Slow-Cooker French Onion Soup
In this genius slow-cooker soup recipe, two types of onions are caramelized for hours before adding a sherry-spiked broth. For a bistro-worthy presentation, ladle the soup into ovenproof crocks, top with the bread and cheese and broil.
Ingredients
Soup
2 tablespoons butter, cut into 8 pieces
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
8 sprigs fresh thyme
4 cloves garlic, smashed
1 bay leaf
2 pounds yellow onions, halved and sliced (see Tip)
2 pounds red onions, halved and sliced
1 teaspoon salt
¾ teaspoon ground pepper
4 cups low-sodium beef broth
¼ cup dry sherry
8 diagonal slices baguette (1/2-inch-thick), toasted
1 cup shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese
Directions
Step 1
To prepare soup: Scatter butter in a 6- to 7-quart slow cooker (see Tip). Add oil, thyme, garlic and bay leaf, then onions. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Cover and cook on High for 8 hours.
Step 2
Bring broth and sherry to a boil in a saucepan. Remove the thyme sprigs and bay leaf from the slow cooker. Pour in the broth and cook on High, uncovered, for 10 minutes.
Step 3
To prepare cheese toasts: Meanwhile, position rack in upper third of oven; preheat broiler to high. Top each baguette slice with 2 tablespoons cheese. Broil until the cheese is melted, 1 to 2 minutes. Divide the soup among 8 bowls. Top each with a cheese toast.
Tips
Tips: Take the tears out of onion prep: Refrigerate whole, unpeeled onions for about 30 minutes before slicing or chopping. The cold “chills out” the sulfur compounds that can irritate your eyes and make you cry.
For easy cleanup, try a slow-cooker liner. These heat-resistant, disposable liners fit neatly inside the insert and help prevent food from sticking to the bottom and sides of your slow cooker.
To make ahead: Refrigerate soup (Steps 1-2) for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Make cheese toasts before serving.
Equipment: 6- to 7-quart slow cooker. Read More...
