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
