As the first hints of winter creep in and the days grow shorter, there’s nothing quite like the allure of a steaming bowl of French onion soup to warm both body and soul. I discovered this Instant Pot French Onion Soup recipe during a particularly chilly evening — the kind where the thought of ready-made meals just wouldn’t do. The rich aroma of caramelized onions melded with savory beef broth filled my kitchen, instantly elevating my mood.
This dish combines simple, hearty ingredients into a comforting experience that is both quick and satisfying, minus the hours of traditional stovetop simmering. With every spoonful, I am reminded of charming bistros in France where this classic dish reigns supreme. Perfect for cozy nights in or impressing friends, this recipe is bound to become a go-to for anyone seeking a deeper connection with homemade comfort food. You’ll find that with just a few effortless steps and your trusty Instant Pot, you can recreate this culinary delight right at home. Let’s dive into the details!
Why choose Pot French Onion Soup?
Quick Preparation: This Instant Pot French Onion Soup drastically cuts down cooking time, letting you enjoy a gourmet experience without the wait.
Unforgettable Flavor: Caramelized onions meld beautifully with robust beef broth, delivering layers of richness in every bowl.
Crowd-Pleasing: Perfect for gatherings, this cozy soup brings everyone together, making it an instant favorite.
Comfort in Every Sip: Each spoonful warms the soul, reminding you of cozy bistro evenings.
Meal Versatility: Serve it as a starter, pair with a salad, or enjoy it as a comforting main dish; it adapts to any occasion.
Don’t miss out on this culinary gem; your friends and family will love it!
Pot French Onion Soup Ingredients
• Get ready to create cozy magic with these ingredients!
For the Soup
- Yellow Onions – Essential for sweetness and flavor; best for caramelizing; Substitutions: Spanish onions or Vidalia can be used, but not recommended as they may alter sweetness.
- Unsalted Butter – Provides richness for sautéing onions; Substitutions: Olive oil can be used for a lighter option.
- Garlic Cloves – Adds depth of flavor; Substitutions: Shallots can add a milder onion flavor.
- Fresh Thyme – Herbaceous aroma and taste; Substitutions: Dried thyme, though flavor will differ.
- Bay Leaf – Imparts depth and earthy notes; remove before serving.
- Beef Bone Broth and Beef Stock – Forms the soup base; Substitutions: Vegetable broth for a vegetarian option.
- Dry Red Wine – Adds acidity and enhances richness; Substitutions: Sherry or omit for a non-alcoholic version.
For the Topping
- Gruyère Cheese – Melts beautifully and provides a nutty flavor; Substitutions: Emmental or Comté can work well for melting.
- Baguette Slices – For crouton topping; Substitutions: French bread or sourdough can be used.
Gather these ingredients, and get ready to make the most delightful Instant Pot French Onion Soup that will warm your heart and home!
How to Make Instant Pot French Onion Soup
Sauté Onions: Set your Instant Pot to sauté mode and melt the butter. Add sliced onions, garlic, thyme, and bay leaf, stirring until the onions soften, about 5 minutes. They should turn translucent and fragrant.
Deglaze Pot: Pour in 3 tablespoons of water to deglaze the pot, making sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom. This adds to the depth of flavor, then seal the lid.
Cook Under Pressure: Switch to high pressure mode and set the timer for 20 minutes. After cooking, perform a quick-release to let the steam escape gradually.
Caramelize Further: Return the pot to sauté mode and cook for another 5 minutes to deepen the caramelization of the onions, enhancing their rich sweetness.
Add Wine: Pour in the dry red wine, stirring softly. Let it simmer for 10 minutes until it reduces slightly, intensifying the flavor of the soup.
Combine Broth: Remove the thyme and bay leaf sprigs, then add the beef bone broth and stock. Let it simmer for another 10 minutes, tasting and seasoning as desired.
Broil Baguette: Preheat your broiler. Arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet and broil until golden brown. Top each slice with Gruyère cheese and broil again until the cheese is bubbly and melted.
Serve Warm: Ladle the hot soup into bowls, then place the cheesy baguette slices on top, ready to enjoy the cozy warmth of your Instant Pot French Onion Soup.
Optional: Sprinkle with fresh thyme leaves for an aromatic garnish.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Pot French Onion Soup Variations
Feel free to get creative and customize your Instant Pot French Onion Soup with these delightful variations!
Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes during cooking to elevate its heat and wake up your taste buds.
Creamy Comfort: Stir in a dollop of cream or crème fraîche just before serving for a luxurious, velvety finish.
Herb Infusion: Experiment with fresh herbs like rosemary or parsley to add aromatic notes that enhance the flavor in unexpected ways.
Cheesy Delight: Swap Gruyère for a strong blue cheese for a bold flavor profile that brings a pantry staple to new heights.
Mushroom Medley: Incorporate sautéed mushrooms into the mix for an earthy component that complements the sweetness of the onions beautifully.
Vegetarian Friendly: Use vegetable broth and omit the cheese to transform this into a hearty vegetarian dish without sacrificing flavor.
Savory Additions: Toss in some cooked bacon or pancetta during the sauté step for a smoky richness that will make your soup truly irresistible.
Garlic Lovers: Increase the garlic to 4 or 5 cloves, or roast the garlic before adding it for a deeper, sweeter flavor.
Each of these variations opens up new possibilities, allowing you to craft a bowl that’s uniquely yours!
How to Store and Freeze Instant Pot French Onion Soup
Fridge: Store your Pot French Onion Soup in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen and improve as it rests, making it even more delicious when reheated!
Freezer: You can freeze the soup for up to 3 months. Portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers, ensuring to leave space for expansion.
Thawing: Thaw frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight or use the defrost setting on your microwave for quick results.
Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to reach your desired consistency. Enjoy your comforting soup warm!
Expert Tips for Instant Pot French Onion Soup
- Sauté Properly: Don’t rush the sauté step; allowing the onions to caramelize properly brings out their natural sweetness for a richer Pot French Onion Soup.
- Deglaze Thoroughly: Make sure to scrape the bottom of the pot well during deglazing to incorporate all that flavorful goodness into your soup.
- Quality Broth Matters: Use high-quality beef bone broth or stock for a deeply flavorful base; homemade is best if you have it.
- Watch the Broiler: Pay close attention while broiling the baguette topped with Gruyère; the cheese can burn quickly, so keep an eye on it!
- Taste and Adjust: Always taste the soup before serving; adjust the seasoning as necessary to ensure your Pot French Onion Soup is perfectly seasoned.
What to Serve with Instant Pot French Onion Soup?
As the savory aroma of this delightful soup fills your home, consider adding a few tasty sides to elevate your dining experience.
Crispy Green Salad: A light mix of greens and a zesty vinaigrette balances the richness of the soup, adding a refreshing crunch to your meal.
Garlic Breadsticks: These warm, buttery delights complement the soup’s flavors perfectly, providing both a comforting and satisfying side that everyone will love.
Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies like carrots, zucchini, and bell peppers bring a depth of flavor and texture that beautifully enhance your dining experience.
Cheese Platter: A selection of fine cheeses pairs wonderfully with the flavors of French onion soup, offering guests a delightful way to nibble while waiting for the mains.
Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Their smooth texture and buttery flavor serve as the perfect companion, making every spoonful of soup even more indulgent.
Full-bodied Red Wine: A glass of your favorite red wine can lift the savory notes of the soup, creating a warm and cozy evening atmosphere.
Your Instapot French Onion Soup deserves these delectable companions, transforming your meal into a heartwarming feast that invites comfort and joy.
Make Ahead Options
These Instant Pot French Onion Soup components are perfect for meal prep! You can slice the onions and store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Additionally, you can caramelize the onions and simmer them with beef broth and wine up to 24 hours in advance, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. When you’re ready to enjoy your soup, simply reheat the mixture on the stovetop, then broil your cheesy baguette toppings to perfection. This way, you’ll have a delicious, cozy meal with minimal effort, just as comforting and flavorful as if you made it from scratch all at once!
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, as they caramelize beautifully and provide the sweetness you need. If you can’t find them, you can use Spanish onions or Vidalia, but keep in mind that they may alter the overall sweetness of the dish.
How should I store leftovers?
You can store your Pot French Onion Soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors actually get better over time! Just remember to reheat gently to avoid breaking the broth’s texture.
Can I freeze French onion soup, and if so, how?
Yes! To freeze your Instant Pot French Onion Soup, first let it cool completely. Portion the soup into freezer-safe bags, leaving some space for it to expand. It can be stored for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating; I recommend reheating it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth if necessary.
What if my soup is too salty or lacks flavor?
Very good question! If your soup turns out too salty, you can add a bit of water or low-sodium broth to dilute the flavors. If it’s lacking in flavor instead, consider adding fresh herbs or extra seasoning to enhance the taste. Tasting as you go will really help perfect your soup!
Is this soup suitable for people with dietary restrictions?
For those with dietary restrictions, this soup can easily be adapted! You can use vegetable broth in place of beef broth for a vegetarian version. To make it gluten-free, opt for gluten-free bread for the topping. Always double-check ingredient labels to ensure safety for allergies.
How do I know if my onions are properly caramelized?
The onions should turn a rich golden brown and have a sweet aroma. If they are sticking to the pot, add a splash of water during sautéing to help loosen them. Don’t rush this step, as the deeper the caramelization, the more flavorful your Pot French Onion Soup will be!
Instant Pot French Onion Soup for Ultimate Cozy Comfort
Equipment
- - Instant Pot
Ingredients
For the Soup
- 3 large Yellow Onions Essential for sweetness and flavor; best for caramelizing
- 4 tablespoons Unsalted Butter Provides richness for sautéing onions
- 3 cloves Garlic Adds depth of flavor
- 2 sprigs Fresh Thyme Herbaceous aroma and taste
- 1 leaf Bay Leaf Imparts depth and earthy notes; remove before serving
- 4 cups Beef Bone Broth Forms the soup base
- 1 cup Dry Red Wine Adds acidity and enhances richness
For the Topping
- 1 cup Gruyère Cheese Melts beautifully and provides a nutty flavor
- 4 slices Baguette For crouton topping
Instructions
Cooking Instructions
- Set your Instant Pot to sauté mode and melt the butter. Add sliced onions, garlic, thyme, and bay leaf, stirring until the onions soften, about 5 minutes.
- Pour in 3 tablespoons of water to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom, then seal the lid.
- Switch to high pressure mode and set the timer for 20 minutes. After cooking, perform a quick-release.
- Return the pot to sauté mode and cook for another 5 minutes to deepen the caramelization of the onions.
- Pour in the dry red wine, stirring softly. Let it simmer for 10 minutes until it reduces slightly.
- Remove the thyme and bay leaf sprigs, then add the beef bone broth. Let it simmer for another 10 minutes.
- Preheat your broiler. Arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet and broil until golden brown. Top each slice with Gruyère cheese and broil again until melted.
- Ladle the hot soup into bowls and place the cheesy baguette slices on top.