Pioneer Woman Crockpot French Onion Soup Recipe

This Pioneer Woman Crockpot French Onion Soup is a cheesy and savory recipe, which is made with sweet caramelized onions and nutty Gruyere cheese. It’s the ultimate comfort food recipe, perfect for a cozy, hands-off meal.

Pioneer Woman Crockpot French Onion Soup Ingredients

• 3 large white onions, sliced
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 64 ounces beef broth (I use reduced sodium)
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• ⅓ cup dry sherry
• 4 sprigs fresh thyme or 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 bay Leaf
• 8 slices French bread * stale or dry is best
• ¾ cup shredded Gruyere cheese
• ½ cup shredded Emmental cheese
• 6 tablespoons shredded Parmesan cheese

How To Make Pioneer Woman Crockpot French Onion Soup

1. Caramelize the onions: In a large non-stick pan, cook the sliced onions, butter, and brown sugar together over medium-low heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 20 minutes, until the onions are golden, soft, and caramelized.
2. Slow cook the soup: Transfer the caramelized onions to a 6-quart slow cooker. Add the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, sherry, thyme, and bay leaf.
3. Cook on low: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours.
4. Prepare the cheesy toast: Just before serving, preheat your broiler. Arrange the French bread slices on a baking sheet and toast them under the broiler for 1-2 minutes per side, or until dry and lightly golden.
5. Assemble and broil: Remove and discard the bay leaf and thyme sprigs from the soup. Ladle the hot soup into oven-safe bowls. Top each bowl with a slice of the toasted bread. Mix the Gruyere, Emmental, and Parmesan cheeses together and sprinkle generously over the bread.
6. Serve: Place the bowls on a baking sheet and broil for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and browned. Serve immediately.

Recipe Tips

• How to get the best flavor? Don’t skip the first step of caramelizing the onions on the stovetop. This initial browning develops a deep, sweet flavor that is essential for a rich and authentic French onion soup.
• Can I make this on the stovetop? Yes. After caramelizing the onions, simply add the remaining soup ingredients to the same pot. Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it cook for at least 45-60 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
• What’s the best cheese to use? Gruyere is the classic choice for its nutty flavor and excellent melting properties. Emmental and Parmesan add extra depth. If you can’t find them, a good quality Swiss cheese is a great substitute.
• Why is my bread soggy? The key to preventing soggy bread is to make sure it’s very dry before you place it on the soup. Using stale bread or toasting fresh bread slices in the oven until they are crisp and hard is a crucial step.

What To Serve With Crockpot French Onion Soup

This rich and hearty soup is a complete meal in a bowl. It’s traditionally served on its own or with a simple side.

• A crisp green salad with a sharp Dijon vinaigrette
• A slice of crusty bread for extra dipping
• Steamed asparagus

How To Store Crockpot French Onion Soup

• Refrigerate: Store the soup base (without the bread and cheese topping) in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freeze: The soup base freezes exceptionally well for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely before storing in a freezer-safe container.

Crockpot French Onion Soup Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 367
• Carbohydrates: 44g
• Protein: 19g
• Fat: 12g

Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.

FAQs

Try More Pioneer Woman Recipes:

• Pioneer Woman Beer Cheese Soup Recipe
• Pioneer Woman Turnip Green Soup Recipe
• Pioneer Woman Prime Rib Soup Recipe