My husband’s family grow potatoes and onions for a living, which means I get them fresh and for free, which I love! When I get them from the potato/onion shed it’s usually in a mass quantity which means I get to share with friends and neighbors, and use the rest before they go bad. When I have an abundance of onions like I did this week, the only thing to use them all for is French onion soup– one of my husband’s all time favorite meals! 

It’s hard to caramelize onions in such a large quantity which is why the slow cooker is SO perfect. I let the sliced onions caramelize in butter, sugar, and seasonings all day, which gives such a depth of flavor, then I add herb ox beef bouillon (I promise i’m not trying to promote this brand, but everything I use it in tastes amazing!} And a secret ingredient–some balsamic vinegar. I’m not a huge fan of French onion soup– but I am of this one. I wouldn’t change a single thing about it! It is beefy and salty and cheesy, with a hint of sweetness, and it’s just so warm, comforting and delicious! You guys are going to love this!

Crockpot French Onion Soup

Ingredients

• 15 small yellow onions, peeled and sliced
• 4 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 2 Tbsp olive oil
• 2 Tbsp salt
• 1/2 Tbsp Freshly ground black pepper
• 2 Tbsp white sugar
• 10 cups water
• 15 tsp {herb ox} Beef Bouillon
• 2 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 3 Tbsp brandy (optional)
• 3 toasted baguette slices per bowl
• Sliced gruyere
• Fresh Thyme {optional}

Instructions

1. Set the slow-cooker to high, melt 2 Tbsp of butter in 2 Tbsp olive oil. Place the sliced onions in the crock pot, season with salt, pepper and sugar. Stir, then place another 2 Tbsp butter on top. Cover with a lid, and cook on high for 6 hours.
2. Add the water, bouillon, balsamic vinegar, and brandy and cook on high for an additional 2-4 hours. Taste and adjust seasonings.
3. Preheat the oven to broil, and position the oven rack up high. Ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls and place on a baking sheet. Toast the baguette slices, place on top of the soup to cover, then place cheese on top of the toasted bread. Broil for 3-5 mins, watching carefully, until the cheese is melted. Serve with a sprinkle of fresh thyme.

Notes

So divine!
Enjoy guys, <3 Sarah