Dinner

Pioneer Woman’s Crockpot French Onion Soup Recipe

Name: Pioneer Woman’s Crockpot French Onion Soup Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: PT-491240H2M50S
Total time: PT-491240H2M50S
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 5 large yellow onions, thinly sliced; 3 tbsp unsalted butter; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp sugar; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tbsp all-purpose flour; 8 cups beef broth; 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional); 2 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1 tsp dried thyme); 1 bay leaf; 1 baguette, sliced and toasted; 2 cups shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese

ByRafael Mansero December 31, 2025December 31, 2025

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Introduction

Pioneer Woman’s Crockpot French Onion Soup offers rich, caramelized onions simmered slowly to develop deep flavor with minimal effort. This comforting soup is perfect for chilly days and features a classic cheesy baguette topping.

A white ceramic bowl filled with French onion soup features a rich dark brown broth with visible soft onion slices and caramelized bits. On top, there is a thick layer of melted golden cheese that covers toasted bread beneath, garnished with small green herb leaves. The bowl sits on a white cloth napkin with blue stripes, placed on a white marbled surface. Around the bowl, there are whole brown onions and a wooden board holding several slices of light brown crusty bread. A vintage silver spoon rests beside the bowl. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

5 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
3 tbsp unsalted butter
1 tbsp olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp sugar
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
8 cups beef broth
1/2 cup dry white wine (optional)
2 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1 tsp dried thyme)
1 bay leaf
1 baguette, sliced and toasted
2 cups shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese

Instructions

Step 1: In a skillet, melt butter with olive oil over medium heat. Add onions, sugar, salt, and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until onions are softened and caramelized, about 20–25 minutes.
Step 2: Transfer the caramelized onions to a crockpot. Stir in minced garlic and flour, mixing well to combine.
Step 3: Add beef broth, white wine (if using), thyme sprigs, and bay leaf to the crockpot. Cover and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or on HIGH for 3–4 hours.
Step 4: Remove thyme sprigs and bay leaf from the soup. Preheat your oven’s broiler.
Step 5: Ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls. Top each serving with toasted baguette slices and sprinkle generously with shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese.
Step 6: Place the bowls under the broiler until the cheese is melted and bubbly, about 2–3 minutes. Serve hot and enjoy.

Tips & Variations

For deeper flavor, use homemade beef broth or low-sodium store-bought broth to control salt levels.
If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute beef broth with vegetable broth and omit the wine.
Gruyère cheese gives a classic taste, but you can use Swiss or mozzarella for a milder melt.
Caramelize onions slowly and patiently for the best sweetness and color.

Storage

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. For best results, add fresh toasted baguette and cheese before serving rather than reheating the cheesy topping.

How to Serve

A white bowl holds a thick beef stew topped with a layer of melted cheese that is golden brown and bubbly. On top of the cheese, several soft, caramelized onion rings are lightly browned and placed in a circular pattern. The stew beneath is rich and dark brown with small pieces of tender beef visible. The bowl sits on a white cloth napkin with a silver spoon beside it, set on a white marbled surface. In the background, there are whole onions and sliced white bread on a wooden board. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make French onion soup without a crockpot?

Yes, you can make it on the stovetop by caramelizing onions and then simmering the soup in a large pot for about 45 minutes to an hour for flavors to meld.

What can I use instead of Gruyère cheese?

Swiss cheese is a great substitute with a similar melt and flavor. Mozzarella can be used for a milder, creamier topping, though it lacks Gruyère’s distinctive nutty taste.