Description
This Crockpot French Onion Soup features a rich, beefy broth infused with caramelized onions and fresh herbs, slow-cooked to perfection. Topped with toasted French bread and a blend of Gruyere, Emmental, and Parmesan cheeses melted under the broiler, this comforting soup is perfect for cozy meals.
Ingredients
Scale
Soup
- 3 large white onions, sliced
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 64 ounces beef broth (reduced sodium preferred)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ⅓ cup dry sherry
- 4 sprigs fresh thyme or 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
Toppings
- 8 slices French bread (stale or dry preferred)
- ¾ cup shredded Gruyere cheese
- ½ cup shredded Emmental cheese
- 6 tablespoons shredded Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Caramelize the Onions: In a large non-stick pan, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Add the sliced onions and cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until they become golden and caramelized. This process takes about 20 minutes and develops the rich flavor base for the soup.
- Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker: Transfer the caramelized onions to the slow cooker. Add beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, dry sherry, thyme sprigs, and the bay leaf. Stir gently to combine all ingredients.
- Slow Cook the Soup: Cover the slow cooker and cook the soup on low heat for 6 to 8 hours. This long cooking time allows flavors to meld beautifully and intensifies the broth’s richness.
- Prepare to Serve: Once the soup is ready, remove and discard the bay leaf. Ladle the hot soup into oven-safe bowls.
- Add Bread and Cheese: Top each bowl with a slice or two of the dry/stale French bread. Generously sprinkle the shredded Gruyere, Emmental, and Parmesan cheeses evenly over the bread.
- Broil the Soup: Place the bowls under a broiler for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the cheeses melt and develop a golden brown crust. Carefully remove and serve immediately to enjoy the gooey, bubbly cheese topping.
Notes
- This soup is a hearty and flavorful comfort food classic, perfect for chilly days.
- Using stale or dry French bread helps it hold up better under the melted cheese without getting soggy.
- Adjust the amount of cheese according to preference for richer or lighter toppings.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute beef broth with vegetable broth and omit Worcestershire sauce or use vegetarian alternatives.
- Leftovers reheat well on the stovetop or in the oven, but the bread topping is best fresh.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 367 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 920 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 44 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 19 g
- Cholesterol: 34 mg
