French Onion Soup Instant Pot Recipe

I absolutely adore this recipe because it’s a true comfort food that brings together caramelized onions and melted Gruyère cheese into a warm, soul-soothing bowl of deliciousness. It’s like a cozy hug in a bowl, perfect for chilly days and lazy nights when I just want something special without too much fuss.

I adore how the combination of seemingly simple ingredients in French Onion Soup yields a truly sublime dish. My version—made in the Instant Pot, so it’s nothing but easy—uses sweet yellow onions, a healthy amount of butter, and just enough thyme to make the flavor sing.

The Gruyère cheese melt over toasted baguette is the stuff of dreams, and you will not believe how much you can pack this soup with good-for-you ingredients and still keep it 100% comforting and cozy.

Ingredients

Yellow Onions:
They add depth and sweetness while being rich in antioxidants.

Unsalted Butter:
Delivers abundant taste and smooth consistency.

Olive Oil:
Fat from the heart, healthy.

Enhances browning.

Garlic:
Enhances immunity with antibacterial characteristics.

Worcestershire Sauce:
Imparts umami and a subtle tang.

Brown Sugar:
Pairs taste with a hint of sweetness.

Thyme:
Fragrant herb, provides earthy notes and perfume.

Dry White Wine:
Makes complexity with acidity and depth.

Gruyère Cheese:
The texture is rich and creamy, and it contains protein and calcium.

Ingredient Quantities

• 4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves, chopped
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/2 cup dry white wine
• 6 cups beef broth
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 baguette, sliced and toasted
• 2 cups Gruyère cheese, grated
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Set the Instant Pot to Sauté. Add butter and olive oil. When the butter has melted and the ingredients are hot, add the sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Cook the onions slowly, for 20 to 25 minutes, until they are soft and golden. Stir occasionally.

2. Add minced garlic to the onions and cook for an extra minute until it becomes fragrant.

3. Mix in the Worcestershire sauce and brown sugar, and allow the onions to cook in those flavors for another 2-3 minutes.

4. Add the dry white wine, using a wooden spoon to loosen any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Allow the wine to simmer for a few minutes until it reduces slightly.

5. Combine the beef broth, fresh thyme, bay leaf, and a dash of black pepper. Stir well to combine.

6. Attach the Instant Pot lid and set to Pressure Cook on high for 8 minutes. When done, allow the pot to naturally release pressure for about 10 minutes, then manually release any remaining pressure.

7. As the soup cooks, heat the oven to broil. Place the baguette slices on a baking sheet and toast in the oven until golden.

8. Sample the soup and boost the seasoning with any necessary additional salt or pepper. Remove the bay leaf.

9. Skim the hot soup into oven-safe bowls. Place a slice of baguette on top of each bowl; then, cover generously with freshly grated Gruyère cheese.

10. Position the bowls beneath the broiler until the cheese is bubbling and a golden brown. If you wish, garnish with parsley that’s as fresh as can be—immediate serving is arbitrary but preferred.

Equipment Needed

1. Instant Pot
2. Wooden spoon
3. Chef’s knife
4. Cutting board
5. Oven or broiler
6. Baking sheet
7. Oven-safe bowls
8. Ladle
9. Grater

FAQ

• Q: Can I use vegetable broth instead of beef broth?Q: Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to make a vegetarian version of this recipe?
• Q: What type of white wine should I use?Use the best flavor dry white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay.
• Q: How do I avoid mushy onions?To guarantee that the integrity of the recipe is upheld, be certain to cut the onions thinly and uniformly and to cook them until they are well caramelized. They should be nicely browned in spots and have a sweet flavor, but they should not be so soft and slippery that they won’t hold their shape when you layer them in the onion tart.
• Q: Can I make this recipe without an Instant Pot?Q: Can this recipe be adapted for stovetop use?

  A: Yes, sauté the onions in a large pot, then simmer the soup on low heat to stovetop-cook this recipe.

• Q: What’s the best way to toast the baguette slices?To make crostini, first preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Then, slice a baguette. Place the slices on a baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil. Toast the slices in the oven for 10-12 minutes.
• Q: Is there a substitute for Gruyère cheese?You may substitute Swiss or provolone cheese for Gruyère.

Substitutions and Variations

When yellow onions are not available, white onions can be used as a substitute.
To make this recipe dairy-free, replace the unsalted butter with margarine or another plant-based butter.
You can substitute apple cider or a splash of white wine vinegar mixed with water for dry white wine.
You can use vegetable broth instead of beef broth to make a vegetarian version of the soup.
If Gruyère cheese cannot be found, Swiss cheese or Emmental cheese are good substitutes.

Pro Tips

1. Caramelize Onions Slowly When sautéing the onions, take your time to let them fully caramelize. This may take longer than the suggested 20-25 minutes, but the deep, sweet flavor they develop is crucial for an authentic taste.

2. Deglaze Properly After adding the white wine, be sure to thoroughly scrape the bottom of the pot to incorporate all the flavorful browned bits into the soup. This adds depth and complexity to the broth.

3. Quality Gruyère Use high-quality Gruyère cheese for the topping. Its rich and nutty flavor complements the soup perfectly, and it melts beautifully for that classic gooey finish.

4. Customize Broth Flavor Consider adding a splash of balsamic vinegar or a touch of mustard when you add the broth for an extra layer of flavor. Adjust seasoning after tasting to ensure the proper balance of flavors.

5. Prepare Baguette with Olive Oil Before toasting the baguette slices, brush them lightly with olive oil and sprinkle a bit of salt. This enhances their flavor and adds a satisfying crunch to each serving.