Description
A cozy, cheesy comfort meal made easy in the crockpot with caramelized onions, savory broth, and melty Gruyère cheese topping.
Ingredients
Scale
- 6 large yellow onions, thinly sliced (about 900g / 2 lbs)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (60g / 4 tbsp)
- 6 cups beef broth (1.4 liters / 48 fl oz), low-sodium recommended
- ½ cup dry white wine (120ml / 4 fl oz), optional
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (about 1 tablespoon)
- 2 bay leaves
- 3–4 sprigs fresh thyme or 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 6–8 baguette slices
- 2 cups shredded Gruyère cheese (about 200g / 7 oz)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Thinly slice the onions using a sharp knife or mandoline.
- Melt butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add onions and a pinch of salt, cook slowly, stirring occasionally, for 25-30 minutes until deeply caramelized and golden brown.
- Transfer caramelized onions to the crockpot. Add minced garlic, bay leaves, thyme, beef broth, and white wine if using. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on low for 5 to 6 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours if short on time.
- About 10 minutes before serving, preheat the oven broiler. Arrange baguette slices on a baking sheet and toast until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Remove bay leaves and thyme sprigs from the soup. Ladle soup into oven-safe bowls, top each with toasted baguette slices, and pile shredded Gruyère cheese on top.
- Place bowls on a baking sheet and broil until cheese is melted and bubbling, about 3-5 minutes. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Serve immediately with extra black pepper or fresh thyme if desired.
Notes
Pre-caramelizing the onions is essential for deep flavor as the crockpot alone won’t caramelize properly. Use low heat for slow cooking to develop flavor without overcooking. Watch cheese carefully under the broiler to avoid burning. Soup tastes better the next day after flavors meld. Store leftovers in the fridge up to 4 days; reheat gently with added broth and re-toast baguette slices before serving. Not recommended to freeze due to texture changes.
- Prep Time: 35 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 to 6 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximatel
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 8
- Sodium: 700
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 10
- Carbohydrates: 28
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 15
Keywords: crockpot, slow cooker, French onion soup, comfort food, cheesy soup, caramelized onions, easy soup recipe