Simple Crockpot French Onion Soup with Melted Cheese Recipe

Comfort wraps around you like a warm blanket when savoring this classic crockpot French onion soup with melted cheese topping.

Slow-cooked caramelized onions simmer gently in rich, aromatic broth.

Deep flavors develop over hours, creating a luxurious depth that traditional stovetop methods can’t match.

Tender onions melt into a velvety base, promising an incredibly satisfying meal.

Each spoonful delivers a perfect balance of sweet, savory notes that dance across your palate.

Topped with crusty bread and bubbling golden cheese, this soup transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary culinary experience.

Prepare to be transported to a cozy French bistro with every delectable bite.

Why Crockpot French Onion Soup Is Always Comforting

• Embrace the hands-off cooking method that transforms humble ingredients into a rich, deeply flavored soup with minimal effort.
• Enjoy the deep, sweet caramelized onions and savory broth that create a luxurious taste experience without complicated cooking techniques.
• Delight in the irresistible golden-brown cheese topping that adds a crispy, melty layer of indulgence to each spoonful.
• Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, this soup brings warmth and satisfaction that everyone will love.

Ingredients for Crockpot French Onion Soup

• Onions: A key component that provides the rich, sweet flavor of the soup.
• Beef Broth: The essential liquid base that creates the soup's depth and savory character.
• Butter: Helps to caramelize the onions and adds richness to the dish.

• Brown Sugar: Assists in caramelizing the onions and adds a subtle sweetness.
• Worcestershire Sauce, Garlic, Sherry, Thyme, Bay Leaf: Ingredients that provide complex layers of flavor to the soup.

• French Bread, Gruyere Cheese, Emmental Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Create a delicious melted cheese topping that adds texture and richness to the classic French onion soup.

Tools to Get French Onion Soup Just Right

• Crockpot: Essential for slow-cooking the soup and developing rich flavors.
• Large Non-Stick Pan: Perfect for caramelizing onions evenly without sticking.
• Cutting Board: Needed for slicing onions and preparing ingredients.
• Chef's Knife: Sharp knife for precise onion and ingredient chopping.
• Ladle: Helps transfer soup from crockpot to serving bowls.
• Broiler-Safe Bowls: Crucial for topping soup with bread and cheese and melting under broiler.
• Cheese Grater: For grating Gruyere, Emmental, and Parmesan cheese.
• Wooden Spoon: Useful for stirring ingredients during caramelization and cooking.

French Onion Soup Preparation Walkthrough

Step 1: Caramelize Onions

Heat a large non-stick pan over medium-low heat.

Add butter and thinly sliced onions.

Sprinkle brown sugar over the onions and cook slowly, stirring occasionally.

Watch for the onions to turn a deep golden color and become soft and sweet, which typically takes about 20 minutes.

Step 2: Transfer To Slow Cooker

Carefully transfer the caramelized onions to the crockpot.

• Beef broth
• Worcestershire sauce
• Minced garlic
• Dry sherry
• Fresh thyme leaves
• Bay leaf

Step 3: Slow Cook The Soup

Cover the crockpot and set it to low heat.

Allow the soup to simmer and develop rich flavors for 6 to 8 hours.

Step 4: Prepare Serving Bowls

Remove and discard the bay leaf.

Ladle the hot soup into oven-safe bowls.

Step 5: Add Bread Topping

Place a slice of crusty French bread on top of each soup bowl.

• Gruyere
• Emmental
• Parmesan

Step 6: Broil And Serve

Place the bowls under the broiler for 2 to 3 minutes.

Watch carefully until the cheese melts and turns golden brown with crispy edges.

Serve immediately while hot and bubbling.

Tips for That Perfect Melted Cheese Topping

• Allow the slow cooker to work its magic for the full 6-8 hours to develop rich, complex flavors in the soup.
• Select sweet onions like Vidalia or yellow onions for the best caramelization and natural sweetness.
• Stir onions frequently during the 20-minute caramelizing process to prevent burning and achieve an even golden color.
• Mix different cheese varieties like Gruyere, Emmental, and Parmesan for a more complex and authentic French flavor profile.
• Keep a close eye during the 2-3 minute cheese melting process to prevent burning and achieve perfect golden-brown bubbling cheese.

French Onion Soup Variation Ideas to Try

• Vegetarian Delight: Replace beef broth with rich vegetable broth and add mushroom umami for depth of flavor.
• Gluten-Free Comfort: Use gluten-free bread instead of French bread and verify all ingredients are celiac-friendly.
• Low-Sodium Solution: Select low-sodium broth, reduce Worcestershire sauce, and use fresh herbs to maintain robust taste profile.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Substitute dairy cheese with nutritional yeast or vegan cheese alternatives for lactose-intolerant individuals.

The Best Ways to Present French Onion Soup

• Cozy Winter Dinner Companion: Pair this rich soup with a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette to balance the hearty flavors.
• Rustic Bread Feast: Serve alongside crusty sourdough or a warm baguette to soak up every delicious drop of the caramelized onion broth.
• Wine Pairing Magic: Complement the soup's deep flavors with a medium-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir or a dry white Chardonnay for an elevated dining experience.
• Comforting Side Dish: Accompany the soup with a small portion of roasted seasonal vegetables like Brussels sprouts or honey-glazed carrots for added nutrition and color.

French Onion Soup Storage Hints

• Transfer cooled soup to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, keeping bread and cheese separate to maintain crispness.
• Freeze soup base without bread and cheese in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months, leaving space for expansion.
• Warm soup in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through, then top with fresh bread and cheese before broiling.
• Reheat soup in microwave-safe bowl for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway, then add fresh bread and cheese and quickly broil for crispy topping.

FAQs

• Why caramelize onions first?

Caramelizing onions develops a deep, rich sweetness and golden color, which intensifies the soup’s flavor profile before slow cooking. This process breaks down the onions’ natural sugars, creating a more complex and robust taste.

• Can I use different types of cheese?

While traditional French onion soup uses Gruyere, Emmental, and Parmesan, you can substitute with similar melting cheeses like provolone, Swiss, or mozzarella. The key is choosing cheeses that melt smoothly and create a delicious golden crust.

• Is sherry important in the recipe?

Sherry adds a unique depth and slightly nutty flavor to the soup. If unavailable, you can substitute with dry white wine or extra beef broth, though the distinctive sherry undertone will be slightly different.

Classic Crockpot French Onion Soup with Melted Cheese Topping Recipe

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4.5 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 8 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty French onion soup, a beloved classic, showcases caramelized onions and rich broth with a golden cheese crust. Slow-cooked simplicity brings comfort and depth, inviting you to savor each spoonful of this timeless French culinary tradition.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 3 large white onions, sliced
• 64 ounces (1.9 liters) beef broth, reduced sodium
• 8 slices French bread, stale or dry

Dairy and Cheese Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons butter
• 3/4 cup shredded Gruyere cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded Emmental cheese
• 6 tablespoons shredded Parmesan cheese

Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:

• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/3 cup dry sherry
• 4 sprigs fresh thyme or 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf

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Instructions

1. Transform sliced onions into a rich, golden delicacy by slowly sautéing with butter and brown sugar over medium-low temperature for approximately 20 minutes, stirring periodically to prevent burning.
2. Transfer caramelized onions into the crockpot, introducing beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, sherry, fresh thyme, and bay leaf to create a robust flavor foundation.
3. Allow the soup to simmer on low heat for 6-8 hours, permitting ingredients to meld and develop deep, complex flavors.
4. Carefully extract and discard the bay leaf, ensuring a smooth soup consistency.
5. Strategically ladle the aromatic soup into individual oven-safe serving bowls.
6. Crown each bowl with a crisp slice of rustic French bread, generously sprinkling a combination of Gruyere, Emmental, and Parmesan cheese across the surface.
7. Position bowls under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, watching closely until cheese transforms into a bubbling, golden-brown blanket with crispy edges.

Notes

• Slow cooking transforms tough onions into sweet, melt-in-your-mouth deliciousness by breaking down their complex sugars gradually.
• Caramelizing onions beforehand intensifies their natural sweetness and adds deeper flavor complexity to the soup.
• Use low-sodium beef broth to control salt levels, allowing more flexibility in seasoning throughout the cooking process.
• For gluten-free adaptation, swap traditional French bread with gluten-free crusty bread or omit bread entirely and use cheese crisp as topping.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 hours
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 15 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg