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Slow Cooker French Onion Soup Recipe Easy Cozy Gruyère Crouton

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A comforting and fuss-free French onion soup made in a slow cooker with caramelized onions and topped with melty Gruyère cheese croutons. Perfect for cozy nights and easy weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 6 cups beef broth
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine (Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc), optional
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 2–3 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1–2 cups baguette slices, toasted
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded Gruyère cheese (about 150 grams)

Instructions

  1. Peel and thinly slice about 4 large yellow onions into 1/8-inch thick slices (about 10 minutes).
  2. In a large skillet, melt 3 tablespoons unsalted butter over medium heat. Add onions and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and sweet-smelling. Add a splash of water if onions start sticking.
  3. Stir in 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Pour in 1/2 cup dry white wine to deglaze the skillet, scraping up browned bits. Simmer for 2 minutes to reduce slightly.
  4. Transfer the caramelized onion mixture to the slow cooker. Add 6 cups beef broth, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, 2-3 sprigs fresh thyme, and 1 bay leaf. Stir gently to combine.
  5. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until soup develops rich flavor and broth thickens slightly.
  6. While soup simmers, slice baguette into 1/2-inch thick rounds. Toast on a baking sheet under the broiler for 2-3 minutes per side until golden and crisp.
  7. About 10 minutes before serving, preheat oven broiler.
  8. Remove thyme sprigs and bay leaf from soup. Ladle hot soup into oven-safe bowls. Top each bowl with toasted baguette slices and cover generously with shredded Gruyère cheese (about 1/3 cup per bowl).
  9. Place bowls on a baking sheet and broil for 3-5 minutes until cheese bubbles and turns golden brown. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
  10. Serve immediately, enjoying the melty cheese and rich broth.

Notes

Caramelize onions slowly over medium heat for best flavor. Remove thyme and bay leaf before serving to avoid bitterness. Watch cheese closely when broiling to prevent burning. Toast baguette slices ahead and store airtight to keep crisp. For vegetarian version, use vegetable broth and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce. For dairy-free, substitute vegan butter and cheese.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker, French onion soup, Gruyère, caramelized onions, cozy soup, easy dinner, comfort food

Find it online: https://sofiaspice.com/slow-cooker-french-onion-soup-recipe-easy-cozy-gruy-e-re-crouton/