Instant Pot French Onion Soup

This Instant Pot French Onion Soup recipe combines the rich, savory flavors of caramelized onions, hearty beef and chicken broths, and melted Gruyere cheese for the ultimate comfort food experience. Using the pressure cooking function of the Instant Pot, this recipe drastically reduces cooking time while still delivering all the delicious depth of traditional French onion soup. Topped with golden, crispy baguette slices and melted cheese, this easy-to-make soup is perfect for cozy nights, dinner parties, or special occasions. Try this quick and delicious homemade French onion soup for a flavorful dish your whole family will love. Perfect for those looking for an Instant Pot French onion soup recipe, caramelized onion soup, or cheesy soup recipes.

Ingredients:

• 6 Tablespoons butter
• 4 large yellow onions, finely sliced
• 2 large sweet onions, finely sliced
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme
• 2 bay leaves
• ¾ cup dry white wine (Chardonnay recommended)
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1.5 cups chicken broth
• 3 Tablespoons olive oil
• 1 loaf French bread
• 6 slices Gruyere cheese

Instructions:

1. Sauté the Onions: Press the sauté button on your Instant Pot. Once “hot” appears on the screen, add the butter. Let it melt before adding the onions, thyme, and bay leaves. Stir occasionally using a silicone spatula. Let the onions cook for about 5 minutes until they start to soften and release their liquid.
2. Pressure Cook the Onions: Add 3 tablespoons of water to the pot, then cover and press the “pressure cook” button. Set the timer for 20 minutes. Once the timer goes off, use the quick release valve to release the pressure.
3. Caramelize the Onions: After releasing the pressure, press the sauté button again. Let the onions cook for 5 more minutes to reduce some of the liquid. Add the wine and simmer for another 20 minutes, allowing the wine to cook out and the onions to fully caramelize.
4. Add Broths: Remove the thyme stems and bay leaves. Pour in the beef and chicken broths. Allow the soup to simmer for another 10 minutes as you prepare the baguettes.
5. Prepare the Baguettes: Slice the French bread diagonally, making the pieces roughly the size of your serving bowls. Brush both sides of each slice with olive oil and lightly sprinkle with salt. Arrange the bread on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for about 5 minutes, or until golden and crisp. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
6. Serve the Soup: Set your oven to broil. Fill oven-safe bowls with the soup, then top with a piece of baguette and a thick slice of Gruyere cheese. Place the bowls on a baking sheet and broil for 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden-brown. Remove carefully, garnish with fresh thyme, and serve.

If you don’t have oven-safe bowls, simply melt the cheese on the baguette slices in the oven and place them on top of the filled soup bowls.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Instant Pot French Onion Soup offers all the rich, savory flavors of traditional French onion soup with the added convenience of a pressure cooker. This comforting dish features tender caramelized onions, a delicious blend of beef and chicken broths, and a golden, cheesy baguette topping. It’s perfect for cozy nights, dinner parties, or as a savory appetizer.

Tips

• Use a Good Quality Wine: Choose a dry white wine, like Chardonnay, for the best depth of flavor.
• Don’t Rush the Caramelization: Let the onions caramelize slowly for the richest flavor. Patience pays off in this step!
• Adjust the Bread Thickness: Slice the French bread according to your preference for thicker or thinner croutons.

Variations and Substitutions

• Cheese Options: If Gruyere isn’t available, you can substitute with Swiss cheese or mozzarella for a similar melty texture.
• Vegan Version: Substitute the butter with vegan butter, and use vegetable broth instead of beef and chicken broths. You can also skip the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.
• Additional Herbs: Try adding rosemary or sage for a different herbal twist.

FAQs

Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the soup in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, reheat the soup, then top with the baguette and cheese, and broil as directed.

Can I freeze French onion soup?
Yes, this soup freezes well. Let it cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove.

Can I make this without an Instant Pot?
Yes, you can make French onion soup on the stovetop by slowly caramelizing the onions in a large pot over medium heat, then adding the liquids and simmering for an hour or more.

Serving

Serve this Instant Pot French Onion Soup with a side salad or a light green vegetable like sautéed spinach. It pairs perfectly with a glass of Chardonnay or a light red wine.

Suggestions

For extra flavor, you can sprinkle a little grated Parmesan cheese on top of the Gruyere before broiling for added richness. Additionally, try pairing it with a charcuterie board for a complete meal that’s sure to impress!