Instant Pot French Onion Soup: Quick & Delicious Recipe Guide
French onion soup is a timeless classic that warms the heart and soul with its rich flavors and comforting textures. Originating in France, this beloved dish features a base of caramelized onions simmered in broth, topped with a crusty piece of bread and melted cheese. The simplicity of its ingredients belies the complexity of flavors achieved through slow-cooking techniques, making it a staple in both home kitchens and fine dining establishments. Its allure lies in the combination of sweet, caramelized onions, hearty broth, and gooey cheese, creating a rustic dish that transcends time and place.
Enter the Instant Pot, a modern marvel that revolutionizes home cooking. This multi-cooker not only speeds up the cooking process but also excels in flavor preservation, ensuring that every bite of your French onion soup is as indulgent as intended. The pressure cooking feature allows for deeply caramelized onions without the lengthy stovetop process, while the sealed environment locks in moisture, resulting in a rich and satisfying broth. With the Instant Pot, crafting this classic dish becomes an achievable culinary adventure, even for busy individuals and families.
This article serves as a guide for readers eager to make easy, delicious French onion soup using their Instant Pot. Whether you’re a novice cook or a seasoned chef, our detailed recipe, along with handy tips and ingredient insights, will empower you to create a comforting bowl of soup that delights the senses. Discover the joys of this culinary classic, and transform your kitchen experience with the unmatched convenience of the Instant Pot.

What is French Onion Soup?
French onion soup is a dish steeped in history and tradition, believed to have originated in ancient Rome, but it became popular in its current form in France in the 18th century. Initially enjoyed by the working class, it was a simple, rustic meal made from readily available ingredients. The dish gained notoriety over the centuries, evolving into a staple of French cuisine.
The traditional preparation of French onion soup involves slowly caramelizing onions until they are golden brown, which intensifies their natural sweetness and flavor. These caramelized onions are then enriched with beef broth, and often a splash of sherry or white wine is added for extra depth. The soup is garnished with a crusty piece of bread, typically a baguette, and topped with a generous layer of melted cheese, usually Gruyère, though variations may include other cheeses. This delightful combination creates a perfect balance of flavors and textures, making it a comforting dish that has captivated palates for generations.
Benefits of Making French Onion Soup in an Instant Pot
The Instant Pot brings numerous advantages to making French onion soup, transforming the cooking experience to one that is both efficient and flavorful. One of the most significant benefits is the time-saving nature of pressure cooking. Traditionally, caramelizing onions can take a considerable amount of time, often requiring vigilance to achieve the right golden hue without burning. However, the Instant Pot speeds up this process dramatically, allowing you to achieve perfectly caramelized onions in a fraction of the time.
Moreover, the sealed environment of the Instant Pot enhances flavor development, ensuring that all the rich and savory tastes meld beautifully together during cooking. This pressure cooking method not only locks in moisture but also deepens the flavors in a way that traditional methods cannot match. Additionally, using the Instant Pot reduces cleanup time since everything is done in one pot, minimizing the number of dishes used in preparation. With these features combined, making French onion soup in an Instant Pot is not only easier but also elevates the dish’s overall flavor and quality, making it a perfect choice for busy home cooks seeking comfort food.

Ingredients for Instant Pot French Onion Soup
To create the perfect bowl of Instant Pot French onion soup, you will need the following ingredients:
- Onions: Yellow onions are traditional, but you can use sweet onions for a milder flavor.
- Butter: Unsalted butter will help control the salt levels in your soup.
- Beef or vegetable broth: Choose high-quality broth for the best flavor.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic adds a layer of flavor to the soup.
- Thyme: Fresh thyme is preferred, but dried thyme can also work.
- Bay leaves: These add a subtle depth of flavor.
- Sherry or white wine: Optional, but it enhances the soup’s complexity.
- Gruyère cheese: The classic choice, but feel free to experiment with other cheeses such as Swiss or mozzarella.
- Bread: A crusty baguette or sourdough for topping.
- Salt and pepper: To taste.
When selecting your ingredients, opt for fresh, high-quality options to ensure the best flavor in your soup. Organic vegetables and homemade or low-sodium broth can significantly enhance the taste and nutritional profile of your dish.
Detailed Recipe for Instant Pot French Onion Soup
Preparation Time vs. Cooking Time
The total time required to make Instant Pot French onion soup is approximately 45 minutes, with about 15 minutes for preparation and 30 minutes for cooking.
Directions
- Caramelizing the Onions:
Start by slicing the onions thinly. Set the Instant Pot to ‘Sauté’ mode and add butter. Once melted, add the onions and stir well. Sauté for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are deep golden brown.
- Adding the Broth and Herbs:
Add minced garlic to the caramelized onions and cook for an additional minute. Then pour in the broth, adding thyme, bay leaves, and sherry or wine (if using). Stir well to combine.
- Pressure Cooking:
Close the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to sealing. Select ‘Pressure Cook’ on high for 10 minutes. Once the cooking time is complete, perform a quick release of the pressure.
- Finishing Touches:
Open the lid and remove the bay leaves. Ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls, top with sliced bread, and generously sprinkle with cheese. Place the bowls under the broiler for 2-3 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Serving Suggestions:
Serve the soup straight from the oven, making sure to use oven mitts as the bowls will be hot. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh thyme or parsley, if desired, and enjoy the rich flavors of your homemade soup.
Recipe Tips and Advice
- Be careful not to rush the caramelization of the onions, as this step is crucial for developing flavor.
- Avoid overcrowding the pot with onions for optimal caramelization.
- You can make this soup vegan by using vegetable broth and omitting the cheese or substituting it with a plant-based cheese option.
- For storage, cool the soup completely and transfer it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for longer periods.
Pairing Suggestions for French Onion Soup
When enjoying a warm bowl of French onion soup, consider pairing it with:
- Wines: A glass of Sauvignon Blanc or a light-bodied red such as Pinot Noir complements the rich flavors of the dish.
- Side Dishes: A simple side salad with a vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast. Alternatively, serve with a side of crispy French fries for a heartier meal.
- Serving Suggestions: Incorporate a dessert like crème brûlée or a slice of tart to round off your meal beautifully.
Nutritional Information
Each serving of Instant Pot French onion soup typically contains:
- Calories: Approximately 300
- Fat: 15g
- Protein: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
This dish provides a good source of vitamins and minerals from the onions and herbs, along with comfort and warmth, making it an excellent choice for a cozy meal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is French onion soup gluten-free?
French onion soup can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free bread or omitting the bread altogether.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, simply use vegetable broth instead of beef broth, and you can enjoy a delicious vegetarian version of this classic dish.
How do I store leftovers?
Let the soup cool, then transfer it to an airtight container. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze it for several months.
What can I substitute for Gruyère cheese?
Alternatives to Gruyère cheese include Swiss cheese, mozzarella, or even a dairy-free cheese if you prefer a vegan option.
How can I make this soup spicier or milder?
To add spice, consider incorporating red pepper flakes or fresh chili. For a milder flavor, simply adjust the seasoning and avoid any spicy additives.
Conclusion
With the effortless convenience of the Instant Pot, preparing a comforting bowl of French onion soup is within everyone’s reach. Embrace the rich flavors and indulge in the time-honored tradition of this beloved dish, and enjoy the delicious results that are sure to please any palate.
References
For more culinary inspirations and authoritative recipes, check resources such as Food Network, Epicurious, and classic cookbooks dedicated to French cuisine.

instant pot french onion soup
Equipment
- 1 Instant Pot
- 1 Cutting board
- 1 Stirring spoon
- 1 set Measuring cups
- 1 set Measuring spoons
- 4 Broiler-safe bowls
Ingredients
- 4 large onions About 2 pounds, thinly sliced.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic Minced.
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme Or 1 teaspoon dried thyme.
- 8 cups beef broth
- 1/2 cup dry white wine Optional.
- 8 slices French bread
- 2 cups shredded Gruyère cheese
Instructions
- Turn your Instant Pot to the 'Sauté' mode. Add the butter and olive oil, allowing it to melt.
- Add the sliced onions to the pot, stirring to coat them with the butter and oil. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring frequently until the onions start to caramelize.
- Stir in the garlic, sugar, salt, black pepper, and thyme. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Pour in the beef broth and white wine, scraping the bottom of the pot to loosen any browned bits.
- Close the lid, and set the valve to 'Sealing.' Cook on high pressure for 20 minutes.
- Once cooking time is up, carefully release the pressure. Open the lid and stir the soup.
- Preheat your broiler. Ladle the soup into broiler-safe bowls, topping each with a slice of French bread and a generous portion of Gruyère cheese.
- Place the bowls under the broiler for about 2-3 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for a minute before serving.