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To make a warm bowl of slow cooker French onion soup, you need: - 4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon brown sugar - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper - 8 cups low-sodium vegetable broth - 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 6 slices of crusty French bread - 1 ½ cups shredded Gruyère cheese - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) These simple ingredients create a deep, rich flavor. The onions become sweet and tender after slow cooking. The broth adds warmth, while the cheese gives a creamy finish. For this recipe, gather these tools: - A slow cooker - A cutting board - A sharp knife - A mixing spoon - A baking sheet - Oven-safe bowls or ramekins Using these tools will help you prepare and serve your soup easily. The slow cooker does most of the work, so you can relax while the flavors blend. This recipe is mostly vegetarian. If you need it vegan, simply swap the cheese for a plant-based option. You can use other types of onions, like sweet or red, for different flavors. If you're gluten-free, use gluten-free bread. Always check labels to keep your meal safe for your diet. For more details, check the Full Recipe. To start, gather all your ingredients. You will need: - 4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon brown sugar - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper - 8 cups low-sodium vegetable broth - 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 6 slices of crusty French bread - 1 ½ cups shredded Gruyère cheese - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Slice the onions thinly. This helps them break down and caramelize well. Mince the garlic too, as it adds great flavor. In your slow cooker, add the onions, garlic, brown sugar, thyme, salt, and pepper. Drizzle the olive oil over the top. Stir everything together until it is well mixed. Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 8 hours. The long cook time allows the onions to turn soft and sweet. After the 8 hours, add the balsamic vinegar and vegetable broth. Mix well to blend all the flavors. Now, cover again and switch the cooker to high for 30 more minutes. This heats the soup through nicely. While the soup cooks, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the slices of French bread on a baking sheet. Toast them for about 5-7 minutes. They should be golden brown when done. When the soup is ready, ladle it into bowls. Place a slice of toasted French bread on top of each bowl. Sprinkle the shredded Gruyère cheese generously over the bread. Now, put the bowls under the broiler for 2-3 minutes. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning. You want the cheese to be bubbly and golden. Finally, take the bowls out and sprinkle fresh parsley on top. Serve your soup hot and enjoy the warm, rich flavors. For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe section. To boost the flavor of your slow cooker French onion soup, start with fresh ingredients. Use yellow onions for their sweetness. Pair them with fresh herbs, like thyme. A splash of balsamic vinegar adds depth and a slight tang. This brings out the best in the soup. Caramelization is key to a rich soup. Slice your onions thinly for even cooking. Add them to the slow cooker with a sprinkle of brown sugar. This sugar helps the onions brown better. Cook on low for a full eight hours. Stir the mixture halfway to keep it from sticking. For a great finish, serve your soup hot. Toasted French bread sits nicely on top of each bowl. Sprinkle shredded Gruyère cheese over the bread. Broil the bowls for a few minutes until the cheese melts. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color. Enjoy your cozy bowl of soup! {{image_2}} You can easily make this soup vegetarian or vegan. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. For a vegan option, skip the cheese or use a plant-based cheese. This keeps the rich flavor while meeting dietary needs. Gruyère cheese is a classic choice. If you want to switch it up, try Swiss cheese or fontina. Both melt well and add a nice taste. You can also mix cheeses for more depth. Just remember to keep it gooey and cheesy! Want to change the flavor? Add a splash of white wine for a bright note. You can toss in mushrooms for earthiness or fresh herbs like rosemary for an aromatic touch. Even a pinch of red pepper flakes can spice things up. Feel free to experiment! For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe. After enjoying your soup, let it cool down to room temperature. Then, pour it into airtight containers. Make sure to leave some space at the top for expansion. Store the containers in the fridge. Properly stored, the soup will last up to 5 days. To reheat, pour the soup into a pot. Heat it on medium until warm, stirring often. You can also use the microwave. Place your soup in a microwave-safe bowl. Cover it loosely and heat for about 2-3 minutes. Stir and check if it’s hot enough. If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. Let the soup cool completely before freezing. Use freezer-safe bags or containers. Fill them, but don’t overfill. The soup can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When you want to eat it, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat as mentioned earlier. Enjoy your delicious soup anytime! You can store Slow Cooker French Onion Soup in the fridge for about 3 to 5 days. Make sure to cool it down first. Use a tight lid to keep it fresh. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. That way, you can enjoy it later! Yes, you can use other types of onions in this soup. For a sweeter taste, try using Vidalia onions. Red onions add a nice color and a milder flavor. Each type of onion gives a unique twist to the soup. Just remember, the cooking time stays the same. You can pair this soup with many tasty sides. A simple green salad adds freshness. You might enjoy a cheese platter with crackers too. Grilled cheese sandwiches are also a great match. They soak up the soup’s flavor well. Check the Full Recipe for more serving ideas! This blog post covered how to make Slow Cooker French Onion Soup. We explored key ingredients, tools, and dietary options. I shared step-by-step instructions and tips for enhancing flavor, perfecting caramelized onions, and serving the soup. I provided variations for vegetarian and vegan diets, as well as storage and reheating tips. Now, you can enjoy this warm, comforting dish. Embrace your creativity with variations to make it your own. Enjoy your cooking journey!

SLOW COOKER FRENCH ONION SOUP

Warm up your dinner table with this delicious Savory Slow Cooker French Onion Soup. This easy recipe features caramelized onions, garlic, and rich Gruyère cheese, all simmered to perfection in your slow cooker. In just 8 hours, enjoy a comforting bowl topped with toasted French bread and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. Click through for the full recipe and bring a taste of France to your kitchen tonight!
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Ingredients
  

4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon brown sugar

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

8 cups low-sodium vegetable broth

2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

1 tablespoon olive oil

6 slices of crusty French bread

1 ½ cups shredded Gruyère cheese

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

In your slow cooker, add the thinly sliced onions, minced garlic, brown sugar, thyme, salt, and pepper. Drizzle the olive oil over the onions and stir well to combine.

    Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8 hours, allowing the onions to caramelize beautifully.

      After 8 hours, stir in the balsamic vinegar and vegetable broth, mixing well to integrate all the flavors. Cover and cook on high for an additional 30 minutes to heat through.

        Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the slices of French bread on a baking sheet and toast in the oven for about 5-7 minutes until golden brown.

          When the soup is ready, ladle it into bowls, place a slice of toasted French bread on top of each bowl, and generously sprinkle the shredded Gruyère cheese over the bread.

            Put the bowls under the broiler for 2-3 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden, watching closely to prevent burning.

              Remove from the oven, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve immediately.

                Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 8 hours 30 minutes | Servings: 6

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve the soup in rustic ramekins or oven-safe bowls, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for an appealing touch.