Effortless Crockpot French Onion Soup for Cozy Nights

There’s nothing like a warm, savory bowl of French Onion Soup on a chilly night. This slow-cooked, Crockpot version makes it easy to enjoy deep flavors without spending hours over the stove. Let’s dive into this cozy, comforting recipe that’s both simple and satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Crockpot French Onion Soup

This recipe is all about convenience and flavor. By using a Crockpot, you’re able to achieve the richness of caramelized onions without the hassle of constant stirring. With a few easy steps, this recipe creates a restaurant-quality soup that’s perfect for curling up with on a cool evening.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gather these ingredients before you start, and you’ll be set for an effortless cooking experience:

• 6 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
• 4 tablespoons of butter
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• ½ teaspoon of sugar (to aid caramelization)
• 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour (for thickening)
• 6 cups of beef broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
• Fresh thyme sprigs or 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
• 2 bay leaves
• French baguette slices, toasted
• Gruyère cheese, shredded (or Swiss cheese as an alternative)

Step-by-Step Recipe Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Onions

Start by thinly slicing your onions. Tip: Use a sharp knife to ensure even slices, which help them caramelize beautifully.

Step 2: Caramelize the Onions in the Crockpot

1. Place the butter and olive oil in the Crockpot.
2. Add sliced onions, sprinkle with salt and sugar, and stir to coat evenly.
3. Set the Crockpot to low heat and cook the onions for 8-10 hours or until they are soft and golden brown. This low-and-slow method brings out a deep caramelized flavor with minimal effort.

Step 3: Add Flour and Broth

Once the onions are caramelized:

1. Stir in the flour, coating the onions to thicken the soup slightly.
2. Pour in the beef broth.
3. Add thyme and bay leaves.

Step 4: Slow Cook for Richness

Set the Crockpot to low and cook for another 6-8 hours. This extended cooking time allows the flavors to fully develop.

Pro Tip: If you’re in a hurry, you can cook on high for 3-4 hours instead, but for the best depth of flavor, slow and steady wins the race.

Step 5: Serve with Toasted Baguette and Melted Cheese

1. Toast the baguette slices under the broiler until golden.
2. Ladle the soup into bowls, place a baguette slice on top, and sprinkle generously with shredded Gruyère cheese.
3. Place bowls under the broiler until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Tips for Perfect French Onion Soup

• Use yellow onions for a sweeter flavor and a rich color.
• Fresh thyme enhances the herbal notes, but dried works fine if that’s what you have on hand.
• Don’t skip the Gruyère cheese—its nutty flavor elevates the dish. Swiss cheese is a good backup if Gruyère isn’t available.

Serving Suggestions

This French Onion Soup pairs beautifully with a light green salad and crusty bread for dipping. It also works as a starter for a heartier meal if you’re serving guests.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

This soup actually tastes even better the next day! Store it in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Just add fresh bread and cheese when reheating.

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Curl up with this cozy Crockpot French Onion Soup and let it warm you up on those cool nights!