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Instructions
Step 1: Caramelize the Onions
- Heat the butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring frequently, for about 15-20 minutes until the onions are golden and caramelized. Don’t rush this step; the longer you allow the onions to cook, the more flavorful they’ll be.
- Add the garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, just until fragrant. If you like, you can add the Balsamic vinegar at this point to enhance the sweetness of the onions.
Step 2: Transfer to the Slow Cooker
- Once the onions are caramelized, transfer them to the slow cooker.
- Pour in the beef broth (and white wine if using), and add the thyme, bay leaf, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir well to combine.
Step 3: Slow Cook the Soup
- Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The longer the soup cooks, the more the flavors will meld and develop.
- Once the cooking time is up, taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary.
Step 4: Prepare the Cheese Toasts
- About 10-15 minutes before the soup is done, toast the bread slices in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until they’re golden and crispy. You can also broil them for a quicker result.
- Once toasted, top each slice with a generous handful of shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese.
Step 5: Serve the Soup
- When the soup is ready, ladle it into bowls.
- Carefully place the cheese-topped toasts on top of the soup, making sure they float on the surface.
- If you like, you can pop the soup under the broiler for 2-3 minutes to melt the cheese further and give it a crispy, golden top.
Serving Suggestions
🍞 Serve with extra bread: French onion soup is often best enjoyed with extra slices of toasted bread on the side for dipping.
🥗 Pair with: A light side salad or a fresh green salad can help balance the richness of the soup.
🍷 Drink pairing: A glass of dry white wine or a light red wine pairs wonderfully with the deep flavors of the soup. Alternatively, a warm cup of herbal tea is a cozy option.
Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
✔ Make-Ahead: You can prepare the soup ahead of time by caramelizing the onions and adding all the ingredients to the slow cooker. Let it cook as directed, then store the finished soup in the fridge for up to 3 days.
✔ Storing Leftovers: Keep leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stove over low heat.
✔ Freezing: French onion soup freezes well. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat before serving. Be sure to add fresh bread and cheese when serving, as the bread can get soggy after freezing.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like a bowl of Slow Cooker French Onion Soup to warm you up on a cold day. With minimal hands-on time and the convenience of the slow cooker, you can enjoy the flavors of this classic soup without all the fuss. The caramelized onions, savory broth, and melty cheese come together to create a deeply satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion.
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, enjoying a cozy night in, or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is guaranteed to impress. Give it a try, and you’ll see just how easy and delicious homemade French onion soup can be! 🍲🧀🍞
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