If you're craving a soul-warming and delectable treat, look no further than this easy-to-follow recipe for French Onion Soup in a Crock Pot. With its rich flavors and melt-in-your-mouth onions, this classic soup is a comforting delight for any occasion.
Ingredients
To get started, gather these simple and flavorful ingredients:
- 4 large onions, thinly sliced
- 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of granulated sugar
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 6 cups of beef broth
- 1 cup of dry red wine (optional but highly recommended)
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Baguette slices
- 2 cups of shredded Gruyere cheese
Easy Steps to French Onion Soup Bliss
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Sauté the Onions
Set your crock pot on the sauté function (if available) or use a skillet over medium heat. Add the unsalted butter and olive oil, allowing the butter to melt and the oil to heat up.
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Caramelize the Onions
Add the thinly sliced onions to the pot and sprinkle them with the granulated sugar. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and cook the onions until they turn golden brown and caramelized.
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Add the Garlic
Once the onions are caramelized, toss in the minced garlic and cook for another minute or until the garlic releases its heavenly aroma.
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Transfer to the Crock Pot
Carefully transfer the caramelized onions and garlic to your crock pot.
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Pour in the Broth and Wine
Pour the beef broth and dry red wine over the onions. The wine adds a luxurious depth of flavor, but you can omit it if you prefer.
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Seasoning and Aromatics
Drop in the bay leaves and sprinkle the dried thyme over the mixture. Season with salt and pepper to your taste preference.
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Simmer and Cook
Set your crock pot to low heat and let the soup simmer for 6 to 8 hours. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
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Prepare the Baguette Slices
About 15 minutes before serving, preheat your oven to broil. Slice the baguette into thick rounds and place them on a baking sheet.
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Cheesy Finale
Ladle the piping hot soup into oven-safe bowls. Top each bowl with a couple of baguette slices and sprinkle a generous amount of shredded Gruyere cheese over them.
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Broil to Perfection
Place the bowls on the top rack of the oven and broil until the cheese turns bubbly and golden brown.
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Serve and Savor
Carefully remove the bowls from the oven and let them cool slightly. Your French Onion Soup is now ready to be savored and enjoyed to the fullest!
So there you have it! A delightful and flavorsome French Onion Soup cooked to perfection in your trusty crock pot. Serve it as a cozy appetizer or pair it with a fresh salad for a hearty meal. Whether you're cooking for yourself or impressing guests, this timeless soup is sure to win hearts and warm souls. Bon appétit!