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    Home » Recipes » Soup and Stew

    Best Crockpot French Onion Soup Recipe

    Modified: Jan 30, 2026 by Kori Butler

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    Crockpot french onion soup is the ultimate cozy classic made easy with the slow cooker. Sweet onions cook low and slow in butter and beef broth, then get topped with toasted bread and melted cheese for a comforting soup recipe that feels restaurant-worthy without the fuss.

    Crockpot French onion soup served in two small white round crocks and silver spoons.Pin
    Jump to:
    • The backstory.
    • It's a must make.
    • Let's talk flavor and texture.
    • What you'll need.
    • How to make French onion soup in crockpot.
    • Make it your way.
    • How to serve it.
    • Kori's tips.
    • FAQ's
    • 📖 The recipe.
    • Keep the slow cooked eats going.
    • 💬 What readers are saying.

    The backstory.

    French onion soup always felt like one of those dishes best left to restaurants. Between the caramelized onions and the broiled cheese, it sounded like a lot of work. Making it in the crockpot changed everything. Letting the slow cooker handle the long cook time means rich flavor, less effort, and a soup that fits perfectly into a busy day.

    It's a must make.

    This crockpot french onion soup deserves a spot in your regular rotation.

    • The best soup. Cooking the onions slowly allows them to soften and deepen in flavor, creating a rich onion soup that tastes like it simmered all day.
    • Family-friendly. The savory broth, melted cheese, and toasted bread make this a comforting option everyone at the table can enjoy.
    • Easy crock recipe. Minimal prep and hands-off cooking make this an easy win for weeknights or slow weekends.

    Let's talk flavor and texture.

    This slow cooker french onion soup is rich, savory, and deeply comforting. The onions become tender and lightly caramelized as they cook slowly in butter. Beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and a splash of wine build a layered, savory base without overpowering the french onion flavor. Finished with crusty bread and melted cheese, every bite has warmth, depth, and contrast.

    What you'll need.

    Ingredients needed to make crockpot French onion soup on a white marble countertop.

    If you're craving french onion soup in crockpot form, the ingredient list is simple but delivers big results.

    • Onions: Thinly sliced sweet onions cook down into soft, flavorful caramelized onions.
    • Butter: Unsalted butter helps the onions soften and develop that classic french onion flavor.
    • Broth & seasonings: Beef broth, beef soup base, Worcestershire sauce, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper create a rich, savory soup base.
    • Bread & cheese: French bread and Swiss cheese give you that signature melty topping.

    For exact ingredient quantities, please see the recipe card below!

    How to make French onion soup in crockpot.

    Here's an overview on how to make this recipe. See the recipe card below for complete instructions. Enjoy!

    1. Add sliced onions and butter to the crockpot or slow cooker.
    2. Cook on low for several hours until the onions are very soft and lightly golden.
    3. Stir in the beef broth, beef base, wine, Worcestershire sauce, vinegar, and seasonings.
    4. Continue cooking until the soup is hot and fully developed.
    5. Ladle into oven-safe bowls, top with toasted bread and cheese.
    6. Broil briefly until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

    Make it your way.

    This crockpot french onion soup recipe is easy to customize depending on what you love.

    • Add fresh thyme for a classic french onion flavor.
    • Use provolone or Gruyère cheese instead of Swiss for a richer topping.
    • Skip the wine and use extra broth for a non-alcoholic version.
    • Toast the bread on a baking sheet for extra crispness before adding it to the soup.

    If you love the cozy flavors in this crockpot French onion soup, be sure to try my French Onion Meatballs or this hearty Creamy French Onion Chicken Dinner for an easy, family-friendly meal.

    How to serve it.

    Crockpot French onion soup served in small round white crocks and silver spoons.Pin

    This crockpot french onion soup is comforting on its own but easy to turn into a full meal.

    • Serve with a simple green salad for a light dinner.
    • Pair with a sandwich for a cozy soup-and-supper combo.
    • Enjoy as a starter for a family dinner or holiday meal.
    • Add extra cheese on top for an indulgent finish.

    Kori's tips.

    • Slice onions evenly and thinly so they cook at the same rate.
    • Don't rush the slow cook - the long hours are what create flavorful caramelized onions.
    • Use unsalted butter so you can better control the seasoning.
    • Broil the cheese just until melted to avoid over-browning.

    📌 Be sure to save this pin to Pinterest for later!

    Bowl of crockpot French onion soup topped with melted cheese and toasted bread, shown in a white crock with a spoon for serving.Pin

    FAQ's

    What is the best way to store it?

    Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store bread and cheese separately.

    Can I freeze it?

    Yes. Freeze the soup without the bread and cheese for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

    What's the best way to reheat it?

    Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, then add fresh bread and cheese before broiling.

    If you tried this recipe, let me know! I'd love for you to come back and give the recipe a 5 star rating and leave a review in the comments! 🙂 Let's stay connected, so please follow me on YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest! Subscribe to my newsletter to get easy delicious crockpot recipe ideas every week!

    📖 The recipe.

    French Onion Soup Crockpot Recipe

    This crockpot French onion soup slowly cooks sweet onions in butter and beef broth until rich and savory, then finishes with toasted bread and melted cheese for a cozy, classic comfort soup made easy in the slow cooker.
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    Author Kori
    Prep Time 10 minutes mins
    Cook Time 9 hours hrs
    Total Time 9 hours hrs 10 minutes mins
    Course Slow Cooker Soup and Stew Recipes
    Cuisine American
    Servings 6
    Calories 417 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 2 large thinly sliced sweet onions (about 4 cups)
    • ¼ cup butter
    • 32 ounces beef broth
    • 2 teaspoons beef soup base (or 2 to 3 beef bouillon cubes)
    • ¼ cup sherry or additional beef broth
    • ½ tablespoon red wine vinegar
    • 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
    • 1 teaspoon kosher salt (plus extra to taste)
    • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper (plus extra to taste)
    • 4 slices French bread (½ inch thick), toasted
    • 4 slices Swiss cheese (provolone may be used instead)

    Instructions
     

    • Lightly coat a 1½- to 2-quart slow cooker with cooking spray. Add the sliced onions and scatter the butter over the top. Cover and cook on LOW for 6 to 7 hours, stirring once or twice if possible, until the onions are very soft and lightly golden.
      Adding the sliced onions and butter to a white round slow cooker to caramelize for crockpot French onion soup.
    • Pour in the beef broth, beef base or bouillon, sherry, vinegar, Worcestershire, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine. Cover and continue cooking on LOW for 2 to 3 more hours, until the soup is hot. Adjust seasoning to taste.
      Adding broth and spices to a white oval slow cooker for crockpot French onion soup and placing the lid on the top.
    • Ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls. Top each with a slice of toasted French bread and a slice of cheese. Place bowls on a baking sheet, then BROIL for 2 to 3 minutes, just until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve immediately.
      Using a black ladle to serve crockpot French onion soup in a small round white crock and garnishing with cheese and bread with a silver spoon.

    Notes

    For more helpful hints, substitution ideas, slow cooking tips, and other delicious recipe ideas, check out my post above.
    CROCKPOT COOKING TIPS: Every slow cooker heats a little differently, so cooking times can vary. Once you know how your crock pot runs (hotter or cooler), you can adjust as needed. 
    TIPS: Slice onions evenly for consistent cooking, and allow the full slow-cook time so the onions fully soften and develop their natural sweetness.
    VARIATIONS: Swap provolone for Swiss or Gruyère, or skip the sherry and use extra beef broth for a non-alcoholic version.
    SERVING SUGGESTIONS: Serve as a starter with a simple green salad or pair with a sandwich for an easy soup-and-supper meal.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 417kcalCarbohydrates: 46gProtein: 15gFat: 19gSaturated Fat: 11gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0.5gCholesterol: 46mgSodium: 1286mgPotassium: 407mgFiber: 3gSugar: 11gVitamin A: 499IUVitamin C: 8mgCalcium: 235mgIron: 3mg
    DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?Mention @slowcookedeatsofficial or tag #slowcookedeats! Be sure to subscribe to my newsletter to receive more slow cooked goodness straight to your inbox.

    © 2025 Slow Cooked Eats

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    Image of Kori Butler Slow Cooked Eats founder.

    Hi, I'm Kori! I am a busy full-time working Mom who also balances a husband and 3 kids! The crock pot was literally how I fed my family almost every weeknight - for YEARS! Seriously.

    More about me →

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