Go Back

Pioneer Woman Crockpot French Onion Soup

Easy slow cooker French onion soup with caramelized onions, rich beef broth, and melted Gruyère cheese
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 6 portions
Course: Main Course, Soup
Cuisine: American, French
Calories: 320
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 large yellow onions thinly sliced
  • 3 tbsp butter
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp sugar helps with caramelization
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 0.5 cup dry white wine optional but recommended
  • 6 cups beef broth
  • 2 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 baguette sliced
  • 2 cups Gruyère cheese shredded

Equipment

  • Slow Cooker
  • large skillet
  • Oven-safe bowls
  • baking sheet

Method
 

  1. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter and olive oil. Add sliced onions, salt, pepper, and sugar. Sauté for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and softened.
  2. Transfer onions to slow cooker. Add garlic, Worcestershire sauce, wine (if using), beef broth, thyme, and bay leaf.
  3. Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours.
  4. Preheat oven to 375°F. Toast baguette slices on baking sheet for 5-7 minutes until crisp.
  5. Remove thyme sprigs and bay leaf from soup. Ladle into oven-safe bowls, top with toasted bread and 1/3 cup cheese per bowl. Broil 2-3 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.

Notes

Caramelizing onions on stovetop first develops deeper flavor but is optional. Sugar helps accelerate caramelization. White wine adds complexity but can be omitted. Store leftovers without bread and cheese for best results. Soup can be frozen for up to 3 months without toppings.