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Cozy Slow Cooker French Onion Soup with Gruyere Toast

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This hands-off slow cooker version of classic French onion soup delivers deeply caramelized onions and a rich, savory broth, topped with bubbly Gruyere toasts. Perfect for cold days and cozy nights, it’s comfort food made easy.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 to 5 large yellow onions (about 2.5 to 3 pounds), thinly sliced
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 to 5 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 6 cups low-sodium beef broth
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine or dry sherry
  • 2 bay leaves
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 8 to 10 slices French baguette or crusty bread (about 1/2-inch thick)
  • 8 ounces Gruyere cheese, grated

Instructions

  1. Peel the onions and cut them in half through the root end. Slice each half into thin half-moons, about 1/4-inch thick.
  2. Place the sliced onions in a 6-quart or larger slow cooker. Add the butter, cut into pieces, and the fresh thyme sprigs. Toss to coat. Cover and cook on LOW for 5 to 6 hours, or on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours, until the onions are soft and translucent.
  3. Remove the lid and stir the onions. For deeper caramelization, continue cooking on LOW with the lid OFF for another 1 to 2 hours, until the onions are deep golden brown.
  4. Remove the thyme stems. Add the beef broth, dry white wine or sherry, and bay leaves. Stir, scraping up any browned bits. Cover and cook on LOW for 2 to 3 hours, or on HIGH for 1 to 2 hours.
  5. About 15 minutes before serving, preheat the broiler. Arrange baguette slices on a baking sheet and toast under the broiler for 1 to 2 minutes per side, until lightly golden.
  6. Ladle the hot soup into oven-safe bowls, filling them about 3/4 full. Float one or two toasted baguette slices on top. Generously pile grated Gruyere cheese over the bread.
  7. Place the bowls on a baking sheet and broil for 2 to 4 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and starting to brown. Watch carefully.
  8. Remove from the oven, let cool for a minute, garnish with fresh thyme leaves and black pepper. Serve immediately.

Notes

Don’t rush the onions; low and slow is key. Use a good-quality broth. Toast the bread well to prevent sogginess. Grate your own cheese for best melting. Watch the broiler closely to avoid burning.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker French onion soup, Gruyere toast, caramelized onions, comfort food, winter soup, easy French onion soup

Find it online: https://islatable.com/cozy-slow-cooker-french-onion-soup-with-gruyere-toast/