When the weather turns brisk and the leaves start to fall, there’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of soup to comfort the soul. This Instant Pot French Onion Soup is a true game-changer in the world of cozy meals. Imagine the enticing aroma of slowly caramelized onions combined with the rich depth of savory beef broth, all coming together in a matter of minutes instead of hours.
What’s even better? The splash of red wine adds a touch of sophistication you might expect from a high-end bistro. And just when you think it can’t get any better, you’ll top it off with crispy baguette slices adorned with melted Gruyère cheese—pure bliss in every bite. Perfect for chilly evenings or an easy weeknight dinner, this soup wraps you in warmth and flavor, transforming your kitchen into your very own French oasis. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe and bring a little comfort to your table!
Why is Pot French Onion Soup a Must-Try?
Simplicity at Its Finest: With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, this recipe lets you create a gourmet soup without the fuss.
Heavenly Aromas: The savory scent of caramelizing onions fills your home, making it feel warm and inviting.
Elevated Flavors: The addition of red wine enriches the broth, bringing bistro-style sophistication to your dining experience.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a chilly night or a casual gathering, this comforting bowl fits seamlessly into any meal plan.
Quick and Efficient: Utilizing the Instant Pot means you’ll spend just minutes cooking, leaving you more time to enjoy with family or friends. For more quick meal ideas, check out quick weeknight recipes.
Pot French Onion Soup Ingredients
• Discover what makes this cozy soup irresistible!
For the Soup
- Yellow Onions – The sweet base for your soup; substitute with Spanish onions for a similar flavor profile.
- Unsalted Butter – Adds a rich creaminess; using quality butter like Kerrygold enhances taste.
- Garlic – A touch of aromatic goodness that elevates the overall flavor.
- Fresh Thyme – Provides a wonderful herbal note; dried thyme works well in a pinch but use less.
- Bay Leaf – Infuses depth into your broth; remember to remove before serving!
- Dry Red Wine – Introduces acidity and sophistication; for a non-alcoholic version, grape juice is a great substitute.
- Beef Bone Broth and Beef Stock – The heart of the soup; mixing both gives it richness and body.
- Kosher Salt and Ground Black Pepper – Essential seasonings to enhance all flavors.
For the Topping
- Baguette Slices – Use for crispy croutons that add delightful texture; toast until golden.
- Gruyère Cheese – Melts beautifully; freshly grated cheese ensures the best melting quality.
This essential ingredient list ensures your Pot French Onion Soup not only tastes delicious but also fills your home with comforting warmth.
How to Make Instant Pot French Onion Soup
Sauté the Base: Set your Instant Pot to the sauté mode and melt the unsalted butter. Add the sliced yellow onions, garlic, fresh thyme, and bay leaf. Stir for about 5 minutes until the onions soften and start to caramelize, releasing their lovely aroma.
Deglaze the Pot: Pour in 3 tablespoons of water, scraping the bottom of the pot to lift any browned bits. This step is key to enhancing those delightful flavors!
Pressure Cook: Secure the lid on the Instant Pot. Cook on high pressure for 20 minutes and then perform a quick release to release the pressure—carefully, of course!
Further Sauté: Once safe to do so, return the pot to sauté mode. Allow the onion mixture to cook for an additional 5 minutes; this helps deepen the flavor even more.
Add Wine: Pour in the dry red wine and let it simmer for 10 minutes. This step allows the alcohol to evaporate and infuses the soup with a rich complexity.
Add Broths: Remove the bay leaf and thyme stems. Pour in the beef bone broth and beef stock, and let it simmer for another 10 minutes to marry all those lovely flavors together.
Season: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with kosher salt and ground black pepper as desired. This is your moment to make it just right!
Prepare Cheese Toasts: Preheat your oven’s broiler. Toast the baguette slices on both sides until golden and crispy, then top generously with grated Gruyère cheese. Broil until melted and bubbly, keeping a close eye to avoid burning!
Serve: Ladle the steaming soup into bowls, topping each with your warm cheese toasts. Dig in right away and revel in the cozy goodness!
Optional: Garnish with extra thyme leaves for a pop of freshness.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Storage Tips for Pot French Onion Soup
Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days; the flavors meld beautifully overnight, making it even tastier the next day.
Freezer: Portion the soup into freezer-safe containers, allowing it to cool completely first. It can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing its delightful taste.
Reheating: Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. For the perfect finish, broil the cheese toasts again before serving to achieve that irresistible bubbly texture.
Make Ahead Options
These Instant Pot French Onion Soup are perfect for busy weeknights and meal prep enthusiasts! You can chop the onions, garlic, and herbs up to 24 hours in advance, storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain their freshness. Additionally, you can prepare the broth mixture and keep it sealed for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy your soup, simply sauté the prepped ingredients, add the wine and broth, and continue cooking as directed. This way, you achieve that deep, rich flavor with minimal effort, ensuring your meal is just as delicious as if made fresh!
What to Serve with Instant Pot French Onion Soup?
Creating a memorable meal is about balancing flavors and textures, and this soup pairs beautifully with these delightful options.
- Crisp Green Salad: A fresh salad with mixed greens and a tangy vinaigrette brightens the richness of the soup.
- Garlic Breadsticks: Warm, buttery breadsticks are perfect for soaking up every last drop of that savory broth. Every bite becomes a luxurious moment.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts: The slight bitterness of roasted Brussels sprouts complements the soup, bringing an earthy note to the table.
- Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Indulgent mashed potatoes offer a comforting, hearty side that enhances your cozy dinner experience.
- Savory Cheese Platter: An assortment of cheeses, crackers, and fruits provides a sophisticated appetizer that pairs wonderfully with the hearty soup.
- Chardonnay: A nice glass of Chardonnay brings out the flavors of the red wine in the soup while enhancing the overall dining experience.
- Chocolate Mousse: For dessert, a light chocolate mousse provides a sweet contrast, making the meal feel festive and complete.
- Herb-Infused Quinoa: This fluffy, aromatic grain serves as a healthy side that adds a touch of freshness to your cozy feast.
Expert Tips for Pot French Onion Soup
Sauté with Patience: Don’t rush the sautéing process; allowing the onions to caramelize gradually develops a deeper flavor.
Herb Caution: Always remember to remove thyme and bay leaves before serving. You want the flavor, not the texture!
Cheese Toast Vigilance: Keep a close watch when broiling the cheese toasts—burnt cheese is a sad affair!
Broth Duo: For optimal flavor in your Pot French Onion Soup, mix beef bone broth and beef stock for richness.
Last-Minute Adjustments: Don’t hesitate to tweak the seasoning at the end. A pinch more salt or pepper can elevate the overall taste!
Pot French Onion Soup Variations
Create your own delightful twist on this warm, comforting classic with these easy adaptations!
Vegetarian Option: Substitute beef broth with mushroom broth for a deep, earthy flavor that’s meat-free. Perfect for cozy dinners with loved ones.
Wine-Free: Use grape juice instead of red wine to maintain the soup’s sweetness and body while omitting alcohol. This family-friendly version is just as delicious!
Cheese Choices: Try mozzarella or fontina cheese for a unique melt and flavor twist. Each type adds its own character to the dish, making it truly your own.
Herb Variations: Experiment with rosemary or oregano to replace thyme for a different aromatic profile. The change in herbs can elevate your soup to new heights!
Add Heat: Incorporate a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a warm kick that complements the savory elements beautifully. It’s sure to warm you up!
Creamy Finish: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of sour cream just before serving to add a luscious, creamy texture. This upgrade is pure indulgence in every spoonful!
Grain Boost: Toss in some cooked quinoa or orzo for added texture and heartiness. This will elevate your soup to a filling meal perfect for any occasion!
Let your creativity and taste buds guide you—each variation brings a special touch to your Pot French Onion Soup experience!
Instant Pot French Onion Soup Recipe FAQs
What type of onions should I use for the soup?
Absolutely! Yellow onions are ideal for this Instant Pot French Onion Soup because they provide the perfect balance of sweetness and flavor. Spanish onions can also be used as a substitute if yellow onions aren’t available, but it’s best to avoid white onions, as they tend to have a sharper taste and may not deliver the same comforting sweetness.
How long can I store the soup in the fridge?
You can store your homemade French Onion Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. In fact, many people find that the flavors meld and deepen overnight, making it even more delicious the next day. Just make sure it’s completely cooled before sealing it up!
Can I freeze Instant Pot French Onion Soup?
Yes! To freeze, let the soup cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little room at the top for expansion. This soup can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove or microwave.
What can I do if my onions don’t caramelize properly?
Oh no, don’t worry! If your onions aren’t caramelizing as they should, make sure to cook them patiently on the sauté setting, allowing them to soften and develop that lovely golden color. If they’re still sticking, you can add a splash of water or broth to help deglaze the pan and lift those flavorful browned bits. Alternatively, make sure you’re using enough butter to prevent them from burning.
Are there any allergy considerations I should be aware of?
Yes! If you’re cooking for someone with allergies, be mindful of the ingredients. This soup contains dairy from the butter and Gruyère cheese, while the broth may not be suitable for those with beef allergies. For a dairy-free or vegetarian option, you can substitute the butter with olive oil and use vegetable broth or mushroom broth instead of beef broth. Always check labels to ensure no hidden allergens in packaged ingredients.
How should I reheat leftovers for the best results?
To reheat your Instant Pot French Onion Soup, gently warm it on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. For the ultimate experience, broil fresh cheese toasts just before you serve. This will give you that glorious, bubbly cheese layer that enhances each delicious spoonful. Enjoy that warmth and flavor all over again!
Instant Pot French Onion Soup: Cozy Comfort in Minutes
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Set your Instant Pot to the sauté mode and melt the unsalted butter. Add the sliced yellow onions, garlic, fresh thyme, and bay leaf. Stir for about 5 minutes until the onions soften and start to caramelize, releasing their lovely aroma.
- Pour in 3 tablespoons of water, scraping the bottom of the pot to lift any browned bits.
- Secure the lid on the Instant Pot. Cook on high pressure for 20 minutes and then perform a quick release to release the pressure carefully.
- Once safe to do so, return the pot to sauté mode. Allow the onion mixture to cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- Pour in the dry red wine and let it simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the alcohol to evaporate.
- Remove the bay leaf and thyme stems. Pour in the beef bone broth and beef stock, and let it simmer for another 10 minutes.
- Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with kosher salt and ground black pepper as desired.
- Preheat your oven's broiler. Toast the baguette slices on both sides until golden, then top with grated Gruyère cheese. Broil until melted and bubbly.
- Ladle the soup into bowls, topping each with your warm cheese toasts. Serve immediately.