Easy French Onion Soup With Beef Broth (Crockpot/Slow Cooker Recipe)

Since the time my daughter was little, I have mastered this French onion soup with beef broth recipe. She used to absolutely hated it. However, she began to like it as she grew older. This soup is a classic that can be customized according to your preferences. Since she is now vegan, I swap out vegetable broth for the beef broth, and I added mushrooms. For a full meal, try adding thinly sliced beef. Or try different onions, like shallots or red onions for a more mild taste.

Why I Love This Easy French Onion Soup With Beef Broth Recipe

1. Convenience of the Slow Cooker: The use of a slow cooker means I can set it in the morning and come home to a deliciously rich soup without having to spend hours in the kitchen. It’s perfect for busy schedules. I am so much in love with my slow cooker!
2. Deeply Caramelized Onions: The slow cooking process allows the onions to caramelize perfectly, blending their natural sweetness with the savory depth of the broth, creating layers of flavor that are both comforting and sophisticated. Also, onions are yummy.
3. Versatility in Ingredients: I love how this recipe allows for flexibility with the addition of dry white wine, sherry, or dry vermouth, enabling me to tweak the flavor profile based on what I have on hand or my taste preferences at the moment. The Husband recently went alcohol-free, so I omit the wine or sherry from this recipe.
4. Rich and Hearty Broth: The beef broth base gives the soup a hearty and fulfilling quality that makes it a satisfying meal, especially during the colder months. And I can use up any leftover beef broth from a pot roast.
5. Cheesy, Broiled Topping: The finishing touch of Gruyere or Swiss cheese melted over a crusty piece of baguette adds a deliciously gooey texture. Bread + Cheese + Onions = Perfect.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Large skillet
• Slow cooker
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Soup ladle
• Soup bowls
• Broiler-safe bowls (if broiling cheese on top)

A Wee Bit About the Humble French Onion Soup … Is It Really French?

French Onion Soup, despite its name, isn’t exclusively French. Its roots can be traced back to Roman times, evolving from a basic broth to a rich, caramelized onion soup over centuries. The modern version, with its beef broth and toasted cheese topping, became popular in Paris in the 18th century, solidifying its status as a French bistro classic. However, the concept of onion soups has been a staple in many cultures due to the widespread availability and low cost of onions. So, while France may have perfected the art of onion soup, claiming it as solely French does a disservice to its complex, multicultural heritage.

Variations

Variation 1: Vegetarian French Onion Soup

• Substitute 1 cup dry white wine for 1 cup beef broth and use vegetable broth instead of the remaining beef broth to make it vegetarian-friendly. Top with traditional Gruyere cheese and a crusty baguette for a hearty, meat-free version.

Variation 2: Mushroom French Onion Soup

• Incorporate 1 cup of sliced mushrooms when caramelizing the onions, and substitute 1 cup sherry for 1 cup beef broth. This adds an earthy flavor that complements the sweetness of the onions. Continue with beef broth or substitute with vegetable broth for a deeper earthiness.

Variation 3: Spicy French Onion Soup

• Add 1 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes to the onions while cooking, and substitute 1 cup dry vermouth for 1 cup beef broth for a subtle, spicy kick. This version brings a new dimension to the classic, with a slight heat that enhances the rich flavors of the soup.

FAQs

1. Is French onion soup made from beef broth?
   Yes, French onion soup’s deep, savory flavor largely comes from beef broth. This traditional base contributes to the rich taste profile that is characteristic of the soup, making it a staple ingredient in kitchens aiming to recreate this classic dish.
2. How do you deepen the flavor of French onion soup?
   Deepening the soup’s flavor involves a few key steps: slowly caramelizing the onions to unlock their natural sugars and richness, adding a splash of dry white wine, sherry, or dry vermouth to introduce a complex acidity, and using a high-quality beef broth for a robust foundation. These elements work together to enhance the soup’s overall depth.
3. Is French onion soup a clear broth?
   The broth of French onion soup is not clear but has a rich, amber hue, a result of the long caramelization process of the onions combined with the beef broth. This contributes to the soup’s distinctively deep and savory flavor profile.
4. Can onion soup be made with chicken broth?
   While traditional French onion soup uses beef broth, chicken broth can be substituted for a lighter version. This alteration changes the flavor profile to a milder, less intense base, providing a different but equally enjoyable culinary experience.
5. Can you replace beef broth with beef stock?
   Substituting beef stock for beef broth in French onion soup is a common practice for those looking to achieve a richer, more concentrated flavor. Beef stock, made from simmered bones, contains gelatin which lends a silky texture and fuller body to the soup.
6. What is the difference between beef broth and beef stock for soup?
   Beef broth and beef stock serve similar purposes but differ in their preparation and flavor intensity. Beef broth, lighter in flavor, is made from simmering meat and vegetables, while beef stock, prepared from bones, often roasted, and vegetables, offers a richer taste and a thicker consistency due to the gelatin released from the bones.
7. What might be missing from my French onion soup if it lacks flavor?
   If your French onion soup lacks flavor, it might need more caramelization time for the onions, a splash of wine for acidity, or a better quality broth.
8. Does French onion soup get better the longer it cooks?
   Yes, allowing the soup to simmer for an extended period can enhance the flavors, especially the sweetness of the onions and the richness of the broth.
9. Why does my French onion soup taste sour?
   A sour taste could result from over-caramelizing the onions or from the type of wine used. Adjusting the cooking time and wine selection can help.
10. Is French onion soup considered a dish for the poor?
    Historically, French onion soup was considered a humble dish due to the affordability of onions, but it has been elevated to a bistro classic over time.
11. What is the difference between onion soup and French onion soup?
    French onion soup typically includes a beef broth base and is topped with cheese and bread, while onion soup can vary widely in ingredients and presentation.
12. Why is French onion soup so good?
    The combination of sweet caramelized onions, rich beef broth, a splash of wine, and the melted cheese on top creates a complex, comforting flavor profile.
13. Is beef bouillon the same as beef broth?
    Beef bouillon, often found in cube or powder form, is concentrated beef flavor and can be diluted with water to make a broth-like liquid.
14. What happens if you use beef broth instead of chicken?
    Using beef broth instead of chicken will give the dish a deeper, richer flavor, suitable for heartier recipes like French onion soup.
15. Is beef stock as good as beef broth?
    Beef stock can offer a richer flavor and a more gelatinous texture than broth, making it ideal for soups and sauces that benefit from a fuller body.
16. Why did Jason’s Deli get rid of French onion soup?
    Without specific details, it’s hard to say, but decisions to remove items like French onion soup from menus often relate to sales, sourcing, or menu changes.
17. Why does my French onion soup taste sweet?
    The natural sugars in onions become pronounced when caramelized, which can make the soup taste sweet, especially if the onions are cooked slowly and thoroughly.
18. Why do you add flour to French onion soup?
    Flour is sometimes added to thicken the soup and create a more substantial body, ensuring the broth isn’t too thin.
19. Why is my French onion soup bland?
    Bland French onion soup may lack sufficient seasoning, depth from the caramelized onions, or the savory richness that quality beef broth provides.
20. Why do you put baking soda in French onion soup?
    Adding a pinch of baking soda can help caramelize the onions faster by raising the pH level, but it must be used sparingly to avoid affecting the taste.

Storage and Pairing Suggestions

For Storage:
Cool the soup completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat gently on the stove or in a microwave.

Pairing Suggestions:
Serve with a side salad dressed in a vinaigrette or a simple roasted vegetable dish to complement the rich flavors of the soup. A medium-bodied red wine, like a Pinot Noir, pairs well with the savory notes of the soup.

Substitutions for Special Diets

Gluten-Free:
Substitute traditional bread with a gluten-free baguette for the topping. Ensure that the beef broth and any added wine are gluten-free.

Dairy-Free:
Use dairy-free cheese alternatives that melt well, or omit the cheese entirely and enjoy the rich flavor of the soup on its own.

The Final: Easy French Onion Soup With Beef Broth