As the cool, crisp air of fall settles in, there’s no better way to cozy up than with a steaming bowl of Crockpot French Onion Soup, topped with perfectly cheesy French toast. Picture this: the rich, savory aroma of caramelized onions wafting through your kitchen, mingling with hints of garlic and herbs, making it impossible not to feel warm inside.
I stumbled across this delightful dish on a lazy Sunday, when the world felt a bit too fast-paced for my liking. It was one of those magical moments where the ingredients I had on hand turned into a truly satisfying experience. The best part? With the help of my trusty crockpot, I could set it and forget it while I went about my day.
Whether you’re gathering around the table with family or enjoying a quiet evening solo, this recipe offers both comfort and flair. And let’s be honest—who can resist the combination of velvety soup and golden, cheesy toast? Join me as we dive into this easy, satisfying recipe that not only warms the belly but also soothes the soul.
Why is Crockpot French Onion Soup with Cheesy French Toast a must-try?
Comforting warmth: This dish wraps you in a cozy embrace, perfect for chilly evenings.
Effortless preparation: Simply toss ingredients in your crockpot and let it do the work for you, leaving you free to enjoy your day.
Flavor explosion: The rich combination of caramelized onions, savory broth, and gooey cheese creates an unforgettable taste experience.
Versatile meal: Ideal for family dinners, date nights, or meal prep for the week, it caters to all occasions!
Satisfying twist: The addition of cheesy French toast elevates traditional soup to a whole new level of deliciousness.
Crowd-pleaser: Guests will rave about this unique and hearty dish! Give it a try, and don’t forget to check out our tips for crockpot cooking to enhance your skills!
Crockpot French Onion Soup with Cheesy French Toast Ingredients
For the Soup
• 6 tablespoons butter – adds a rich, creamy base to the soup.
• 4 sweet onions – thinly sliced for perfect caramelization and sweetness.
• 2 cloves garlic – minced or grated to enhance the depth of flavor.
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar – balances the savory with a touch of sweetness.
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce – deepens the umami flavor in the broth.
• 1 1/2 tablespoons flour – helps thicken the soup for a hearty texture.
• 1 cup beer or red wine – for a robust flavor that pairs beautifully with the soup.
• 2 quarts beef broth – the heart of the soup, giving it a rich foundation.
• 2 leaves bay – infuses the soup with aromatic depth.
• 3-4 fresh thyme sprigs – enhances the dish’s herby notes; more for serving.
• large pinch of pepper – adds a hint of heat to the overall flavor.
For the Cheesy Toast
• 2 eggs – provides structure and richness to the toast.
• 3/4 cup milk – ensures the toast is soft and flavorful.
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese – lends a tangy kick to your French toast.
• pinch of salt + pepper – enhances all the flavors beautifully.
• 6-8 slices thick cut French bread – the perfect base for soaking up the soup.
• 2 tablespoons butter – for cooking the toast to golden perfection.
• 8 ounces gruyere cheese – melted on top for that gooey, cheesy delight.
Dive into the delightful layers of flavor with this Crockpot French Onion Soup with Cheesy French Toast!
How to Make Crockpot French Onion Soup with Cheesy French Toast
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Prepare the Base: In your crockpot, toss together the butter, onions, garlic, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir gently, cover, and set it to cook on low for 8 to 14 hours until the onions are deeply caramelized and sweet.
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Combine the Broth: The next day, mix the flour into the caramelized onions. Pour in the beer or red wine, then add the beef broth, bay leaves, thyme, and a generous pinch of pepper. Cover and cook again on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Taste, and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
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Make the French Toast: When you’re close to serving, whisk together the eggs, milk, parmesan, and a pinch of salt and pepper in a shallow bowl.
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Preheat the Broiler: Set your oven’s broiler to high so it’s ready when your French toast is cooked.
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Cook the Toast: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Dip each piece of bread in the egg mixture for about 30 seconds, letting excess drip off, then cook until golden brown—around 3 minutes per side. Continue with the remaining slices.
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Assemble the Soup: Ladle the hot French onion soup into oven-safe ramekins or bowls. Top each serving with 1-2 slices of the cheesy French toast and sprinkle shredded Gruyere on top.
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Broil Until Melty: Place the ramekins on a baking sheet and slide them under the broiler for 30 seconds to 1 minute, or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
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Serve with Flair: Garnish your soup with fresh thyme sprigs for a pop of color and added flavor, then serve hot for a delightful experience.
Optional: Add a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper before serving for an extra kick.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for Crockpot French Onion Soup with Cheesy French Toast
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Optimal Onion Selection: Choose sweet onions for the best caramelization. Avoid yellow onions if you’re looking for a mellower flavor in your soup.
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Slow Cooking: Be patient and let your soup simmer on low for the full recommended time. This enhances the flavor and texture, making your crockpot French onion soup heavenly.
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Cheese Melting: Ensure the Gruyere cheese is shredded finely for even melting. Avoid thick chunks, which may not melt properly under the broiler.
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Broiler Watch: Keep a close eye on the ramekins while broiling. The cheese can go from melty to burnt in seconds; you want it golden, not charred!
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Toast Timing: Make the French toast right before serving to ensure it’s crispy. If made too early, it might get soggy in the soup. Enjoy every delightful bite!
Make Ahead Options
These Crockpot French Onion Soup with Cheesy French Toast components are perfect for busy home cooks looking to streamline dinner prep! You can prepare the soup base (butter, onions, garlic, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce) up to 24 hours in advance; just refrigerate it in an airtight container. On serving day, simply mix in the flour, beer or wine, and broth as directed. For the cheesy French toast, you can whip up the egg mixture up to 3 days ahead and store it in the fridge. When ready to serve, follow the cooking steps for the toast, assemble the soup with your prepped ingredients, broil, and enjoy a comforting meal—just as delicious as if made fresh!
Crockpot French Onion Soup Variations
Feel free to get creative and customize your soup with these delightful twists that will tantalize your taste buds!
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Vegan Delight: Swap butter for olive oil and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a plant-based version. Add nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without the dairy.
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Spicy Kick: Add a teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the soup for a warm, zesty lift that tickles your palate.
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Herb Infusion: Experiment with fresh herbs like rosemary or oregano in addition to thyme for a unique aromatic flavor profile. Each herb brings its own charm to this hearty dish.
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Cheese Variety: Try swapping gruyere for fontina or smoked gouda to add an unexpected twist to the cheesy topping. Each cheese brings different notes that harmonize beautifully with the soup.
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Thick & Hearty: For a more satisfying texture, blend half of the soup before serving to create a thicker consistency. It will transform every spoonful into an indulgent experience.
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Boozy Flavor Boost: Instead of just beer or red wine, consider using a sweet white wine or even a splash of sherry for additional depth and complexity in flavor. Each sip will surprise you!
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Sweeten the Deal: Stir in a tablespoon of balsamic vinegar or a touch of maple syrup to enhance the sweetness from the onions. This subtle addition creates a lovely balance of flavors.
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Crunchy Topping: For added texture, sprinkle some crushed croutons or toasted nuts over the cheesy toast before broiling. This gives an exciting crunch that complements the softness of the soup beautifully.
How to Store and Freeze Crockpot French Onion Soup with Cheesy French Toast
Fridge: Store leftover soup in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Allow the soup to cool completely before refrigerating to maintain flavor.
Freezer: Freeze the soup (without the cheesy toast) in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat the soup on the stove over medium heat until warmed through. For the cheesy toast, make fresh pieces to enjoy with the reheated soup for the best texture.
Storage Tip: If you plan to freeze, separate the French bread and topping from the soup to avoid sogginess and preserve the deliciousness of your Crockpot French Onion Soup with Cheesy French Toast!
What to Serve with Crockpot French Onion Soup with Cheesy French Toast?
Nestle into a bowl of this hearty soup, and you’ll want to complement its rich flavors with satisfying sides that elevate the experience.
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Garlic Bread: This classic side provides a crunchy contrast and is perfect for soaking up the luscious broth. Its garlicy goodness pairs beautifully with the savory notes of the soup.
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Mixed Greens Salad: A light salad with a tangy vinaigrette refreshes your palate between bites, balancing the richness of the cheese and onions pleasantly.
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Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies add a lovely caramelized flavor, enhancing the rustic feeling of the meal while providing a healthy touch.
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Cheesy Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy, cheesy potatoes offer a decadent texture that complements the soup’s richness, making every spoonful a comforting delight.
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Crispy Brussels Sprouts: The slight bitterness of Brussels sprouts, when roasted until crispy, contrasts nicely with the sweet caramelized onions, contributing depth to your meal.
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Chardonnay: A chilled glass of Chardonnay can add a burst of fruitiness that cuts through the soup’s richness, making each sip a refreshing experience.
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Apple Crisp: For dessert, a warm apple crisp topped with vanilla ice cream contrasts the warm, savory soup, providing a perfectly sweet ending to the meal.
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Fresh Fruit Platter: A colorful assortment of fresh fruit can cleanse the palate and add a refreshing note after the rich flavors of the soup. Consider berries, melon, or citrus.
Crockpot French Onion Soup with Cheesy French Toast Recipe FAQs
What type of onions are best for French onion soup?
Absolutely! Sweet onions, like Vidalia or Walla Walla, are ideal for the rich, caramelized flavor needed in this soup. They will produce a sweeter and less pungent taste, which enhances the overall flavor profile. If you can’t find sweet onions, yellow onions work too, but the soup may be more on the savory side.
How should I store leftover Crockpot French Onion Soup?
For sure! Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure to let the soup cool completely before sealing it. This practice helps preserve the delicious flavors and improves the overall quality when you reheat it.
Can I freeze the Crockpot French Onion Soup?
Yes, you can! I recommend freezing the soup (without the cheesy toast) in airtight containers for up to 3 months. To freeze, let the soup cool, then pour it into containers, leaving some space at the top for expansion. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat it on the stove for the best taste.
How do I keep the French toast from getting soggy?
Very good question! To avoid sogginess, I suggest preparing the French toast fresh right before serving. If you must make it ahead, wait to add it to the soup until just before eating. Keeping the toast separate from the soup until you’re ready to enjoy it will keep that delightful crispy texture intact!
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! You can easily adapt this recipe to be gluten-free by using gluten-free bread for the toast and substituting the flour with a gluten-free alternative like cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend. Just be sure to also check that your beef broth is gluten-free too!
What should I do if my soup is too salty?
If you find your Crockpot French Onion Soup too salty, I recommend adding a peeled and quartered potato to the simmering soup. Let it cook for about 30 minutes, then remove the potato. It can absorb some of the excess salt while enhancing flavor!
Savory Crockpot French Onion Soup with Cheesy Toast Delight
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In your crockpot, toss together the butter, onions, garlic, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir gently, cover, and set it to cook on low for 8 to 14 hours until the onions are deeply caramelized and sweet.
- The next day, mix the flour into the caramelized onions. Pour in the beer or red wine, then add the beef broth, bay leaves, thyme, and a generous pinch of pepper. Cover and cook again on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Taste, and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
- When you're close to serving, whisk together the eggs, milk, parmesan, and a pinch of salt and pepper in a shallow bowl.
- Set your oven's broiler to high so it's ready when your French toast is cooked.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Dip each piece of bread in the egg mixture for about 30 seconds, letting excess drip off, then cook until golden brown—around 3 minutes per side. Continue with the remaining slices.
- Ladle the hot French onion soup into oven-safe ramekins or bowls. Top each serving with 1-2 slices of the cheesy French toast and sprinkle shredded Gruyere on top.
- Place the ramekins on a baking sheet and slide them under the broiler for 30 seconds to 1 minute, or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
- Garnish your soup with fresh thyme sprigs for a pop of color and added flavor, then serve hot for a delightful experience.