Craving a classic comfort food but don’t have a lot of time? Look no further than this easy Crock Pot French Onion Soup recipe! This simple dish features the rich, savory flavors of caramelized onions, beef broth, and a touch of French onion dip mix. It’s a perfect meal for chilly evenings, and the best part? It’s so easy to make! Just toss everything in the crock pot and let it simmer all day long – the perfect meal for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 6 onions (white, Vidalia, or your choice)
- 2 (10 ounce) cans beef consommé
- 2 (14 ounce) cans beef broth
- 1 (1 ounce) package of dry French onion dip mix (use 2 if you like it REALLY oniony)
Instructions
- Slice or chop your onions. The size of the slices is up to you – smaller pieces will caramelize faster.
- Combine all ingredients in your crock pot.
- Set your crock pot on low and let it simmer for 8 hours. The longer you let it simmer, the more caramelized your onions will become, resulting in a deeper, richer flavor.
- To serve: Add a slice of dry, crusty French bread to each bowl. Pour the soup over the bread.
- Top with Gruyere or Jarlsberg cheese. For a melty, gooey treat, place the bowls under the broiler for about 2 minutes, or until the cheese bubbles and gets a bit brown.
Extra Information
Tips:
- Experiment with different onion varieties! Sweet Vidalia onions will give the soup a slightly sweeter flavor, while yellow or white onions will provide a more traditional taste.
- Don’t be afraid to adjust the amount of French onion dip mix. If you love a strong onion flavor, feel free to double the package.
- For a heartier soup: Add a cup of diced potatoes or a handful of chopped mushrooms to the crock pot.
Variations:
- For a vegan version: Substitute vegetable broth and a vegan French onion dip mix for the beef broth and consommé. You can also top it with a vegan cheese, like Daiya.
- For a gluten-free option: Use gluten-free bread for serving.
Serving Suggestions:
- This soup is delicious served with a side of crusty bread.
- For a complete meal, serve it with a salad or a side of roasted vegetables.
Nutritional Information:
- This recipe yields about 8 servings.
- Each serving contains approximately: 250 calories, 10 grams of fat, 20 grams of protein, and 15 grams of carbohydrates.
Storage:
Leftover soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Conclusion
This Crock Pot French Onion Soup is a delicious and easy way to enjoy this classic comfort food. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy evenings in. Give it a try and let us know what you think!
FAQ
Q: Can I make this soup in advance?
Absolutely! This soup is even better when made ahead of time. You can assemble it in your crock pot and let it simmer all day long, or even prepare it the night before and store it in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Q: What kind of cheese is best for topping this soup?
Gruyere and Jarlsberg are traditional choices, but you can also use other melting cheeses like Fontina, Emmental, or even cheddar.
Q: Can I substitute beef broth for the consommé?
While it’s not recommended to use only beef broth, you can certainly use a combination of beef broth and consommé. Just make sure to use enough beef broth to get the desired amount of liquid in your soup.
Q: How do I get the onions to caramelize nicely?
While cooking in the crock pot, the onions will caramelize over time. For a richer flavor, you can sauté the onions in a pan on the stovetop before adding them to the crock pot.
Q: Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, you can freeze this soup for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating it.