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Cozy Slow Cooker French Onion Soup Recipe With Melted Gruyère Perfect For Winter

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A warm and comforting French onion soup made effortlessly in a slow cooker, topped with toasted baguette slices and melted Gruyère cheese. Perfect for chilly days, this recipe delivers rich, caramelized onion flavor with minimal hands-on time.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 6 cups beef broth (low-sodium recommended)
  • ½ cup dry white wine (optional)
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 4 sprigs fresh thyme or 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1 baguette, sliced into thick rounds and toasted
  • 2 cups shredded Gruyère cheese (Emmental as substitute)

Instructions

  1. Slice the onions thinly using a sharp knife (about 10 minutes).
  2. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 3 tablespoons unsalted butter with 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add the onions and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until onions are soft and golden, about 15-20 minutes.
  3. Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  4. Transfer the caramelized onions and garlic to your slow cooker. Add 6 cups beef broth, ½ cup dry white wine (optional), 2 bay leaves, and 4 sprigs fresh thyme.
  5. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
  6. About 30 minutes before serving, remove bay leaves and thyme sprigs. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  7. Toast thick slices of baguette until golden. Shred 2 cups Gruyère cheese.
  8. Ladle hot soup into broiler-safe bowls, top each with a toasted baguette slice, and pile on a generous handful of shredded Gruyère.
  9. Place bowls on a baking sheet under the broiler for 3-5 minutes until cheese melts and bubbles with a golden crust. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
  10. Carefully remove from oven, let cool for a minute, then serve immediately.

Notes

Sautéing onions before slow cooking jump-starts caramelization and enhances flavor. Watch the broiler carefully when melting cheese to avoid burning. For vegetarian version, use vegetable broth and omit or substitute wine. Toast bread well to prevent sogginess. A splash of sherry vinegar or fresh lemon juice before serving brightens flavors. Leftovers keep well refrigerated for 3 days; freeze up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: French onion soup, slow cooker soup, Gruyère cheese, caramelized onions, winter comfort food, easy soup recipe, cozy soup

Find it online: https://emmaoven.com/cozy-slow-cooker-french-onion-soup-recipe-with-melted-gruy-e-re-perfect-for-winter/