French Onion Soup Recipe: Slow Cooker Perfection
French onion soup, a classic comfort food, is traditionally a labor of love, requiring hours of caramelizing onions. But what if I told you could achieve that rich, deeply flavorful broth in the convenience of your slow cooker? This recipe delivers all the deliciousness without the fuss, perfect for a weeknight meal or a cozy weekend gathering.
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe yields approximately 6 servings of delicious French onion soup. Adjust as needed for your slow cooker size and guest count.
- 3 pounds yellow onions, thinly sliced (about 6 large onions). The more onions, the richer the flavor!
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or butter, for a richer flavor)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon rosemary
- 1/2 cup dry sherry (optional, but adds a wonderful depth of flavor)
- 8 cups beef broth (low sodium preferred)
- 2 cups water
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar (helps balance the acidity of the onions)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Get started:
- Sauté the Onions (Optional, but Recommended): While not strictly necessary for the slow cooker method, lightly sautéing the onions before adding them to the slow cooker will yield a deeper, more caramelized flavor. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onions, salt, and pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and lightly browned, about 15-20 minutes. This step enhances the overall flavor profile significantly.
Slow Cooker Magic:
- Combine Ingredients: Transfer the sautéed onions (or raw onions if skipping the sauté step) to your slow cooker. Add the beef broth, water, sherry (if using), thyme, rosemary, bay leaves, Worcestershire sauce, and sugar. Stir to combine.
- Cook Low and Slow: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the onions are very tender and the flavors have melded beautifully.
- Broil for that Perfect Finish (Optional): Once the soup is cooked, you can optionally broil it for a few minutes to add a bit of browning to the top for extra flavor and texture. This is a nice touch that enhances the visual appeal and delivers an extra level of deliciousness.
- Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls. Top each bowl with a slice of toasted French bread and a generous amount of Gruyère cheese (or Swiss cheese). Broil for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve immediately.
Tips and Variations:
- For a richer broth: Use a combination of beef broth and red wine.
- Add some sweetness: A touch of brown sugar can balance the savory notes.
- Spice it up: A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a pleasant kick.
- Make it vegetarian: Substitute beef broth with vegetable broth.
- Adjust cooking time: Cooking time may vary depending on your slow cooker. Check for tenderness and adjust accordingly.
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