This is the BEST French Onion Soup Recipe! Make this classic soup in the slow cooker OR on the stove top…both methods are flavorful and fantastic. The cheesy bread top makes this a filling and easy dinner!
French Onion Soup has long been one of my husband’s favorite restaurant appetizers to order. And recently we were out to eat and my son decided he wanted to try French Onion soup as well, and he was sold! SO I knew I needed to start making this soup recipe at home. Luckily it’s an easy recipe to prep, and you can cook it in your Crock Pot OR on the stove top…whichever method fits into your day best!
I have been super into soups lately. My Cheeseburger Soup has become a huge favorite around here lately! And with the weather so chilly right now, sometimes a nice, warm bowl of soup and a blanket is the best remedy.
MY OTHER RECIPESSlow Cooker French Onion Soup
French Onion Soup broth is a rich, beef broth packed with delicious depth of flavor, thanks to herbs, wine (!!), butter and onions. I use a few tricks in my recipe to achieve this flavor without having to simmer it on the stove for hours and hours. Of course if you make your own beef broth, you’re a step ahead of the game, but I definitely take the shortcut of using a boxed broth in this soup recipe.
- I add a little extra beef bouillon into my soup to kick up the beefy flavor!
- I like to use yellow (or Spanish) onions in my French Onion Soup because I prefer the flavor…they are slightly milder than white onions.
How Do You Make French Onion Soup?
You can make French Onion Soup in the Slow Cooker or on the Stove Top! There are benefits to each method for sure.
- Slow Cooker is great for busy days when you want to get this soup going early!
- Making this soup in the slow cooker is perfect for entertaining guests. French Onion soup is one of those dishes that is elegant to serve, but simple in prep!
- Making this soup on the stove top is great for caramelizing the onions. You can really create a depth of flavor in this soup if you cook the onions in butter.
- And of course making this soup recipe on the stove top is a little quicker than in the slow cooker, so if you forget to get it going in the morning, you’re fine, there’s still time!
What IS French Onion Soup?
After a little internet poking around, I found that French Onion Soup dates back to the 18th century in Paris. It was a rustic soup made with beef broth and caramelized onions. Clearly not much has changed! It was brought back into popularity in the 60s, and has remained a staple ever since!
What Type of Onions Can I Use in French Onion Soup?
I hit on this a little earlier, but you can really use whatever type of onions you prefer.
- Vidalia Onions will definitely give your soup a sweeter taste. If you prefer this, go for it, but I might recommend using half sweet onions, and half white or yellow to cut the sweetness slightly.
- Red Onions are milder, yet still slightly sweet and are great in French Onion Soup, but will definitely give your soup a slightly purple color! I would also recommend using half red and half white or yellow to balance out the flavor!
- White Onions are a great option for French Onion Soup. The caramelize beautifully and give a strong onion flavor.
- Yellow Onions are my favorite to use in French Onion Soup. They aren’t sweet, but are slightly milder (imo) than white onions!
What Kind of Cheese is Best on French Onion Soup?
You can really use any kind of cheese on top of your toast in French Onion Soup! I do prefer a cheese that melts nicely, but still has a little bite to it. Gruyere is the classic French Onion Soup cheese, and my favorite. I really love the combo of Gruyere with a bit of Parmesan!
Other cheese you can use are:
- Swiss
- Mozzarella
- Parmesan
- Even Monterey Jack if you are desperate!
Looking for more Soup Recipes? Try these:
Enjoy!
Description
French Onion Soup is a classic, and making it in the slow cooker is easy!
Ingredients
- 3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup butter, cubed
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
- 8 cups beef broth
- 1/2 cup red wine
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 beef bouillon cubes
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 16 slices French Baguette, sliced 1/4- inch thick
- 8 ounces Gruyere cheese, grated
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Place onions, butter, salt, and pepper in your slow cooker. Cook on high for 3-4 hours until the onions are tender.
- Stir onions, and add in broth, wine, bay leaf, thyme, bouillon, and Worcestershire.
- Continue cooking on high heat for 2-3 more hours until onions are cooked down.
- When ready to serve, remove the bay leaf from the soup, and ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls, or ramekins.
- Turn oven to broil, and top each bowl with 2 slices of bread, and cheese. Place bowls on a baking sheet and place under the broiler for 2-3 minutes or until cheese is melted.
Notes
Stove Top Instructions: In a large Dutch Oven over medium heat, melt the butter and saute the onions for 10-12 minutes, or until they are golden and soft. Season with salt and pepper. Add in the broth, wine, bay leaf, thyme, bouillon, and Worcestershire. Stir to combine. Bring to a boil and reduce heat to a simmer. Cook for 1 hour uncovered, stirring occasionally. Follow steps 4 & 5 in recipe to serve.
Keywords: Soup, French Onion Soup,. Slow Cooker, Dinner
