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Cozy Crockpot French Onion Soup Recipe with Easy Gruyere Crouton Topping

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A hands-off, soul-warming French onion soup made in a crockpot with slow caramelized onions and topped with crispy, bubbly Gruyere cheese croutons.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 6 cups beef broth
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional)
  • 3 sprigs fresh thyme or 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 2 bay leaves
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 baguette, cut into 1/2-inch slices
  • 2 cups shredded Gruyere cheese
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

  1. Peel and thinly slice 4 large yellow onions about 1/8-inch thick.
  2. Heat 4 tablespoons unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onions and stir occasionally, cooking until they start to soften and turn golden, about 15 minutes.
  3. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, avoiding burning.
  4. Transfer onions and garlic to the crockpot. Add 6 cups beef broth, 1/2 cup dry white wine (or extra broth), 3 sprigs fresh thyme, and 2 bay leaves. Season with salt and black pepper.
  5. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours, stirring once or twice if possible.
  6. About 30 minutes before serving, preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice baguette into 1/2-inch rounds, brush both sides with olive oil, and toast on a baking sheet for 10 minutes, flipping halfway.
  7. Remove toasted baguette slices from oven, pile shredded Gruyere cheese on top, and broil for 3-5 minutes until cheese is bubbly and browned. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
  8. Remove thyme sprigs and bay leaves from soup. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
  9. Ladle hot soup into oven-safe bowls, float a Gruyere-topped crouton on top, and optionally broil assembled bowls for 1-2 minutes to melt cheese further and create a golden crust.

Notes

For deeper onion flavor, caramelize onions longer in skillet but avoid burning. Stir slow cooker once or twice to prevent sticking. Wine is optional but recommended for brightness. Use day-old baguette for better toasting. Watch broiler carefully to avoid burning cheese. Store soup and croutons separately. Soup tastes better after resting overnight. Can substitute beef broth with vegetable broth for vegetarian version. Gluten-free bread can be used for croutons.

Nutrition

Keywords: French onion soup, crockpot soup, slow cooker soup, Gruyere croutons, comfort food, easy soup recipe, caramelized onions

Find it online: https://fizzlefork.com/cozy-crockpot-french-onion-soup-recipe-with-easy-gruyere-crouton-topping/