Instant Pot French Onion Soup
Introduction
Nothing compares to a steaming bowl of classic French onion soup, with its deep, savory flavor and irresistible cheesy topping. With this Instant Pot French Onion Soup recipe, you can enjoy the culinary magic of caramelized onions in a fraction of the time—thanks to the Instant Pot’s pressure-cooking efficiency. You’ll have a comforting, restaurant-quality soup ready for cozy evenings, family dinners, or entertaining guests.
Why This Instant Pot French Onion Soup Will Win Everyone Over
Traditional French onion soup often means hours of stovetop monitoring. This Instant Pot version is a game-changer: the onions caramelize to golden perfection far quicker, while the beef broth develops layers of rich flavor without lengthy simmering. Topped with gooey melted cheese and crisp baguette, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser—classic French comfort with stress-free preparation.
Crafting the Deepest Onion Flavor
The foundation of a great French onion soup is all about properly prepared onions. Cut them into thin, even slices so they cook evenly and caramelize beautifully. Using a dependable vegetable chopper, such as the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper, makes this step quick and safe, saving you tears and time.
Sauté the onions directly in the Instant Pot using the sauté function. A touch of sugar helps them develop a deep golden color; combine that with a splash of dry white wine and a rich beef broth for restaurant-worthy results.
The Secret to a Cheesy, Crusty Top
An essential part of French onion soup is the golden, bubbly cheese layer atop the toasted bread. After pressure-cooking, ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls, top generously with slices of baguette and grated Gruyère cheese. Place the bowls on a lined baking sheet—use the Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll to catch any drips—and broil until the cheese is melted and beautifully browned.
Perfecting and Serving Instant Pot French Onion Soup
Serve piping hot, allowing each bite to showcase that lush broth, melting cheese, and crisp bread. A classic soup like this deserves an elegant presentation—make prep easier by slicing bread on a sturdy Bamboo Cutting Board or portioning leftovers neatly into Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers for lunches or next-day enjoyment.
Pair this soup with a simple green salad or a glass of white wine for a classic French bistro experience at home.
Nutritional Information and Portion Size
This recipe yields about 6 hearty servings. Each bowl, complete with cheese and bread, comes in around 340 calories—most from the bread and cheese, so you can tailor portions to your preference by adjusting these toppings. The base soup is gluten-free and vegetarian-friendly with minor swaps!
Instant Pot French Onion Soup: Elegant and Effortless
Rich, savory onions, deeply flavorful broth, and a decadent cheese crust—Instant Pot French Onion Soup is an impressive yet simple dish suitable for any occasion. Its quick preparation and crowd-pleasing taste will make you return to this recipe all year round.
Ingredients
3 pounds yellow onions, peeled and thinly sliced
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon sugar
Kosher salt and pepper, to taste
3 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup dry white wine (optional)
8 cups beef broth (or high-quality vegetable stock)
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
1 bay leaf
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 baguette, sliced
2 cups Gruyère cheese, shredded
Optional: fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Set your Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker to ‘Sauté.’ Add butter, olive oil, and sliced onions. Sprinkle with sugar and a big pinch of salt. Cook, stirring frequently, until onions soften and just begin to color, about 10–12 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute. If using, pour in the white wine, scraping any browned bits from the bottom. Simmer for 2 minutes to reduce.
- Add beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, bay leaf, and thyme. Stir well. Lock the lid and cook on ‘Manual’ or ‘Pressure Cook’ for 15 minutes with natural release for 10 minutes before opening.
- While the soup finishes, preheat the broiler. Arrange baguette slices on a sheet lined with the Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll and toast under the broiler for 1–2 minutes per side.
- Taste the soup, season with additional salt and pepper if needed, and discard the bay leaf.
- Ladle hot soup into oven-safe bowls. Float a toasted baguette slice or two on each, and top generously with Gruyère.
- Set the bowls on a parchment-lined baking sheet and broil for 2–4 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
- Garnish with parsley and serve immediately.
Cook and Prep Times
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes (includes Instant Pot cooking and broiling)
Total Time: 55 minutes
This Instant Pot French Onion Soup delivers all the classic flavors and textures with dramatic time savings—perfect for warming up any occasion with a touch of French elegance.