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

Pin Print

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

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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More Easy Crockpot Soup Recipes:

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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? ›

A few sprigs of thyme and a bay leaf elevate the soup even more, but I take it a step further, adding a splash of fish sauce for complexity and depth—don't worry, it won't taste fishy—and a hit of cider vinegar to balance some of that oniony sweetness.

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.

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.

How to thicken up French onion soup? ›

The easiest way to thicken your French onion soup is with flour. You can also use cornstarch if you don't have any flour. Remember to never add the flour or cornstarch directly to the soup – otherwise you run the risk of it clumping.

What if I add too much thyme to French onion soup? ›

You can add extra broth, water, milk, cream (depending on the soup's base) to “water-down” the thyme flavor. Adding a neutral grain, such as rice or beans will help absorb it too.

Why is my French onion soup so bland? ›

If you don't add enough salt, pepper, or other herbs and spices, the soup may taste bland.

What is the best wine to use for French onion soup? ›

Wine is optional to deglaze the pan and add flavour to the soup. I recommend a dry white or red wine, such as a good quality Pinot Grigio/Gris, Sauv Blanc, Sémillon, Chardonnay, Merlot or Pinot Noir. Generally, if you can't drink it, don't cook with it.

Why does my French onion soup taste 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.

Why add flour to French onion soup? ›

Flour: a little all-purpose flour will help to thicken the soup. You can feel free to use gluten-free flour. Dry white wine: this helps to deglaze the pan and add a boost of flavor.

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.

Are red or yellow onions better for French onion soup? ›

Onions: You can use white, yellow or red onions for French onion soup. But to make it the classic way, you will need 5-6 large yellow onions, peeled and thinly sliced. Butter: The tastiest (French) way to caramelize those onions.

Why is French onion soup so expensive? ›

First, French onion soup calls for a ton of onions. While onions aren't expensive, there's a lot of labor involved in halving, peeling, and slicing 10, 12, 50, or one billion onions (I don't know how much soup you make).

How can I increase the flavor of French onion soup? ›

Fresh or dried herbs can also help elevate your French onion soup, with bay leaves, sage, and thyme all being typical additions. You may also want to add a smidgen of salt if the soup is too bland or even some sugar to better simulate the caramelized quality that those canned onions probably lack.

What can you substitute for white wine in French onion soup? ›

If you prefer not to use Wine, you can substitute 3 Tablespoons white wine vinegar + chicken or beef broth to make 3/4 cup.

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

It is better to use chicken or vegetable broth rather than sub-standard beef broth. Best to use low salt and add salt if required. 4. Bread - The idea with the recipe is that you can use a spoon to cut through the bread into the soup to eat it (see video).

How do you make French onion soup less bland? ›

Most likely it could be from not caramelizing the onions long enough, as this is crucial for flavor development. Also, be sure to use a good quality broth and season the soup properly with salt and pepper. You can try adding a splash of balsamic vinegar or Worcestershire sauce for a boost of flavor.

How do you get depth of flavor in soup? ›

"If your broth is lacking in savory richness, try adding roasted onion, tomato paste, mushrooms, seaweed, soy sauce, or miso. These ingredients add umami flavor and depth to broth," she says. The choice of ingredient depends on the recipe, though.

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.

What can I add to French onion soup that is too sweet? ›

The sweetness can be balanced by adding some dry wine or vinegar. Taste as you go and don't overdo it. A little salt will balance it too, but don't forget that the grated cheese you will top it with is salty.

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