French Onion Soup is the ultimate comfort food with its rich, savory broth and layers of nutty, golden cheese melted over crusty bread. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug on a chilly evening. Traditionally, it takes hours to develop those deep caramelized flavors—but not with the Instant Pot! This recipe gets you that restaurant-quality taste in a fraction of the time.
And don’t worry—you won’t lose any of the magic! The secret is in letting the Instant Pot do all the heavy lifting while you sit back (or maybe prep a quick salad on the side). Let’s bring Paris to your kitchen table!
If you’re craving that cozy Parisian bistro experience, this Instant Pot French Onion Soup is your golden ticket!
### **Why You’ll Love This Recipe**
– Quick and Easy: With the Instant Pot, no more hours of stovetop babysitting!
– Perfectly Balanced Flavors: Sweet caramelized onions, savory broth, and melty Gruyère cheese? Yes, please!
– Impressive yet Effortless: Wow your friends or family with minimal effort—ideal for hosting or family dinners.
### **Ingredients Breakdown**
#### **Essentials**
– **Yellow Onions (4 large)**: Sweet and mild, these caramelize beautifully. You could also go for Vidalia onions if you like even more sweetness.
– **Beef Broth (4 cups)**: Use a high-quality broth for the best flavor. Vegetable broth works too for a vegetarian version.
– **Dry White Wine (1/2 cup)**: Adds acidity and depth, but you can sub with extra broth if needed.
– **Unsalted Butter (2 tbsp)**: Enhances the caramelized flavors. Olive oil works too for a healthier option.
– **Fresh Thyme (4 sprigs)**: Skip dried if you can—it makes a world of difference.
– **Gruyère Cheese (1.5 cups, grated)**: Melts like a dream and gives this soup its signature flavor. Swiss cheese or mozzarella are good backups.
– **French Baguette (4 slices)**: Toasted to perfection for that classic floating crouton.
#### **Pro Tips**
– No wine on hand? Add a splash of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice to give the soup a little zing.
– Want a deeper color and flavor? Mix in 1 tbsp of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce before pressure cooking.
### **Step-by-Step Instructions**
1. **Caramelize the Onions**:
– Set your Instant Pot to “Sauté” and melt the butter. Add the thinly sliced onions, stirring occasionally. Let them cook for about 20-25 minutes until deeply golden. It takes time, but this step is worth it for those sweet, soft onions!
2. **Deglaze the Pot**:
– Pour in the white wine, scraping the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon to loosen all those flavorful bits. Let it simmer for 2 minutes.
3. **Add Broth and Herbs**:
– Stir in the beef broth, thyme sprigs, salt, and a touch of pepper. Put on the lid, seal the valve, and set the Instant Pot to “Pressure Cook” for 5 minutes.
4. **Prepare the Baguette**:
– While the Instant Pot does its thing, slice the baguette and toast the pieces under a broiler until golden. For extra flavor, rub a garlic clove over the toasted surface.
5. **Finish and Serve**:
– Once the pressure cooking is complete, do a quick release. Remove the thyme sprigs, ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls, and top with the toasted baguettes and a generous handful of grated Gruyère. Broil for 2-3 minutes until bubbly and golden. Serve immediately!
### **Chef’s Tips and Tricks**
– Not a fan of beef broth? Swap it with chicken or mushroom broth for a lighter twist.
– To ensure even caramelization during the sautéing step, stir the onions occasionally and don’t rush the process.
– Use oven-safe bowls for the broiler step—a key for that authentic French Onion Soup presentation!
### **Recipe Variations and Serving Suggestions**
– **Make it Vegetarian**: Swap beef broth for vegetable broth and skip the Gruyère for your favorite plant-based cheese.
– **Add Some Protein**: Shredded rotisserie chicken stirred into the broth is a great way to make this heartier.
– **Side Pairings**: Serve with a crisp arugula salad or a buttery Chardonnay.
### **FAQs**
#### **Can I Freeze Leftover Soup?**
Absolutely! Just leave out the cheese and baguette topping. Freeze the broth in an airtight container, and when you’re ready to enjoy, defrost and add the toppings fresh.
#### **How Do I Reheat It?**
Warm the soup on the stovetop or microwave, then broil the toppings separately for that perfect, melty finish.
#### **Can I Make This Ahead?**
Yes, the soup base can be made 1-2 days in advance, stored in the fridge, and reheated when you’re ready to serve. Top with the baguette and cheese just before serving.
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### **Instant Pot French Onion Soup Recipe Card**
Instant Pot French Onion Soup
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 30 minutes (includes sauté and pressure cook) | Total: 45 minutes
Servings: 4 bowls
#### Ingredients:
– 4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
– 2 tbsp unsalted butter
– 1/2 cup dry white wine
– 4 cups beef broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian option)
– 4 sprigs fresh thyme
– Salt and black pepper, to taste
– 4 slices French baguette, toasted
– 1.5 cups grated Gruyère cheese
#### Instructions:
1. In the Instant Pot, sauté onions in butter for 20-25 minutes until caramelized.
2. Deglaze with white wine, simmering for 2 minutes.
3. Add beef broth, thyme, salt, and pepper. Pressure cook for 5 minutes, then do a quick release.
4. Ladle soup into oven-safe bowls, top with toasted baguette slices, and Gruyère cheese. Broil until bubbly and golden.
5. Serve hot and enjoy!
Don’t forget to share your gorgeous soup creations! Tag me on social media with #TheKitchensAid—I love seeing your culinary masterpieces!
