Crockpot French Onion Soup is a warm and comforting dish that you can make easily at home. It combines sweet, caramelized onions with rich beef broth, creating a tasty bowl of soup. By using a crockpot, you can set it and forget it while it cooks slowly throughout the day. The aroma will fill your home and make your mouth water. When served with melted cheese on top of crusty bread, it’s truly a delightful meal. Enjoy the layers of flavor and warmth in every spoonful. This simple recipe is perfect for a cozy evening or when you want to impress your friends with delicious homemade soup.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Crockpot French Onion Soup
You will love this Easy Crockpot French Onion Soup for its simplicity and amazing taste. The crockpot does all the work, allowing you to spend time on other things. The combination of caramelized onions and beef broth creates a rich and savory flavor. Topped with gooey melted cheese and crunchy bread, it becomes a hearty meal. It’s also a great way to use up onions and makes a big batch, perfect for sharing. Whether it’s a chilly day or you’re just craving comfort food, this soup is sure to hit the spot.
How to Make Easy Crockpot French Onion Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 4 large onions, thinly sliced
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 8 cups beef broth
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme or 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/2 cup grated Gruyère cheese
- 1/2 cup sliced baguette or French bread
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Directions
- In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sliced onions, salt, and sugar, and sauté until caramelized, about 15-20 minutes.
- Transfer the caramelized onions to the crockpot. Add beef broth, bay leaf, and season with salt and pepper.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Just before serving, preheat the oven to broil. Ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls, top with sliced baguette, and sprinkle with Gruyère cheese.
- Broil in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly, about 2-3 minutes.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
How to Serve Easy Crockpot French Onion Soup
Serve this soup in warm bowls for a cozy touch. You can add extra cheese on top if you like. Pair it with a simple green salad or some crunchy veggies for a complete meal. It’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or even as an appetizer at a gathering.
How to Store Easy Crockpot French Onion Soup
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can last for 3-4 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave until hot. You may want to add a little extra broth if it thickens after being stored.
Tips for the Best Easy Crockpot French Onion Soup
For the best flavor, choose sweet onions like Vidalia or Walla Walla. Remember to caramelize the onions well before adding them to the crockpot. This enhances the sweetness and depth of the soup. Adjust the seasoning to your taste, and feel free to add more herbs if you like.
Recipe Variations
You can make this soup lighter by using low-sodium broth. For a vegetarian option, substitute beef broth with vegetable broth. Experiment with different cheeses, like mozzarella or cheddar, to see what you enjoy most.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the soup a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat before serving.
Is French onion soup gluten-free?
Traditional French onion soup is not gluten-free because of the bread. You can use gluten-free bread or skip the bread altogether for a gluten-free version.
Can I freeze the soup?
Yes, you can freeze French onion soup. Store it in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. Thaw and reheat before serving.
Easy Crockpot French Onion Soup
Warm and comforting Crockpot French Onion Soup with sweet caramelized onions, rich beef broth, and melted cheese on top of crusty bread.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 360 minutes
- Total Time: 390 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Vegetarian (with vegetable broth substitution)
Ingredients
- 4 large onions, thinly sliced
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 8 cups beef broth
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme or 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/2 cup grated Gruyère cheese
- 1/2 cup sliced baguette or French bread
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sliced onions, salt, and sugar, and sauté until caramelized, about 15-20 minutes.
- Transfer the caramelized onions to the crockpot. Add beef broth, thyme, bay leaf, and season with salt and pepper.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Just before serving, preheat the oven to broil. Ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls, top with sliced baguette, and sprinkle with Gruyère cheese.
- Broil in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly, about 2-3 minutes.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
For the best flavor, use sweet onions like Vidalia or Walla Walla. Adjust seasoning to taste and feel free to add more herbs.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
