can keep it simple and add a side salad or serve it before your steak dinner.

I like to serve with extra bread so that you make sure you get every last drop of the soup.

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How to Store Leftovers:

Store you leftovers in airtight container in the fridge up to 3 days. Make sure to have extra bread to serve over the top. It is still a delicious soup even the next day.

Print Recipe for Crock Pot French Onion Soup:

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Review

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Crock Pot French Onion Soup

5 from 11 votes

Crockpot French Onion Soup is easy to make and everyone will love the rich broth. Each bowl is topped with a cheesy baguette slice.

Prep Time 45 minutes mins

Cook Time 6 hours hrs 10 minutes mins

Total Time 6 hours hrs 55 minutes mins

Servings 6

Cuisine American

Course Soup

Calories 354

Author Carrie Barnard

Ingredients

  • 3 pounds Sweet Onions Sliced into approximately 1/4″ thick slices
  • 1 tsp Dried Thyme Leaves
  • 3 Tablespoons Butter melted
  • 2 tsp Brown Sugar
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 1 tsp Pepper
  • 1.5 cup Shredded Asiago Cheese
  • 1 Bay Leaf
  • 6 cups Beef Broth
  • 1 Tbsp White Dry Wine
  • 1 12 oz. French Baguette, Sliced into approximately 1″ slices

Instructions

  • Place the onions, butter and brown sugar in a large non-stick sauce pan.

  • Stir together and cook over medium low heat until the onions are brown and caramelized (approximately 30-45 minutes). Stir frequently during this time so that the onions do not burn at the bottom of the pan.

  • Once the onions are caramelized, place them in a 6 quarter slow cooker. Add the salt, pepper, thyme, bay leaf, beef broth and white wine to the crock pot as well.

  • Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.

  • Meanwhile, slice the baguette into 1 inch thick slices. Bake the slice at 350 degrees F for 5-7 minutes to heat and brown slightly.

  • Then spoon the soup into small oven safe bowls, top with the baguette (I did 2-3 slices per bowl) and then top with the approximately ¼ cup of the shredded cheese.

  • Place the bowls on a baking sheet and broil for 3-5 minutes until the cheese has melted and is slightly brown.Serve immediately while warm and enjoy!

Recipe Notes

Refrigerate the leftover soup in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

Nutrition Facts

Calories 354kcal, Carbohydrates 40g, Protein 18g, Fat 14g, Saturated Fat 8g, Polyunsaturated Fat 1g, Monounsaturated Fat 4g, Trans Fat 0.2g, Cholesterol 32mg, Sodium 2002mg, Potassium 486mg, Fiber 3g, Sugar 15g, Vitamin A 391IU, Vitamin C 11mg, Calcium 406mg, Iron 3mg

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About the Author

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Hi, I’m Carrie. Welcome to Eating on a Dime!

I’m on a mission to help you cook delicious meals without busting your budget. Together we are going to cook real food… for real families!

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the Best Crock pot French Onion Soup recipe! (2024)

FAQs

How do you deepen the flavor of French onion soup? ›

Asian fish sauce, cider vinegar, and sherry add depth and complexity to the broth.

What is the difference between onion soup and French onion soup? ›

What is the Difference Between Onion Soup and French Onion Soup? French onion soup is always made with beef stock. Other onion soups can be made with chicken, vegetable, or beef stock. Additionally, French onion soup typically contains wine or sherry, which isn't typical or necessary in other onion soups.

Is red or white wine better for French onion soup? ›

A fruity, tart, dry white wine is a classic choice that will add a lighter, more delicate balance to the otherwise strong flavors of onions, beef broth, and cheese. Red wine has a robust, sophisticated profile that will offset the strength of the other ingredients and add yet another layer of intensity.

Why do you put baking soda in French onion soup? ›

The caramelized onions for this soup cook more quickly due to a pinch of baking soda but still have that deep, slow-cooked flavor. Topping the soup with hot, cheesy toasts prepared while the soup simmers, eliminates the need to bake the soup in specialty French onion soup bowls.

How to doctor up canned French onion soup? ›

Some fresh rosemary or thyme brings a woody, peppery taste to the soup, complementing the umami flavor of the beef stock. With a splash of balsamic vinegar and green onions or fresh basil as a garnish, the canned soup is transformed from a grocery store original into a gourmet dish.

Should French onion soup be thick or thin? ›

Made slightly thicker than most watered down soups because every mouthful NEEDS a slightly thickened texture to compliment the caramelized onions.

What broth is French onion soup made of? ›

What Is French Onion Soup? French onion soup, or soupe à l'oignon gratinée, is a classic French dish made with caramelized onions and beef stock or broth. The soup is topped with bread and cheese, then gratinéed to rich, gooey perfection.

Why is my French onion soup bitter? ›

The underlying flavor of this soup is the deep umami flavor of the caramelized onions. If you rush this process, the result will be a bitter charred flavor, and if you underestimate and skip this process the flavor will be nowhere near as deep or complex.

Does it matter how you cut onions for French onion soup? ›

For French onion soup, it is best to slice the onions into thin, even slices. This will allow them to cook evenly and caramelize properly. You can achieve this by cutting the onion in half, placing the flat side down, and slicing it widthwise into thin slices.

What type of bowl is best for French onion soup? ›

French onion soup is traditionally served in lionhead bowls, which are deep but not very wide porcelain bowls. Here are four reasons why these bowls are perfect: Plenty of soup. Even as the bread on top starts to soak up some of the soup, there's still plenty left underneath.

Can I use chicken broth instead of beef broth in French onion soup? ›

If you can't get good quality beef broth, use chicken or vegetable instead. I find that the quality of those by mainstream brands is much better than the beef stock. The beef is fine to use in things like gravy and stews, but not when it's a key ingredient like in this recipe.

How caramelized should onions be for French onion soup? ›

The key to good French onion soup is to cook the onions so long that they threaten to melt into a viscous, dark brown paste, à la Marmite. As has already been extensively reported in Slate, there are no shortcuts when you're caramelizing onions; it always takes at least an hour, usually longer.

Why do you put lemon juice in soup? ›

While salt can be added to balance out this richness, using lemon instead will actually be more effective. This is because the acid from the lemon cuts through the fat and balances out the spices. Using lemon zest on top of each bowl is also a great garnish that provides a zesty punch in every bite.

How do you thicken French onion soup? ›

What is the best way to thicken French onion soup? The easiest way to thicken your French onion soup is with flour.

Why do people put lemon in soup? ›

Lemons are a chicken soup game changer. Why? They brighten up and balance the salty, rich flavors of the dish, and make all of the ingredients come into line.

How do you make soup taste stronger? ›

You can extract a clean, strong broth from a combination of water and several pantry ingredients. It's all about layering powerful flavor-enhancers that you probably already have on hand—bacon, tomato paste, herbs, peppercorns, a Parmesan rind, and, of course, kosher salt.

How do you get the most Flavour out of onions? ›

Soak in Vinegar: It only takes about 15 minutes. Soaking raw onions in acid rinses away the harsh flavors and adds pleasant tartness. Soak in Water: Even water washes away those pesky sulfuric flavors. A quick 15-minute soak does the trick.

How do you get the depth of flavor in vegetable soup? ›

Dried herbs and seasonings: homemade seasoned salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and dried bay leaves lend flavor to the soup. Stock: I much prefer chicken stock over vegetable stock in terms of flavor, though if you want to keep this soup vegetarian, feel free to use vegetable broth or stock instead.

How do you get the depth of Flavour in vegetable soup? ›

You can also add tomato paste or fresh or dried herbs like oregano or thyme. Starchy root vegetables like potato, parsnips, turnips and swede will add body to the soup and turn it into a true meal in a bowl. Using a good-quality stock (or making your own) will enhance the flavour of the soup.

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