There is nothing quite as comforting and soul-satisfying as a rich bowl of homemade onion soup, and the Instant Pot French Onion Soup Recipe makes it incredibly easy to create this classic dish without spending all day in the kitchen. This recipe brings together deeply caramelized onions, a robust broth, and melty Gruyere-topped baguette slices to deliver layers of flavor that will have you coming back for seconds. Whether it’s a chilly evening or a special gathering, this soup has a way of making any moment feel cozy and indulgent.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Instant Pot French Onion Soup Recipe plays a crucial role in building the dish’s signature taste and texture. From the sweetness of caramelized onions to the savory depth of the broth, every item is simple yet essential.
- Yellow onions, 5 medium, thinly sliced: These form the flavorful, sweet base of the soup once caramelized.
- Unsalted butter, 4 tablespoons: Helps to gently cook the onions and develop their rich flavor without overpowering.
- Brown sugar, 2 tablespoons: Enhances the caramelization process, adding a delicate sweetness.
- Garlic, 5 cloves minced: Adds aromatic warmth and complexity to the broth.
- Dry thyme, 1 teaspoon (optional): Brings a subtle earthy note that complements the onions well.
- Worcestershire sauce, 1 tablespoon: Boosts umami and depth for a more robust soup.
- Red wine or beef broth, 1 cup: Adds acidity and richness to balance the sweetness of onions.
- Beef broth or bone broth, 8 cups: The hearty base, making the soup nourishing and full-bodied.
- Salt and pepper, 1/4 teaspoon or to taste: Essential seasonings to bring all flavors into harmony.
- Baguette slices, 6: Toasted for a crunchy, soak-worthy topping.
- Gruyere cheese, 2 cups grated: Melts beautifully to form that signature cheesy crust over the soup.
How to Make Instant Pot French Onion Soup Recipe
Step 1: Caramelize the Onions
Start by setting your Instant Pot to the Sauté mode on High. Once it’s hot, melt the butter and add your thinly sliced onions along with brown sugar. This is the heart of the soup – slow cooking these onions until they turn a deep golden brown develops the sweet, rich flavor that defines French onion soup. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, and be patient; truly caramelized onions can take 15-20 minutes.
Step 2: Add Aromatics and Deglaze
When the onions are beautifully caramelized, stir in minced garlic, dry thyme if using, Worcestershire sauce, red wine (or an extra cup of broth), salt, and pepper. This will infuse the soup with layers of aromatic flavor. Let this mixture cook for a couple more minutes to meld everything together and to deglaze the pot, scraping up those flavorful browned bits from the bottom.
Step 3: Pressure Cook the Soup
Pour in the beef broth, making sure not to exceed the Instant Pot’s max fill line. Secure the lid and cook on high pressure for 20 minutes. This step allows all the flavors to marry beautifully in a fraction of the usual simmering time. After cooking, let the pressure release naturally for 15 minutes, then manually release any remaining pressure before opening the lid.
How to Serve Instant Pot French Onion Soup Recipe
Garnishes
A classic topping for this soup is toasted baguette slices generously covered with grated Gruyere cheese. Before serving, broil these in the oven until the cheese bubbles, melts, and turns a gorgeous golden brown. This warm, cheesy layer adds an irresistible texture and flavor contrast that completes the dish.
Side Dishes
Pairing this soup with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables keeps the meal balanced and fresh. Crisp baguette slices on the side are also wonderful for dipping into the savory broth, letting you enjoy every drop.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to wow your guests, serve the soup in oven-safe crocks topped with the cheese and bread, broiling right before bringing to the table. You can also experiment with different cheese varieties like Comté or Swiss for a unique twist on the classic flavor profile.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Instant Pot French Onion Soup Recipe keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container to preserve the rich flavors and prevent the broth from absorbing other odors.
Freezing
You can freeze the soup without the bread and cheese toppings for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the soup gently on the stovetop to avoid breaking down the broth’s delicate flavors. Add fresh toasted baguette and Gruyere cheese at serving time for maximum freshness and enjoyment.
FAQs
Can I use white wine instead of red in the soup?
Absolutely! Traditional recipes often use dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. It will give a lighter, crisper flavor compared to the richer notes from red wine, which is also delicious depending on your preference.
Why is caramelizing the onions so important?
Caramelizing develops the natural sugars in the onions, turning them a deep golden brown and creating that signature sweet, rich flavor. Skipping or rushing this step will result in a flat, less flavorful soup.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes. Substitute the beef broth with a high-quality vegetable broth and omit Worcestershire sauce or use a vegetarian version. While it won’t have the same depth of meatiness, it will still be flavorful and comforting.
Is Gruyere cheese necessary?
While Gruyere is classic for its excellent melting properties and savory taste, you can substitute it with other cheeses like Comté, Swiss, or even mozzarella if needed. Just choose something that melts well and complements the soup.
What’s the advantage of using an Instant Pot for this recipe?
The Instant Pot drastically reduces cooking time while still allowing flavors to develop deeply, especially with the pressure cooking step. It’s a perfect solution for busy days when you crave homemade comfort food quickly.
Final Thoughts
I genuinely encourage you to give this Instant Pot French Onion Soup Recipe a try—it’s a wonderful way to experience classic French comfort food without hours of cooking. The combination of sweet caramelized onions, rich broth, and melty cheese is pure magic, especially on a chilly day. Trust me, once you make it, it will become a favorite go-to for cozy dinners and special occasions alike.
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Instant Pot French Onion Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
This Instant Pot French Onion Soup is a rich and flavorful classic made easy with caramelized onions, robust beef broth, and a touch of red wine. Topped with crusty baguette slices and melted Gruyere cheese broiled to golden perfection, this cozy soup is a perfect comforting meal made quickly with modern pressure cooking.
Ingredients
Sauté Base
- 5 medium yellow onions, peeled and thinly sliced
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dry thyme (optional)
Broth and Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup red wine or beef broth
- 8 cups beef broth or bone broth stock
- ¼ teaspoon salt and pepper, or to taste
For Serving
- 6 baguette slices
- 2 cups Gruyere cheese, grated
Instructions
- Prepare Instant Pot: Turn on the Instant Pot and select Sauté mode on High. Once it displays HOT, add the butter and stir with a wooden spoon until melted.
- Caramelize Onions: Add sliced onions and brown sugar to the Instant Pot. Sauté for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are golden brown and deeply caramelized.
- Add Aromatics and Wine: Stir in minced garlic, thyme (if using), red wine or beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes to blend flavors and slightly reduce the wine.
- Add Broth and Pressure Cook: Pour in the 8 cups of beef or bone broth, ensuring not to exceed the MAX line of the Instant Pot inner pot. Seal the pressure cooker lid securely and set to cook on high pressure for 20 minutes.
- Natural Pressure Release: After cooking, allow a natural pressure release for 15 minutes, then carefully release any remaining pressure by venting the steam. Remove the lid and stir the soup well.
- Broil with Toppings: Preheat your oven broiler. Ladle soup into oven-safe bowls, top each with a slice or two of baguette, and sprinkle generously with grated Gruyere cheese. Place the bowls on a baking sheet and broil in the oven until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown, about 3-5 minutes. Serve immediately.
Notes
- The best French onion soup requires deeply caramelized onions, good quality beef or bone broth, and a flavorful wine—red wine like Pinot Noir or Merlot lends richness but white wine can be used.
- Caramelization is key; do not rush this step as the onions need to turn a deep golden brown to release their natural sweetness and flavor.
- Adjust salt and pepper to taste throughout cooking to balance flavors properly.
- Using low-sodium broth helps avoid an overly salty soup.
- Adding ¼ teaspoon baking soda to onions during caramelization can speed up the process, but be cautious not to oversweeten by adding too much sugar.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: French
