Savory Slow Cooker Classic French Onion Soup
Experience the rich and hearty flavor of this Savory Slow Cooker Classic French Onion Soup, crafted with layers of sweet, caramelized onions simmered slowly to perfection. This recipe yields a generous 14 servings, making it perfect for gatherings or when you want a comforting bowl of warmth at the end of a long day. The soup features aromatic herbs and spices, complemented by a splash of sherry for depth. Serve this delectable dish with crusty toasted bread topped with gooey Gruyère and Parmesan cheeses for a truly delightful experience. Plus, any leftovers can be frozen in portions for quick reheating later. Pair with a lovely red wine and a fresh salad for a romantic and satisfying meal sure to impress.
N/A
Servings
200
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Onions
6 lbs (sliced)
Butter
1/4 cup
Beef Stock
14 cups
Worcestershire Sauce
1/2 teaspoon
Bay Leaf
1
Thyme
1/4 teaspoon
Salt
to taste
Pepper
to taste
Sherry Wine
2 tablespoons (optional)
Crusty Bread
2 slices (toasted)
Parmesan Cheese
2 tablespoons (grated)
Gruyère Cheese
1/4 cup (shredded)
Instructions
1
Begin by slicing the onions using a food processor for efficiency. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and melt the butter.
2
Add the sliced onions in batches, approximately one-third at a time, sautéing until they become soft, translucent, and develop a deep caramel color, about 20-25 minutes for each batch.
3
Once all the onions are caramelized, transfer them to the slow cooker.
4
Deglaze the skillet by adding a small amount of beef stock to scrape up the flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the pan, and then add this mixture to the slow cooker.
5
Pour in the remaining beef stock along with the Worcestershire sauce, thyme, bay leaf, and seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Stir to combine.
6
Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on High for 4 hours or Low for 6-8 hours until the flavors meld beautifully.
7
Once cooked, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
8
For storage, divide the soup into appropriate containers, seal tightly, and freeze for later enjoyment.
9
When you’re ready to savor your French Onion Soup, remove a container from the freezer and place it in a microwave-safe dish. Add 2 tablespoons of sherry wine, cover, and heat for about 5 minutes, stirring halfway through.
10
In a serving bowl, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese, place a slice of toasted bread over it, and then ladle your hot soup into the bowl.
11
Top generously with shredded Gruyère cheese and place under the broiler until the cheese is melted and bubbly, about 2-3 minutes.
12
Enjoy your homemade French Onion Soup hot and delicious!
Nutrition Information
8.5g
Fat
10.7g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main flavor profile of this Savory Slow Cooker Classic French Onion Soup?
The soup features a rich and hearty flavor crafted from layers of sweet, caramelized onions simmered slowly with aromatic herbs, spices, and a splash of sherry.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe yields a generous 14 servings, making it ideal for gatherings or meal prepping.
What are the nutritional highlights per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 200 calories, 8.5g of fat, and 10.7g of protein.
How many pounds of onions are required for this recipe?
You will need 6 pounds of onions, which should be sliced before starting the cooking process.
What is the recommended method for slicing a large quantity of onions?
Using a food processor is recommended for efficiency when slicing the 6 pounds of onions required.
Do I need to sauté the onions before putting them in the slow cooker?
Yes, you should sauté the onions in batches in a large skillet with butter until they are soft, translucent, and deeply caramelized.
How long does it take to caramelize each batch of onions?
Each batch of onions takes approximately 20 to 25 minutes to develop a deep caramel color.
What is the purpose of deglazing the skillet?
Deglazing with a small amount of beef stock allows you to scrape up the flavorful browned bits from the pan to add extra depth to the soup.
How much beef stock is used in total?
The recipe calls for a total of 14 cups of beef stock.
What are the slow cooker settings for this soup?
You can cook the soup on the High setting for 4 hours or the Low setting for 6 to 8 hours.
Which herbs and spices provide the aromatic base?
The aromatic base is created using Worcestershire sauce, thyme, a bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
Should the bay leaf be left in the soup when serving?
No, you should remove the bay leaf before serving the soup.
Can this French Onion Soup be frozen for later?
Yes, you can divide the soup into containers, seal them tightly, and freeze them for later enjoyment.
How do you reheat the frozen soup?
Place the frozen soup in a microwave-safe dish, add 2 tablespoons of sherry wine, and heat for about 5 minutes, stirring halfway through.
When should the sherry wine be added?
Sherry wine is typically added during the reheating process to enhance the depth of flavor.
What type of bread is recommended for serving?
The recipe suggests using slices of toasted crusty bread.
Which cheeses are used for the topping?
A combination of grated Parmesan and shredded Gruyère cheese is used to top the soup.
How do you achieve the melted, bubbly cheese top?
Place the soup bowls with bread and cheese under the broiler for 2 to 3 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Is there any butter used in the recipe?
Yes, 1/4 cup of butter is used to sauté the onions.
What is the specific amount of Gruyère cheese per serving area?
The recipe suggests 1/4 cup of shredded Gruyère cheese for the topping.
Can I use a food processor for the cheese as well?
While not specified, a food processor with a shredding attachment can be used for the Gruyère and Parmesan if desired.
How much Worcestershire sauce is needed?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce.
Is this soup considered a comfort food?
Yes, it is tagged as a classic comfort food, perfect for the end of a long day.
What are some suggested pairings for this meal?
It pairs wonderfully with a fresh salad and a lovely red wine for a complete and impressive meal.
What kind of thyme should be used?
The recipe uses 1/4 teaspoon of thyme to add herbal notes to the broth.
Is the sherry wine mandatory?
The sherry wine is listed as optional, though it is recommended for added depth.
How much Parmesan cheese is used?
The recipe specifies 2 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese.
What size should the onion batches be during sautéing?
Onions should be sautéed in batches of approximately one-third of the total amount at a time.
Does the recipe include fiber or sugar information?
The provided nutritional data does not include specific values for fiber or sugar.
How long is the final broiler step?
The final broiler step takes approximately 2 to 3 minutes to melt the cheese.