Instant Pot French Onion Soup Recipe

This Instant Pot French Onion Soup recipe delivers rich, caramelized onions simmered in a savory broth, topped with crusty baguette slices and melted Gruyere cheese. Perfect for cozy dinners or as a flavorful starter, this dish combines convenience with classic taste. Ideal for cold days or special gatherings, it’s a quick and reliable way to prepare a comforting meal.

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 (e.g., Chardonnay)
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1.5 cups chicken broth
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 loaf French bread
• 6 slices Gruyere cheese*

Instructions

Prepare the Onions:

1. Sauté the Onions:
   • Press the sauté button on your Instant Pot. Wait until “Hot” is displayed, then add the butter to prevent smoking.
   • Once the butter melts, add the onions, thyme, and bay leaves. Stir occasionally with a large silicone spatula to coat the onions in butter. Cook for about 5 minutes until the onions start to soften and release their liquid.
2. Pressure Cook the Onions:
   • Add 3 tablespoons of water, cover, and press the “Pressure Cook” button. Set the timer for 20 minutes. Use the quick release valve to release the pressure after cooking.
   • Remove the lid and press the sauté button again. Cook for another 5 minutes to reduce the liquid slightly.
3. Caramelize the Onions:
   • Add the white wine and let it simmer for 20 minutes to cook out the alcohol and fully caramelize the onions.
   • Remove the bay leaves and thyme stems.
4. Add Broth:
   • Pour in the beef and chicken broth. Simmer the soup for an additional 10 minutes while you prepare the baguettes.

Prepare the Baguettes:

1. Slice and Toast:
   • Thickly slice the French bread diagonally to match the size of your serving bowls. Brush each side with olive oil and sprinkle lightly with salt.
   • Arrange slices on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for about 5 minutes, until firm and lightly browned. Monitor closely to prevent burning.

Assemble and Serve:

1. Broil the Soup:
   • Set your oven to broil.
   • Fill oven-safe bowls with soup, then top each with a toasted baguette slice and a thick slice of Gruyere cheese.
   • Place the bowls on a baking sheet and broil for 3-5 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
2. Alternative Method:
   • If you don’t have oven-safe bowls, broil the cheese on the baguette slices separately and place them on top of the soup before serving.
3. Serve:
   • Garnish with additional fresh thyme and serve hot.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich and Flavorful: The combination of caramelized onions, wine, and broths creates a deeply savory soup.
• Quick and Convenient: The Instant Pot significantly reduces the time needed to caramelize the onions.
• Perfect Presentation: Broiled cheese and bread create a stunning and delicious topping.
• Comforting and Satisfying: A warm bowl of French onion soup is perfect for cold days or cozy evenings.

Tips

• Use a mix of yellow and sweet onions for a balanced flavor.
• Slice onions evenly to ensure consistent cooking.
• Choose a dry white wine like Chardonnay for optimal flavor.
• Monitor the baguettes and cheese closely while broiling to avoid burning.

Variations and Substitutions

• Cheese Options: Swap Gruyere for Swiss, Provolone, or mozzarella if preferred.
• Vegan Version: Use plant-based butter, vegetable broth, and dairy-free cheese.
• Low-Carb Option: Substitute bread with a cauliflower steak or omit it altogether.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free bread for the topping.

FAQs

Q: Can I make this soup in advance?
A: Yes, prepare the soup up to the point before broiling. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat and assemble when ready to serve.

Q: Can I freeze this soup?
A: The broth can be frozen, but leave out the bread and cheese until serving. Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

Q: What can I use if I don’t have oven-safe bowls?
A: Broil the cheese on the baguettes separately and place them on top of the soup before serving.

Serving and Suggestions

• Pair with a light green salad for a complete meal.
• Serve with additional toasted baguette slices for dipping.
• Add a sprinkle of fresh thyme or parsley for a pop of color and flavor.
• Enjoy as an appetizer or a hearty main dish.