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Cozy Slow Cooker French Onion Soup Recipe with Easy Gruyère Toasts

slow cooker french onion soup - featured image

A comforting slow cooker French onion soup with deeply caramelized onions and melty Gruyère cheese toasts, perfect for cozy days and easy meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 pounds yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 6 cups beef broth
  • 1 cup dry white wine (optional)
  • 2 teaspoons fresh thyme, chopped
  • 2 bay leaves
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 baguette, cut into 1/2-inch thick rounds
  • 8 ounces Gruyère cheese, shredded

Instructions

  1. Thinly slice about 3 pounds of yellow onions.
  2. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons unsalted butter with 2 tablespoons olive oil. Add the sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Stir occasionally and cook for 30-40 minutes until onions are deep golden and caramelized.
  3. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Pour in 1 cup dry white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up browned bits. Let reduce for about 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
  5. Transfer the caramelized onions and wine mixture to a slow cooker. Add 6 cups beef broth, 2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme, and 2 bay leaves. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Cook on low for 4-6 hours, allowing flavors to meld.
  7. About 15 minutes before serving, preheat the oven broiler. Arrange baguette slices on a baking sheet and toast lightly for 2-3 minutes until golden.
  8. Remove from oven, top each slice with shredded Gruyère (about ½ ounce per slice).
  9. Broil the toasts for 2-4 minutes until cheese bubbles and turns golden brown. Watch closely to avoid burning.
  10. Remove bay leaves from soup. Ladle soup into oven-safe bowls, float one or two Gruyère toasts on top, and serve immediately.

Notes

Do not rush the onion caramelization; slow and steady yields the best flavor. Use a mix of butter and oil to prevent burning. Season lightly at first and adjust after slow cooking. Broil Gruyère toasts at the last minute to keep bread crispy and cheese melty. Onions can be caramelized a day ahead and refrigerated. Store soup and toasts separately to prevent sogginess. Freeze soup base only, not the toasts.

Nutrition

Keywords: French onion soup, slow cooker soup, Gruyère toasts, caramelized onions, comfort food, easy soup recipe