There’s just something about a steaming bowl of *instant pot French onion soup* that wraps you up in a cozy hug, isn’t there? The rich, savory aroma of caramelized onions fills your kitchen and instantly makes it feel like home. What I love most about this recipe is how the Instant Pot transforms a traditionally slow-cooked dish into a quick and easy delight! While I adore the classic version that simmers for hours, I appreciate the convenience of this method that still delivers that deep, comforting flavor we all crave. Trust me, once you taste the gooey, melted Gruyère cheese atop the crunchy bread, you’ll be hooked! It’s the perfect dish for chilly evenings or when you just need a little comfort food in your life.
Ingredients for Instant Pot French Onion Soup
- 4 large onions, thinly sliced
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup white wine
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- 8 slices of French bread
- 2 cups grated Gruyère cheese
How to Prepare Instant Pot French Onion Soup
Making this hearty instant pot French onion soup is super simple and oh-so-satisfying! Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious bowl of comfort in no time. Ready? Let’s get cooking!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First, set your Instant Pot to sauté mode. This is where the magic begins! Add the unsalted butter and olive oil and let them melt together, creating a rich base.
- Now, toss in those thinly sliced onions. You’ll want to cook them for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally until they’re beautifully caramelized. This step is crucial, as it brings out that sweet, deep flavor we love!
- Once the onions are golden and fragrant, sprinkle in the sugar, salt, black pepper, thyme, and bay leaf. Stir them in well, allowing the spices to mingle with the onions.
- Next, pour in the white wine and beef broth. Give it a good stir, making sure to scrape up any tasty bits stuck to the bottom of the pot. Trust me, those little nuggets of flavor are pure gold!
- Seal the pot and switch it to high pressure. Set the timer for 10 minutes. This is where the soup gets all its flavor infused in a jiffy!
- When the cooking time is up, carefully release the pressure. Open the lid, and give your soup a gentle stir. It should look rich and inviting!
- Now, toast your French bread slices. Place them right on top of the soup in individual bowls, and then sprinkle a generous amount of grated Gruyère cheese over the bread.
- Finally, pop those bowls under the broiler for a few minutes until the cheese is all melty and bubbly. Serve hot, and enjoy the warm embrace of this comforting soup!
Tips for Success with Instant Pot French Onion Soup
To truly elevate your *instant pot French onion soup*, here are a few pro tips that I’ve picked up along the way. First, don’t rush the caramelization of your onions; that deep, rich color and flavor are worth it! If you find the soup a bit too salty, you can always add a splash of water or more broth to balance it out. Feel free to play with the cheese—if Gruyère isn’t your thing, Swiss or even mozzarella can work beautifully! Want to kick it up a notch? Toss in a splash of balsamic vinegar for an extra depth of flavor. And remember, this soup tastes even better the next day, so make a big batch and savor the leftovers!
Why You’ll Love This Instant Pot French Onion Soup
- Quick and easy preparation—ready in just 40 minutes!
- Rich, hearty flavor that warms you from the inside out.
- Perfectly caramelized onions give it that signature taste.
- Deliciously gooey Gruyère cheese melting on top adds a creamy finish.
- Great for meal prep; it tastes even better the next day!
- A comforting dish that’s perfect for chilly evenings or cozy nights in.
Nutritional Information
Keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use in this *instant pot French onion soup*. Each serving of this delicious soup is approximately 400 calories, but I always recommend checking labels and adjusting based on your own preferences. It’s important to measure your servings so you can enjoy this comforting dish without any surprises!
FAQ About Instant Pot French Onion Soup
Can I use vegetable broth instead of beef broth? Absolutely! If you want a vegetarian version, just swap in vegetable broth for a lighter, yet still flavorful, soup.
How do I store leftovers? Simply let the soup cool down, then transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. It reheats beautifully!
Can I make this soup in advance? Yes, this instant pot French onion soup actually tastes even better the next day! Just store it in the fridge and reheat when you’re ready to enjoy.
Do I need to caramelize the onions? Yes, caramelizing the onions is key for that sweet, rich flavor. Trust me, it’s worth the time spent sautéing them!
Can I add more cheese? Of course! If you’re a cheese lover like me, feel free to pile on the Gruyère or mix in some Parmesan for an extra cheesy kick!
Serving Suggestions for Instant Pot French Onion Soup
This *instant pot French onion soup* is a meal on its own, but if you want to elevate your dining experience, consider pairing it with a crisp, fresh salad. A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette balances the rich flavors beautifully. Or, serve it alongside a warm, crusty baguette for that classic French touch. If you’re feeling adventurous, a side of roasted vegetables adds a lovely pop of color and nutrition. Whatever you choose, just make sure to have some extra cheese handy for those delightful cheese pulls!
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Instant Pot French Onion Soup: 7 Steps to Cozy Bliss
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A savory and hearty instant pot French onion soup that warms you up.
Ingredients
- 4 large onions, thinly sliced
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup white wine
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- 8 slices of French bread
- 2 cups grated Gruyère cheese
Instructions
- Set the instant pot to sauté mode.
- Add butter and olive oil to the pot.
- Add sliced onions and cook until caramelized, about 15 minutes.
- Add sugar, salt, pepper, thyme, and bay leaf.
- Pour in the wine and beef broth; stir well.
- Seal the pot and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes.
- Release the pressure and stir the soup.
- Toast the French bread slices and place them on top of the soup in bowls.
- Sprinkle cheese over the bread and broil until melted.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Use low-sodium broth for a healthier option.
- Can substitute Gruyère with Swiss cheese.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: instant pot, french onion soup, soup recipe