Slow Cooker French Onion Soup Recipe

Ingredients

Caramelized Onions:

Caramelized onions are a fundamental ingredient in many recipes, including this Slow Cooker French Onion Soup. They add a depth of flavor and a sweet, savory taste that elevates the dish to new heights.

To caramelize onions, you’ll need three large onions, sliced into thin rings. The type of onion used for caramelizing is typically a sweet onion variety like Vidalia or Maui. These onions have a naturally sweeter flavor than other types and will hold their shape well during the cooking process.

Next, heat two tablespoons of olive oil in a pan over medium-low heat. Once the oil is hot, add the sliced onions to the pan in a single layer. You may need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your pan.

Cook the onions for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally. They’ll start to soften and release their moisture, which will help create the caramelized flavor. After about 15 minutes, you can increase the heat to medium and continue cooking until they’re deep golden brown and caramelized.

It’s essential to stir the onions regularly during this process to prevent them from burning. You can also add a pinch of salt to bring out their natural sweetness and help with the caramelize process.

Once the onions are caramelized, you can set them aside until they’re cool enough to handle. They’ll be sticky and fragrant, and will add an incredible flavor to your Slow Cooker French Onion Soup.

In this recipe, the caramelized onions are added to the slow cooker along with some beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and a sprinkle of thyme. As the soup cooks, the flavors meld together and the onions become even more tender and flavorful.

* 1 large onion, thinly sliced

The first ingredient required for this Slow Cooker French Onion Soup recipe is a large onion, which should be thinly sliced.

The onion serves as the primary flavor component in this dish and provides a sweet, savory, and slightly caramelized taste when cooked.

The process of slicing the onion thinly helps to ensure even cooking and allows for maximum release of its natural flavors and aromas during the cooking process.

The sliced onions are then typically sautéed or browned in butter before being added to the slow cooker with other ingredients such as beef broth, wine, and seasonings.

Using high-quality ingredients is crucial when preparing this recipe, so it’s essential to choose a large, sweet onion like Vidalia or yellow onion for optimal flavor.

* 2 tablespoons olive oil

The first ingredient needed for this Slow Cooker French Onion Soup Recipe is olive oil, which serves as a fundamental component in sautéing the onions to bring out their natural sweetness and depth of flavor.

Specifically, 2 tablespoons of olive oil are required to coat the bottom of the pan and facilitate the caramelization process that transforms the onions into a rich, golden-brown mixture.

Olive oil is chosen for its mild flavor and high smoke point, which enables it to handle the high heat needed to achieve the desired level of browning without breaking down or smoking.

The quality of olive oil can also impact the overall taste of the soup, with a premium or extra-virgin option imparting a more nuanced and complex flavor profile compared to a lower-grade olive oil.

* Salt and pepper, to taste

The key ingredients for a delicious Slow Cooker French Onion Soup are:

1. Onions: 1 large onion, thinly sliced. For this recipe, we recommend using sweet onions like Vidalia or Maui to add depth and caramelized flavor.
2. Cooking Oil: 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter or cooking oil (such as olive or avocado oil) for sautéing the onions.
3. All-purpose Flour: 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour to thicken the soup and add a nutty flavor.
4. Broth:
   1. 4 cups of beef broth: You can use low-sodium broth or make your own by simmering beef bones in water.
   2. 2 cups of dry white wine (optional): This adds a rich, depthful flavor to the soup. However, feel free to omit it if you prefer not to include wine.
5. Cheese: 4 slices of baguette and 1 cup of grated Gruyère or Swiss cheese for topping the soup.
6. Seasonings: The two key seasonings in this recipe are:
   • Salt: Add salt to taste, but we recommend using at least 1 teaspoon of kosher salt to bring out the flavors of the onions and broth.
   • Paprika

Slow Cooker Instructions

Browning the Bacon:

To create a delicious and flavorful Slow Cooker French Onion Soup, it’s essential to start with browning the bacon. This step may seem simple, but it plays a crucial role in developing the rich and savory flavor profile of the dish.

Begin by preheating your slow cooker to high heat, if your model allows for it. If not, simply proceed with cooking the bacon as instructed below.

Cut 6 slices of bacon into 1-inch pieces. You can use either thick-cut or regular bacon, depending on your personal preference. For a more intense flavor, opt for thick-cut bacon.

In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped bacon and cook until it reaches your desired level of crispiness.

For an authentic French onion soup experience, aim for a golden-brown color on the bacon. If you prefer a crisper texture, cook the bacon for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.

Remove the cooked bacon from the skillet with a slotted spoon and transfer it to the slow cooker. Leave any excess grease behind in the pan, as it will add flavor to your soup.

Next, add 4-6 slices of yellow onion to the same skillet used for cooking the bacon. Cook until they’re translucent and starting to caramelize, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. This step should take around 5-7 minutes, depending on the heat and desired level of caramelization.

Once the onions are cooked, add them to the slow cooker with the browned bacon. Now that both components are ready, you can proceed with the rest of the recipe. Keep in mind that your slow cooker will take around 8 hours on low or 4-5 hours on high to fully cook and blend all the flavors together.

For a complete guide to making Slow Cooker French Onion Soup, refer to our accompanying recipe, which includes step-by-step instructions for adding the remaining ingredients and cooking the soup until it’s perfectly creamy and flavorful.

* 6 slices of bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces

To begin making this delicious Slow Cooker French Onion Soup, you will need to start with some essential steps. One of these initial steps involves preparing the bacon.

Begin by cooking the 6 slices of bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces in a pan over medium heat until they are crispy and golden brown. Once cooked, remove the bacon from the pan with a slotted spoon and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess grease.

Now that you have your crispy bacon, you can proceed with the next step: sautéing the onions in the same pan. Add 1 large onion, thinly sliced, to the pan and cook until it is softened and caramelized, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. This process may take around 20-25 minutes.

After the onions have reached your desired level of caramelization, add 2 cloves of minced garlic to the pan and cook for an additional minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning.

With the bacon and onion mixture prepared, it’s time to assemble the ingredients in the slow cooker. Add the cooked onion and garlic mixture to the bottom of the slow cooker, followed by the crispy bacon pieces and 1 cup of beef broth.

Mix well to combine all the ingredients, then top with 4 slices of bread (such as baguette) that have been toasted until crispy. Place the toasted bread on top of the soup mixture in the slow cooker.

Finally, sprinkle shredded cheese, such as Gruyère or Swiss, over the top of each slice of bread to create a golden-brown crust. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 2-3 hours or high for 1-2 hours until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Serve hot, garnished with fresh thyme leaves if desired. Enjoy your delicious Slow Cooker French Onion Soup!

* Cook in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, then set aside

To prepare this mouth-watering **Slow Cooker French Onion Soup**, follow these simple steps:

The first step is to slice onions thinly and separate them into individual rings. You will need about 4-5 medium-sized onions for this recipe.

In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the sliced onions to the pan and cook until they are softened and caramelized. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.

This step is crucial in developing the rich flavor of the soup. As you cook the onions, they will start to release their natural sugars and turn a deep golden brown color. This process may take about 20-25 minutes, depending on the heat level and your desired level of caramelization.

Once the onions are cooked, remove them from the heat and set them aside in a separate bowl. Be sure to save any juices that have accumulated in the pan as these will add to the flavor of the soup later on.

Next, prepare the other ingredients for the slow cooker by slicing mushrooms, if using, and mincing fresh thyme leaves. You can also use dried thyme if you prefer.

In the slow cooker, combine the cooked onions, sliced mushrooms (if using), beef broth, white wine (optional), and a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. Stir well to ensure everything is mixed together.

Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on low heat for 8-10 hours or high heat for 4-5 hours. During this time, the flavors will meld together, and the soup will thicken slightly.

To serve, place a slice of toasted bread in the bottom of a bowl and ladle the hot French onion soup over it. Top with grated Gruyère cheese or other favorite cheese and a sprinkle of fresh thyme leaves for added flavor and visual appeal.

Enjoy your delicious **Slow Cooker French Onion Soup**!

Making the Soup:

To make this delicious _**Slow Cooker French Onion Soup**_, you’ll need to gather the following ingredients and follow these step-by-step instructions.

First, chop 3 large onions into thin wedges, making sure they’re uniform in size so that they cook evenly. In a pan over medium heat, sauté the onions in 2 tablespoons of butter until they’re caramelized and golden brown. This step is crucial to bring out the natural sweetness of the onions.

Next, add 4 cloves of minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Then, sprinkle a pinch of salt over the onions and garlic to enhance their flavor.

In a large slow cooker, combine the sautéed onion mixture, 1 (14.5 oz) can of beef broth, 1/2 cup of dry white wine (optional), and 1 teaspoon of dried thyme. Stir well to combine.

Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours. You can also cook it on warm for 12-14 hours if you prefer a more intense flavor.

Thirty minutes before serving, slice 1 baguette into thick slices (about 1 inch) and toast them until crispy. Place the toasted bread slices under the browned broiler to get them golden brown and crispy.

To assemble the soup, place some of the cooked onion mixture in a bowl, then top with a toasted bread slice and sprinkle with grated Gruyère cheese. Place the bowls under the broiler for an additional 2-3 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Remove the bowls from the oven and serve immediately. This _**Slow Cooker French Onion Soup**_ is a delicious and comforting meal that’s perfect for a chilly evening or special occasion.

* 2 tablespoons butter

To make a delicious Slow Cooker French Onion Soup, follow these steps:

First, preheat your slow cooker to the low setting.

Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat.

Add 1 large onion, thinly sliced, and cook until it’s softened and lightly browned, stirring occasionally. This may take about 20-25 minutes.

Add 3 cloves of minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning.

Transfer the cooked onion and garlic mixture to your slow cooker.

In a separate bowl, whisk together 4 cups of beef broth, 1 cup of dry white wine, and 2 teaspoons of dried thyme. Pour this mixture over the onion and garlic in the slow cooker.

Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-5 hours.

About 30 minutes before serving, stir in 1 cup of grated Gruyère cheese and 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley into the soup. You can also add some toasted croutons made from baguette slices if you like.

Serve the soup hot, floating a slice of toasted baguette topped with melted Gruyère cheese in each bowl.

Enjoy your rich and flavorful Slow Cooker French Onion Soup!

* 1 teaspoon dried thyme

To prepare the delicious Slow Cooker French Onion Soup Recipe, you will first need to gather all the necessary ingredients and equipment. This includes a slow cooker, which can be set on low or high heat depending on your preference.

The recipe requires 3 large onions, sliced into thin rings and then caramelized in a pan until they are soft and golden brown. However, since we’re using a slow cooker for this recipe, you won’t need to caramelize the onions beforehand. Instead, simply slice them thinly and layer them at the bottom of your slow cooker.

Add 1 teaspoon of dried thyme to the slow cooker and sprinkle it over the sliced onions. This will infuse the soup with a delicious, savory flavor that is quintessential to French onion soup.

Next, add 6 cloves of minced garlic to the slow cooker, spreading them out evenly among the onions and herbs. If you prefer a stronger garlic flavor, feel free to use more or less depending on your personal taste.

The recipe also calls for 1 (14.5 oz) can of diced tomatoes, which should be drained and added to the slow cooker. This will add a burst of juicy flavor to the soup.

Now it’s time to add the beef broth to the slow cooker. Use low-sodium broth or make your own by simmering beef bones in water for a rich, flavorful base. Pour the broth into the slow cooker until the onions and herbs are covered.

Cover the slow cooker and set it on low heat for 8-10 hours or high heat for 4-6 hours. During this time, the soup will slowly simmer and infuse the flavors together. You can also cook the soup on high heat for a shorter period of time if you’re short on time.

When the soup is ready, ladle it into oven-safe bowls and top each bowl with a slice of crusty bread and a sprinkle of grated cheese, such as Gruyère or Parmesan. Place the bowls under the broiler until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Finally, serve the Slow Cooker French Onion Soup hot, garnished with fresh thyme leaves if desired. This delicious recipe is perfect for a cold winter’s night or anytime you’re in need of a comforting bowl of goodness.

* 1/2 cup dry white wine

To make a delicious **Slow Cooker French Onion Soup** recipe, you will need to follow these instructions carefully.

First, gather all the necessary ingredients and equipment:

• 4 large onions, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/2 cup dry **white wine** (such as Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc)
• 6 cups beef broth
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 4 slices of bread (preferably baguette)
• Shredded gruyère cheese

Next, sauté the sliced onions in butter until they are softened and caramelized. This may take about 30-40 minutes.

Once the onions are done, add them to your slow cooker along with the dry **white wine**. Cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours, allowing the flavors to meld together.

After the cooking time has elapsed, stir in the beef broth, thyme, salt, and pepper. Add the sliced baguette and let it soak up the flavorful broth for a few minutes.

To serve, place a slice of toasted bread in each bowl, followed by a ladle of hot soup and topped with shredded gruyère cheese.

This **Slow Cooker French Onion Soup** recipe is perfect for a cold winter’s night or a special occasion dinner. The slow cooker does all the work, allowing you to come home to a delicious, comforting meal.

* 4 cups beef broth

To prepare this delicious Slow Cooker French Onion Soup, it’s essential to follow these instructions carefully:

Step 1: Assemble the Ingredients

• 4 large onions, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 4 cups beef broth
• 6 slices of baguette, toasted
• 1 cup grated Gruyère cheese

Step 2: Prepare the Slow Cooker

Before you start cooking, make sure your slow cooker is clean and ready for use. Add the sliced onions to the slow cooker, followed by the butter, thyme, salt, and pepper.

Step 3: Cook the Onions

• Cook the onions on low heat in the slow cooker for 8-10 hours or high heat for 4-6 hours.
• The goal is to cook the onions until they are tender and caramelized, which will take around 8-10 hours on low heat.

Step 4: Add the Beef Broth

• After 6-8 hours of cooking the onions, add the beef broth to the slow cooker.
• This will help to create a rich and flavorful soup.

Step 5: Assemble the Soup

• To assemble the soup, place a toasted slice of baguette in the bottom of a bowl.
• Add some caramelized onions on top of the bread.
• Pour the hot French onion soup over the onions and bread.
• Top with grated Gruyère cheese and serve immediately.

Tips and Variations:

• Use high-quality beef broth for the best flavor.
• If you prefer a stronger onion flavor, cook the onions for a longer period or add more onions to the recipe.
• You can also add some red wine to the slow cooker with the beef broth for added depth of flavor.

Assembly and Serving

Toasting the Bread:

To assemble and serve the **French Onion Soup**, you’ll need to toast a few slices of bread just before serving.

This step is crucial in adding texture and crunch to the soup, which will otherwise be soft and savory from the slow cooker.

First, preheat your broiler or toaster to high heat.

Cut a baguette into 1-inch thick slices and place them on a baking sheet.

Brush both sides of each slice with a little bit of butter or olive oil to give the bread a golden-brown color when toasted.

Place the bread under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, or until it’s lightly toasted and crispy.

You can also use a toaster oven or regular toaster for this step if you prefer.

Alternatively, you can grill the bread slices in a pan with some butter until they’re toasted to your liking.

Once the bread is toasted, remove it from heat and let it cool for a minute or two before assembling the soup.

For each serving of **French Onion Soup**, place a toasted slice of bread on top of the onion mixture in the bowl.

This will allow you to scoop up all the delicious flavors of the soup with every bite.

You can also sprinkle some grated cheese, such as Gruyère or Emmental, over the bread for an extra burst of flavor and creaminess.

* 4 slices of baguette, toasted until crispy

To assemble and serve the Slow Cooker French Onion Soup, start by preheating a broiler. This step is crucial to achieving the perfect golden-brown crust on top of the soup.

Next, slice 4 baguette into 1-inch thick rounds, making sure each round has enough room to hold a generous amount of cheese and soup.

To toast the baguette slices, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper under the broiler for about 5 minutes or until crispy. This will add texture and crunch to the dish.

Once the baguette slices are toasted, it’s time to assemble the soup. Ladle the hot French onion soup into oven-proof bowls, filling each bowl about 3/4 of the way full.

Place a toasted baguette slice on top of each bowl of soup, followed by a generous amount of grated cheese. The recommended cheese is a mixture of Gruyère and Parmesan, but you can also use other types of cheese to suit your taste.

To add the finishing touches to the dish, drizzle each bowl with a small amount of **olive oil**. This will help bring out the flavors in the soup and complement the crispy baguette.

Place the bowls under the broiler for an additional 2-3 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Serve immediately, garnished with fresh herbs such as thyme or parsley if desired. The Slow Cooker French Onion Soup is best served hot and enjoyed on a cold winter’s day.

Serving the Soup:

To assemble and serve the soup, you will need to have all the components ready and within reach. This includes the slow cooker French onion soup itself, toasted croutons, melted cheese, and a dollop of sour cream or creme fraiche.

Begin by ladling the hot soup into individual bowls or ramekins. Be sure not to overflow the bowls, as this can make it difficult for the croutons and cheese to stay intact.

Next, add two to three toasted croutons on top of each serving of soup. These can be made from baguette slices that have been cubed and tossed with olive oil, salt, and pepper before baking until crispy in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C).

Sprinkle shredded cheese over the croutons. A combination of Gruyère and Parmesan is classic for French onion soup, but feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Comté or Beaufort.

Finally, add a dollop of sour cream or creme fraiche on top of each serving. This adds a tangy contrast to the rich flavors in the soup, as well as a bit of coolness on a warm day.

To complete the assembly and presentation, you can garnish with chopped fresh herbs like parsley or thyme, or add a few slices of caramelized onions on top for extra flavor and visual appeal.

* Ladle soup into bowls over toasted bread

To assemble and serve the Slow Cooker French Onion Soup, follow these steps:

Distribute the toasted bread slices among the soup bowls.

Pour the hot soup over the bread in each bowl, making sure to fill the bowl about 3/4 of the way full.

You can use a ladle to pour the soup into the bowls, being careful not to spill any on the sides or bottom of the bowl.

Allow the soup to cool slightly for a few minutes before serving, if desired.

Top each bowl with a sprinkle of grated cheese and a pinch of thyme, if using.

Carefully place the bowls under the broiler for 2-3 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Remove the bowls from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving to your guests.

Alternatively, you can serve the soup without broiling the cheese if you prefer a more rustic presentation.

This slow cooker French onion soup is best served immediately, while the bread is still crispy and the cheese is melted.

If you need to reheat the soup, simply transfer it to a saucepan over low heat and warm it up until hot and bubbly again.

Some additional toppings that go well with this French onion soup include:

• Caramelized onions
• Croutons
• Sliced cooked bacon or pancetta
• A sprinkle of paprika
• A dollop of sour cream or creme fraiche

Feel free to get creative and add your own favorite toppings to make this slow cooker French onion soup truly special!

* Top with caramelized onions and croutons

To assemble and serve this delicious slow cooker French onion soup, follow these steps:

First, slice the baguette into 1-inch thick rounds and toast them until crispy to make croutons.

You’ll also need to caramelize some onions to top your soup. Heat a tablespoon of oil in a pan over medium-low heat and sauté the sliced onions for about 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re deep golden brown and caramelized.

Preheat your broiler or grill to high heat.

To serve the soup, place toasted crouton rounds on the bottom of a bowl, followed by a slice of cheese (such as Gruyère or Emmental).

Spoon some of the slow cooker French onion soup over the cheese and bread, making sure not to overflow the bowl.

Top each bowl with a sprinkle of caramelized onions and a few more crouton rounds, if desired.

Broil or grill the tops until golden brown and bubbly, watching carefully to avoid burning the crusty top.

Serve immediately and enjoy!

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to caramelize onions:

1. Cut 2-3 large onions in half lengthwise and slice them into thin rings.
2. Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a pan over medium-low heat.
3. Add the sliced onions to the pan, stirring occasionally, for about 30-40 minutes or until they’re deep golden brown and caramelized.
4. Remove the onions from the heat and set them aside to cool slightly.

Some additional tips for assembling and serving your slow cooker French onion soup:

• Multiply the recipe as needed to serve a larger crowd.
• For an added touch of elegance, drizzle each bowl with a bit of red wine or dry sherry.
• You can also use leftover croutons and caramelized onions in salads or soups throughout the week.