Instant Pot French Onion Soup Recipe

If you’re craving rich, soul-warming comfort food but short on time, this Instant Pot French Onion Soup Recipe is going to be your new best friend. I absolutely love how it captures that deep caramelized onion flavor with a fraction of the hassle and wait time of the traditional stovetop method. Whether you’re cozying up on a chilly evening or impressing friends with a classic French dish, this soup hits all the right notes.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of French onion soup truly starts with simple, quality ingredients that complement each other perfectly. Yellow onions bring the ideal balance of sweetness and earthiness, while the red wine and thyme add subtle depth. I recommend grabbing fresh baguette and Gruyere cheese to top it off for authentic and satisfying results.

• Butter: Essential for sautéing and building that rich, golden flavor base.
• Yellow Onions: These have the best natural sweetness for a classic French onion soup.
• Salt & Pepper: Basic seasonings to boost all the flavors.
• Dried Thyme: Adds a lovely herbal note that pairs perfectly with onions.
• Flour: Helps thicken the soup slightly and gives body to the broth.
• Red Wine: Brings a wonderful acidity and complexity to balance the sweetness.
• Beef Broth: The hearty base for that deep, savory soup character.
• Baguette: Sliced for topping—perfect for soaking up all that soup and cheese.
• Gruyere Cheese: Melts beautifully and adds the iconic nutty flavor.

Variations

I love how this Instant Pot French Onion Soup recipe is a fantastic base that you can tweak depending on what you have or your taste preferences. Plus, it’s easy to cater to different diets with a few simple swaps, so don’t be shy about making it your own!

• Vegetarian Version: Use vegetable broth instead of beef to keep it meat-free without sacrificing depth of flavor—I do this often for family dinners.
• Cheese Swap: Gruyere is classic, but I’ve had great results with Swiss, Emmental, or even Provolone when I’m craving something a little different.
• Alcohol-Free: Skip the wine and add a splash of balsamic vinegar for that acidic kick. I discovered this trick when cooking for friends who prefer to avoid alcohol.
• Extra Herbs: Feel free to toss in fresh rosemary or parsley towards the end for a fresh herbal pop.

How to Make Instant Pot French Onion Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Onions to Golden Sweetness

Set your Instant Pot to sauté mode and add butter. Once melted, add all those sliced yellow onions and start stirring. I like to be patient here—it takes about 15 minutes for the onions to brown nicely. Don’t rush this; the slow caramelization is what gives you that signature deep, sweet flavor. Stir occasionally and scrape any browned bits off the bottom to prevent burning but keep all those delicious fond flavors.

Step 2: Season and Thicken the Base

Sprinkle in salt, pepper, dried thyme, and flour, stirring so the onions get evenly coated. This step helps thicken the soup later and enhances those savory notes. Next, pour in the red wine and sauté for 1-2 minutes until the wine reduces slightly—this step boosts the flavor and cooks off some of the alcohol. You’ll notice your kitchen smells amazing by now!

Step 3: Pressure Cook to Develop Depth

Add in the beef broth and stir everything together. Lock the lid in place and make sure the valve is sealed. Hit the pressure cook button on high and set it for 5 minutes. The Instant Pot will take about 5-10 minutes to build pressure first, so plan accordingly. Once finished, carefully perform a quick release to avoid overcooking. This short pressure cook does wonders by mingling all those flavors in a flash.

Step 4: Broil for That Perfect Cheese Crust

While the pressure releases, preheat your oven’s broiler on high, slice the baguette, and grate your Gruyere cheese. Ladle the hot soup into oven-safe bowls or ramekins, then top each with a slice of baguette and a generous sprinkle of cheese. Pop them under the broiler for 2-3 minutes—watch closely to avoid burning! The cheese should bubble and turn golden brown. Pull out these cheesy beauties and they’re ready to serve.

How to Serve Instant Pot French Onion Soup Recipe

Garnishes

I usually stick with the classic: a crusty baguette slice loaded with bubbling Gruyere cheese. Sometimes I love to sprinkle fresh thyme or a little chopped parsley on top for a fresh touch. A tiny grind of black pepper at the end adds a bit of warm spice that’s really delightful.

Side Dishes

Pair this soup with a crisp arugula salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette or a juicy marinated steak for a hearty meal. I once served it alongside a French dip sandwich and the combo was a crowd-pleaser—rich, cheesy, and perfectly balanced.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I love serving this soup in mini cast iron skillets or beautifully rustic ramekins to add that cozy, gourmet vibe. Setting the broiler cheese crust with a quick sprig of fresh herbs elevates it visually. It’s such a simple but effective way to wow guests!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover soup in airtight containers in the fridge for up to a week. When reheating, I like to warm it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, then add fresh baguette slices and cheese before broiling again to get that melty, fresh-from-the-oven finish.

Freezing

I freeze the soup without the bread and cheese—those are better fresh anyway. The soup freezes beautifully for up to three months. When I want some, I just thaw it overnight or pop it straight in the microwave, stirring halfway to heat evenly.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers on the stove over low heat to keep the flavors intact without scorching. Once it’s warm, ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls, top with baguette and cheese, then broil briefly to recreate that fresh, melty topping.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Instant Pot French Onion Soup Recipe has become a staple in my home because it’s just so reliable and delicious every single time. The shortcut on caramelizing onions and pressure cooking makes it doable even on busier days, but the flavor still feels like a special, indulgent treat. Trust me—you’ll love serving this up and watching your family or friends savor every cheesy, savory spoonful. Give it a try, and I promise it’ll become one of your go-to comfort meals!

Print