Slow Cooker Gourmet French Onion Soup
Indulge in a comforting bowl of Slow Cooker Gourmet French Onion Soup, perfect for a cozy night in! This delightful recipe requires minimal effort while delivering rich, savory flavors that will impress your family and friends. With caramelized onions simmered slowly in a delicious broth, topped with crusty bread and melted cheese, this dish transforms a traditional favorite into an easy, laid-back meal option. Whether you're enjoying it solo or serving it at a gathering, this soup is sure to become a staple in your culinary repertoire.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
4
Ingredients
Ingredients
Onions
6 (Sliced or chopped (white, Vidalia, or your choice))
Beef Consume
2 cans (10 ounces each) (None)
Beef Broth
2 cans (14 ounces each) (None)
Dry French Onion Dip Mix
1 package (1 ounce) (Add more for increased onion flavor if desired)
Instructions
1
Begin by slicing or chopping the onions to your preferred thickness. Set aside.
2
In a large crock pot, combine the sliced onions, beef consomme, beef broth, and dry French onion dip mix. Stir well to ensure the onions are evenly coated with the broth.
3
Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 hours until the onions are tender and flavors meld.
4
When ready to serve, ladle the soup into bowls. For an added touch, place a slice of dry, crusty French bread into each bowl and pour the hot soup over it.
5
Finish by generously covering the bread with Gruyere or Jarlsberg cheese.
6
Place the assembled bowls under the broiler for about 2 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and golden brown. Serve immediately and enjoy your gourmet creation!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Slow Cooker Gourmet French Onion Soup?
It is a rich, savory soup made with caramelized onions simmered in a beef-based broth using a slow cooker for ease and deep flavor.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
What type of onions are best for this soup?
You can use white, Vidalia, or any onion of your choice; 6 onions are required in total.
How should the onions be prepared?
The onions should be sliced or chopped to your preferred thickness before being added to the slow cooker.
Can I cook this soup on a high heat setting?
Yes, you can cook it on high for 4 hours instead of the low setting.
How long does it take to cook on the low setting?
On the low setting, the soup should cook for 8 hours until the onions are tender.
What is beef consomme?
Beef consomme is a clarified, concentrated beef stock that provides a rich base for the soup.
How much beef broth is needed?
The recipe calls for 2 cans of beef broth, each 14 ounces.
What is the purpose of the dry French onion dip mix?
It adds an extra layer of concentrated onion flavor to the broth; you can add more if you prefer a stronger taste.
What kind of bread should I use for serving?
A dry, crusty French bread is recommended to hold up under the hot soup.
Which cheeses are recommended for topping the soup?
Gruyere or Jarlsberg cheese are the preferred choices for a traditional, melty gourmet finish.
Do I need to stir the ingredients?
Yes, stir the onions, consomme, broth, and dip mix well in the crock pot to ensure everything is evenly coated.
How do I get the cheese bubbly and golden?
Place the assembled bowls under a broiler for about 2 minutes until the cheese is bubbling and golden brown.
Is this recipe suitable for a dinner party?
Absolutely, it is a gourmet-style dish that delivers impressive flavor with minimal effort, making it great for gatherings.
Can I use different types of onions in the same batch?
Yes, mixing white and Vidalia onions can add a nice complexity of flavor.
Is this a one-dish meal?
While primarily a soup, its richness and the addition of bread and cheese make it a satisfying one-dish meal option.
Do I need to sauté the onions before putting them in the slow cooker?
No, the slow cooker will tenderize and caramelize the onions over the long cooking period.
How much beef consomme is required?
You will need 2 cans of beef consomme, each 10 ounces.
Can I make this soup in advance?
Yes, the soup can be prepared in the slow cooker ahead of time and then broiled with bread and cheese just before serving.
What if I don't have a broiler-safe bowl?
If your bowls are not broiler-safe, you can toast the bread and cheese on a baking sheet and then place them on top of the soup.
Is this a comfort food recipe?
Yes, French Onion Soup is a classic comfort food, especially when prepared in a slow cooker.
Can I add more onion dip mix for more flavor?
Yes, the recipe suggests you can add more than the 1-ounce package if you desire a more intense onion flavor.
How do I serve the soup with the bread?
Ladle the hot soup into a bowl, place a slice of dry French bread on top, then cover with cheese.
What is the total number of ingredients in this recipe?
There are 4 main ingredients for the soup base: onions, beef consomme, beef broth, and dry onion dip mix.
Can I use Vidalia onions specifically?
Yes, Vidalia onions are specifically mentioned as a great choice for this recipe.
How many cans of beef broth should I buy?
You should buy 2 cans of 14-ounce beef broth.
Does this recipe require a lot of prep work?
Prep is minimal, primarily involving slicing the onions and opening the cans of broth.
How long does the final broiling step take?
It takes about 2 minutes under the broiler.
Is the serving size specified?
The recipe is designed for 4 servings, but the specific volume per serving is not specified.
What makes this soup gourmet?
The combination of concentrated beef consomme, savory dip mix, and the traditional broiler finish with specialty cheeses gives it a gourmet quality.