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Instant Pot French Onion Soup Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.8 from 55 reviews
  • Author: Emily
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Soup
  • Method: Instant Pot
  • Cuisine: French

Description

This classic Instant Pot French Onion Soup recipe combines rich caramelized onions, savory beef broth, and a touch of red wine, all cooked to perfection in your pressure cooker. Topped with toasted baguette slices and melted Gruyere cheese under the broiler, it delivers the traditional, comforting flavors of French onion soup in a fraction of the time.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 10 medium-sized yellow onions, sliced
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp pepper
  • 1/2 tsp dried thyme
  • 2 tbsp flour
  • 1/2 cup red wine
  • 6 cups beef broth

Toppings

  • 6 slices baguette, sliced about 1/2 inch thick
  • 3/4 cup Gruyere (Swiss) cheese, grated


Instructions

  1. Saute the onions: Turn the Instant Pot to saute mode and add the butter. Saute the sliced yellow onions for 15 minutes until they begin to brown, stirring occasionally and scraping the bottom to prevent burning.
  2. Add seasoning and flour: Stir in salt, pepper, dried thyme, and flour until the onions are well coated. Pour in the red wine and continue to saute for 1-2 minutes to reduce some of the liquid.
  3. Pressure cook the soup: Pour in the beef broth and secure the lid on the Instant Pot, ensuring the valve is set to seal. Select the pressure cook function on high and cook for 5 minutes. The pot will take about 5-10 minutes to reach pressure before the timer starts.
  4. Release pressure and prepare toppings: Perform a quick release of pressure by carefully flipping the valve. Once the pressure gauge drops and the lid opens easily, remove the lid. Preheat your oven’s broiler to high. Slice the baguette and grate the Gruyere cheese.
  5. Broil with baguette and cheese: Ladle the hot soup into oven-safe bowls or ramekins. Top each with a slice of baguette and sprinkle grated Gruyere over the top. Place under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, watching closely to melt the cheese without burning it.
  6. Serve: Remove the bowls from the oven once the cheese is bubbly and browned to your liking. Serve immediately and enjoy your comforting French onion soup!

Notes

  • Yellow onions yield the best flavor for French onion soup, but white onions can be used in a pinch.
  • Cheese alternatives include Swiss, Emmental, Provolone, or mozzarella if Gruyere is not available.
  • Pair this soup with an arugula salad, marinated steak, or French dip sandwich for a complete meal.
  • Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Reheat on the stovetop or microwave, then add baguette and cheese and broil to melt before serving.
  • Freeze the soup without bread and cheese for up to 3 months. Reheat from frozen in the microwave for 6-8 minutes, stirring halfway through.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 1.5 cups)
  • Calories: 280 kcal
  • Sugar: 8 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 12 g
  • Cholesterol: 40 mg