Slow Cooker French Onion Soup

$- 4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 4 cups beef broth or vegetable broth - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter - 1 teaspoon sugar for caramelization - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 bay leaf - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 baguette, sliced - 2 cups shredded Gruyère cheese or a mix of Gruyère and mozzarella - Fresh parsley for presentation When I make Slow Cooker French Onion Soup, I focus on great ingredients. The yellow onions bring sweetness. They cook down to a rich flavor. Garlic adds a nice touch and depth. For broth, beef broth gives a hearty taste. You can also use vegetable broth for a lighter version. Olive oil and unsalted butter help to caramelize the onions, making them soft and sweet. For variation, I often add sugar. It helps with caramelization. Dried thyme and a bay leaf add earthy notes. Salt and pepper adjust the flavor, making it just right. Toppings are key! I love using sliced baguette. It adds a nice crunch. Gruyère cheese melts beautifully on top. A mix with mozzarella gives extra creaminess. To finish, I sprinkle fresh parsley for a pop of color. This simple detail makes the dish look inviting and fresh. Start by caramelizing the onions in a skillet. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Once the butter melts, add 4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced. Stir them often for about 15 minutes. You want them to turn golden and soft. Next, incorporate garlic and seasonings. Add 4 cloves of minced garlic, 1 teaspoon of sugar, 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook this mixture for another 5 minutes. This step adds depth to the flavor. Now, transfer the mixture to the slow cooker. Pour in 4 cups of beef broth and 2 cups of water. Don’t forget to add 1 bay leaf. Stir everything to combine. Cover the slow cooker and let it work its magic. Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours. The onions will become very soft, and the flavors will meld beautifully. Once the soup is ready, remove the bay leaf. Taste it and adjust the seasoning if needed. Now, preheat your oven's broiler. To serve, ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls. Top each bowl with sliced baguette and 2 cups of shredded Gruyère cheese. Place them under the broiler for 2 to 3 minutes. Watch closely until the cheese melts and bubbles. For a lovely presentation, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top. You can also serve extra toasted baguette slices on the side for that delightful crunch. Enjoy your savory slow cooker French onion soup! To make great caramelized onions, you need to control the heat. I recommend medium heat. This setting helps the onions cook slowly. It prevents burning while allowing them to turn soft and sweet. The timing is also critical. Aim for about 15 to 20 minutes of cooking. This gives the onions time to develop their rich flavor. When using a slow cooker, set it to low heat. This allows the flavors to blend well over time. Cook the soup for 6 to 8 hours. The longer cooking time softens the onions nicely. Always cover the cooker. This keeps moisture in and helps the onions cook evenly. Before serving, always taste your soup. This step helps you check the flavor. If it needs more salt or pepper, add it now. You can also adjust the sweetness by adding a bit more sugar if needed. Customizing your soup makes it truly your own! {{image_2}} You can easily make this soup vegetarian or vegan. Just swap the beef broth for vegetable broth. This change keeps the soup rich in flavor without meat. For cheese, use a vegan cheese alternative. There are many options that melt well, giving you that creamy texture you want. Feel free to get creative with the herbs and spices. You can add rosemary or oregano for a unique twist. Both herbs bring a fresh taste that brightens the soup. If you want more depth, add another bay leaf while cooking. Each herb adds its own charm to the dish. The toppings can change how your soup tastes. Instead of Gruyère, try fontina or provolone cheese. They melt beautifully and offer different flavors. You can also add croutons for crunch. Fresh chives or parsley can brighten the dish and add color. These small changes can make your soup feel new and exciting! To store your leftover soup, let it cool first. Then, pour it into airtight containers. Make sure to leave some space at the top for expansion. Label the containers with the date. Place them in the fridge for up to five days. This helps keep the soup fresh and tasty. If you want to freeze the soup, do it in small batches. Use freezer-safe containers or bags. Leave some space at the top for expansion. The soup can stay frozen for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. To reheat, gently warm the soup on the stove over low heat. Stir often to prevent sticking. You can also use the microwave. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. Once hot, serve with fresh baguette and cheese. Enjoy your warmed soup as if it were fresh! Yes, you can use different types of onions. I often use yellow onions because they caramelize well. Their sweetness adds depth to the soup. Sweet onions, like Vidalia, are another great choice. They are milder and can enhance the flavor. If you want a stronger taste, red onions work too. Just remember, each onion type changes the soup's taste a bit. You can store French onion soup for about three to four days in the fridge. Make sure to let it cool before you put it in a container. Keep it in an airtight container to prevent any odors. If you want to store it longer, freezing is a good option. It stays good for about three months. Just make sure to leave out the cheese until you reheat it. Absolutely! Making this soup ahead of time is a great idea. You can prepare it a day or two before you plan to serve it. Just cook the soup and store it in the fridge. When you're ready, reheat it on the stove. If you want, you can broil the cheese on top right before serving. This way, you get that perfect melted cheese layer. This blog post shared key ingredients and steps for making French onion soup. You learned how to caramelize onions, use a slow cooker, and customize flavors. I discussed ways to create variations, like vegetarian options and tasty toppings. Remember, proper storage helps maintain freshness, and reheating enhances flavor. Enjoy exploring this comforting dish and make it your own. With these tips, you can impress friends and family with your cooking skills. Dive in and savor each bowl of deliciousness!$

Slow Cooker French Onion Soup

Warm up your evenings with this Hearty Slow Cooker French Onion Soup that is sure to delight your taste buds! With caramelized onions, rich broth, and gooey cheese, this comforting recipe is perfect for any occasion. Follow our simple steps and savor the flavor of homemade goodness. Click through for the full recipe and discover how easy it is to whip up this classic dish that’ll have everyone coming back for more!

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Ingredients

4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced

4 cloves garlic, minced

4 cups beef broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)

2 cups water

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

1 teaspoon sugar

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 bay leaf

Salt and pepper to taste

1 baguette, sliced

2 cups shredded Gruyère cheese (or a combination of Gruyère and mozzarella)

Instructions

In a skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil and butter. Once melted, add the sliced onions and sauté for about 15 minutes until they begin to caramelize.

Stir in the minced garlic, sugar, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 5 minutes until fragrant.

Transfer the caramelized onion mixture to the slow cooker.

Pour in the beef broth and water, and add the bay leaf. Stir everything to combine.

Cover and cook on low for about 6-8 hours, or until the onions are very soft and flavors have melded.

Once the soup is done cooking, remove the bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

Preheat the broiler on your oven.

To serve, ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls and top with baguette slices and shredded Gruyère cheese.

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

Carefully remove the bowls from the oven and let cool for a moment before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes | Servings: 6-8

- Presentation Tips: Serve the soup in rustic bowls with freshly chopped parsley sprinkled on top for color. You can also serve additional toasted baguette slices on the side for a delightful crunch!