Imagine a bowl of rich, caramelized onion soup, slow-cooked to perfection in your crockpot. This crockpot french onion soup is a comforting dish that fills your home with an irresistible aroma, making it perfect for chilly evenings. The combination of sweet onions, savory broth, and gooey cheese creates a delightful experience with every spoonful. Easy to prepare and even easier to enjoy, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
– 4 large onions, thinly sliced
– 4 cups beef broth
– 1 cup white wine
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 2 teaspoons sugar
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 teaspoon thyme
– 1 baguette, sliced
– 2 cups shredded Gruyère cheese
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe serves 6. Preparation time is about 15 minutes, and cooking time is approximately 6-8 hours on low heat.
Nutritional Value
Each serving (1 bowl) contains approximately:
– Calories: 300
– Protein: 10g
– Carbohydrates: 35g
– Fat: 14g
– Fiber: 2g
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
1. Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Add sliced onions and sauté until soft and caramelized, about 15-20 minutes.
3. Stir in sugar, salt, black pepper, and thyme, cooking for another 5 minutes.
4. Transfer caramelized onions to the crockpot.
5. Pour in beef broth and white wine, stirring to combine.
6. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
7. About 30 minutes before serving, preheat the oven to broil.
8. Toast baguette slices until golden brown.
9. Ladle soup into oven-proof bowls, topping each with toasted bread and cheese.
10. Broil until cheese is bubbly and golden.
Alternative Ingredients
If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute beef broth with vegetable broth. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free bread and ensure your broth is gluten-free.
Serving and Pairings
This soup pairs perfectly with a simple green salad or a side of roasted vegetables. For an extra touch, serve with a glass of dry white wine.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm on the stove or in the microwave. This soup can be frozen for up to 2 months; however, the texture of the bread may change upon reheating.
Cooking Mistakes
- Don’t rush the caramelization of onions; it takes time for the best flavor.
- Use low-sodium broth to control saltiness.
- Avoid overcooking the soup; it can become too thick.
- Don’t skip the wine; it adds depth to the flavor.
- Ensure the cheese is broiled just until bubbly to avoid burning.
Helpful Tips
- Slice onions uniformly for even cooking.
- Use a good quality cheese for the best flavor.
- Experiment with different herbs like rosemary or bay leaf.
- Consider adding garlic for additional flavor.
FAQs
Can I make this soup in advance?
Yes, you can prepare this soup a day in advance. Just reheat it on the stove before serving, adding fresh cheese on top just before broiling.
What type of cheese works best?
Gruyère cheese is traditional for French onion soup, but you can also use Swiss or mozzarella for a different flavor.
Can I use pre-sliced onions?
Yes, using pre-sliced onions can save time, but fresh onions will provide better flavor and texture.
Is it possible to make this soup dairy-free?
You can use a dairy-free cheese alternative and omit the butter, using olive oil instead.
How do I prevent my onions from burning?
Cook the onions on low to medium heat and stir frequently to ensure even cooking without burning.
Conclusion
Crockpot french onion soup is a heartwarming dish that combines simplicity with rich flavors. Perfect for meal prep, this recipe allows you to enjoy a comforting bowl of soup with minimal effort. Your family will love the cozy taste of this classic dish!
Crockpot French Onion Soup
Ingredients
- 4 large onions thinly sliced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup white wine
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1 baguette sliced
- 2 cups shredded Gruyère cheese
Instructions
- Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add sliced onions and sauté until soft and caramelized, about 15-20 minutes.
- Stir in sugar, salt, black pepper, and thyme, cooking for another 5 minutes.
- Transfer caramelized onions to the crockpot.
- Pour in beef broth and white wine, stirring to combine.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
- About 30 minutes before serving, preheat the oven to broil.
- Toast baguette slices until golden brown.
- Ladle soup into oven-proof bowls, topping each with toasted bread and cheese.
- Broil until cheese is bubbly and golden.
