People crave warm soup when it’s cold . French onion soup is оne of those dishes that just feels right . Originating in France , it’s made with caramelized onions , hearty broth , and a gooey layer of chееse on top of crusty brеad . The sweet onions mix with savory broth for a nice taste that folks all over love .
Now with new kitchen gadgets , you don’t got to spend hours at the stove . The Instant Pot can speed things up and make flavors pop . You just sauté the onions , then pressure cook everything . It cuts down time and you dont need to watch it all the time .
In this guide , you’ll see a simple Instant Pot French onion soup recipe and some tips . Whether you are new at cooking or you got some skills , you can make a tasty soup to impress your friends .
What is French Onion Soup?
French onion soup has old roots and a deep story . People say it goes back to Roman days , when folks drank a basic broth of onions and wine . It got big in France around the 1700s , and by the 1800s , bistros served it everywhere . Back then , it was peasant food , made with what was on hand . Today it’s seen as comfort food , loved for its rich taste and warm feeling .
The main parts are onions , butter or oil , garlic , broth , herbs , salt and pepper , brеad , and chееse . You really gotta caramelize the onions so they bring out their natural sweetness . Then add broth and herbs like thyme and bay leaves . Top with a slice of brеad and a layer of cheese like Gruyère for the perfect finish .
Besides tasting great , this soup gives you some health perks too . Onions have vitamins C and B6 , which your body needs . The broth gives you fluids and minerals , and the cheese adds protein and calcium . Just mind your portions , and this dish can be both tasty and good for you .
Why Use an Instant Pot for French Onion Soup?
The big win is time . Traditional soup can take over an hour just to caramelize onions . But the Instant Pot can do it in like 20 – 30 minutes on sauté , and ten minutes under pressure . So in under an hour you’re done , instead of watching onions for ages .
Also , the Instant Pot seals in steam . That makes flavors deep and prevents the soup from drying out . The onions release sugars that mix with the broth for a strong profile . Even new cooks can make a soup that tastes like they spent hours on it .
Section 3: Instant Pot French Onion Soup Recipe
3.1 Ingredients List
- Onions (yellow or white)
- Butter and/or olive oil
- Garlic (minced)
- Broth (beef or vegetable)
- White wine (optional)
- Fresh thyme
- Bay leaves
- Salt and pepper
- Bread (French or baguette)
- Cheese (Gruyère, Swiss, or mozzarella)
3.2 Equipment Needed
- Instant Pot
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Ladle and bowls for serving
3.3 Directions
Step 1: Sauté the onions
Begin by setting your Instant Pot to the sauté function . Add butter and/or olive oil to the pot . Once melted , add sliced onions and a pinch of salt . Cook , stirring frequently , until the onions become soft and caramelized , approximately 20 – 30 minutes .
Step 2: Add garlic and deglaze the pot
Add minced garlic to the pot and sauté for an additional 1 – 2 minutes until fragrant . Pour in a splash of white wine (if using) to deglaze the pot , scraping the bottom to release any flavorful bits stuck to the surface .
Step 3: Add broth and seasonings
Pour in the broth and add thyme , bay leaves , salt , and pepper . Stir well to combine all ingredients , ensuring the pot is well mixed .
Step 4: Pressure cook
Secure the lid on the Instant Pot and set the valve to the sealing position . Select the pressure cook function and set the timer for 10 minutes . Once done , allow the pressure to release naturally for about 10 minutes , then perform a quick release for any remaining pressure .
Step 5: Prepare toppings and broil
Preheat your oven broiler . Ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls and top each with a slice of brеad and a generous amount of chееse . Place the bowls under the broiler for 2 – 3 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden .
3.4 Presentation Tips
For an elegant look , consider using ceramic or ramekin bowls . Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh thyme or finely chopped parsley . Serve immediately for a delightful and aromatic experience .
3.5 Storage and Reheating Advice
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days . To reheat , simply warm it on the stovetop or in the microwave . Avoid broiling the cheese again if you plan on reheating , as it may become too tough .
Section 4: Variations and Customizations
4.1 Vegetarian and Vegan Options
To make a vegetarian version of French onion soup , substitute beef broth with a rich vegetable broth . For a vegan option , use plant-based butter or olive oil and omit cheese or select a vegan cheese alternative for topping .
4.2 Ingredient Swaps
If you prefer different flavors , consider swapping yellow onions for sweet onions or shallots for a milder taste . Instead of Gruyère , you can use mozzarella for a stretchy texture or any cheese that melts well . Additionally , enhance the flavor by adding a splash of balsamic vinegar or Worcestershire sauce .
Section 5: Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making French onion soup , some common mistakes include not caramelizing the onions long enough , which can result in a lack of depth in flavor . Also , using low-quality broth can lead to a bland soup , so always opt for a flavorful homemade or high-quality store-bought option . Be cautious with salting ; it’s better to start with less and adjust to taste , as the cheese and broth often contain salt . Lastly , ensure your Instant Pot is properly sealed to prevent any flavor loss during cooking .
Section 6: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
6.1 Can you make French onion soup without wine?
Yes , you can omit the wine . Simply increase the amount of broth to compensate .
6.2 What kind of onions are best for French onion soup?
Yellow onions are traditionally used for their balance of sweetness and flavor , but white or even sweet onions can also be used .
6.3 How long can you store French onion soup?
French onion soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months .
6.4 How can I make my soup less salty?
If your soup is too salty , add more unsalted broth or water to dilute the saltiness . You can also add a diced potato , which absorbs some of the salt .
6.5 Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes , you can use other cheeses like Swiss or mozzarella . Just ensure the cheese melts well for the best texture .
6.6 What is the best bread to use?
A crusty French baguette or sourdough is ideal for topping the soup , providing texture and flavor that complements the dish .
instant pot french onion soup
Equipment
- 1 Instant Pot or electric pressure cooker
- 1 Wooden spoon
- 1 Measuring cups and spoons
- 1 Ladle
- 4 Oven-safe bowls or crocks for serving
Ingredients
- 4 large onions About 2 pounds, thinly sliced.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 4 cloves garlic Minced.
- 8 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- ½ cup white wine Optional.
- 8 slices French baguette
- 2 cups shredded Gruyère cheese
Instructions
- Set the Instant Pot to the sauté function. Add the butter and olive oil. Once melted, add the sliced onions, salt, and sugar. Sauté for about 10-15 minutes until the onions are deeply caramelized.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in the white wine (if using) and deglaze the bottom of the pot, scraping up any browned bits. Let it simmer for 2 minutes.
- Add the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and bay leaf. Stir to combine.
- Close the lid of the Instant Pot and ensure the pressure release valve is set to 'sealing.' Select the manual or pressure cook setting and cook on high pressure for 15 minutes.
- Once the cooking time is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes before manually releasing any remaining pressure.
- Carefully remove the bay leaf from the soup. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Preheat your oven broiler. Toast the baguette slices until golden brown.
- Ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls or crocks, top each with 1-2 slices of toasted baguette, and sprinkle generously with shredded Gruyère cheese.
- Place the bowls under the broiler for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Watch closely to prevent burning.
- Carefully remove the bowls from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.
