cFrench onion soup is a timeless favorite that many enjoy at restaurants but often hesitate to make at home because of the long process of caramelizing onions and blending flavors. Luckily, the slow cooker makes this classic dish effortless by doing the hard work for you. Over several hours, the onions slowly caramelize, developing a deep, rich sweetness that forms the soul of the soup. After that, adding broth, sherry, and herbs lets all the flavors meld beautifully without you having to stand over the stove. The final step is pure comfort: topping the soup with crusty bread and melted Gruyère cheese under a broiler until golden and bubbly. This version captures the heart of traditional French onion soup while fitting easily into busy schedules and casual weeknight dinners. Whether you’re serving it as a starter or a cozy meal on its own, this recipe brings warmth and elegance with minimal fuss.
Servings: 6
Ingredients
- 4 large onions, sliced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 quarts beef broth (no sodium added)
- ¼ cup sherry
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
- 1½ teaspoons salt
- Pepper to taste
- Sliced bread or croutons
- 8 ounces Gruyère cheese, sliced (or Swiss cheese substitute)
Directions
Place the sliced onions, butter, sugar, and salt in the base of a 6-quart slow cooker. Cover and cook on high for about 7 hours, until the onions are soft and deeply browned. Add the beef broth, sherry, thyme sprigs, and pepper. Cover again and cook on high for one more hour. To serve, ladle the soup into ovenproof bowls or mugs. Place sliced bread or croutons on top, then layer with Gruyère cheese slices. Optionally, place under a broiler for 15 minutes to melt and brown the cheese before serving.
Nutritional and Dietary Notes
This soup is rich in flavor but moderate in calories, mainly from the butter, cheese, and broth. It provides a good source of protein and calcium from the cheese. Because of the beef broth and cheese, it is not suitable for vegetarians or those avoiding dairy. The natural sugars from caramelized onions add depth without refined sugar, but the recipe contains sodium, so those on salt-restricted diets should use low-sodium broth and adjust seasoning carefully.
Sharing and Commenting is Caring
If you enjoyed this comforting and easy French onion soup, don’t hesitate to share it with friends and family! Your comments inspire me and help others discover tasty, simple recipes. Sharing is a wonderful way to build community and spread the joy of good food.