Instant Pot French Onion Soup

Name: Instant Pot French Onion Soup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 4 medium yellow onions, thinly sliced; 4 tbsp unsalted butter; 4 cups low-sodium beef broth; 1/2 cup dry white wine; 4 slices sourdough bread, toasted; 1 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded; 1 tsp fresh thyme (or 1/2 tsp dried); Salt and pepper to taste

Published: September 21, 2025

by Sarah Connor

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Instant Pot French Onion Soup is incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights
Its rich flavor profile combines sweet and savory notes that will warm your heart
Visually appealing with its golden hue and bubbling cheese, it’s a feast for the eyes too
Versatility shines as it serves wonderfully as an appetizer or a hearty main dish

Whenever I serve this soup, everyone seems to have the same reaction: “Wow! You really outdid yourself!” It’s always fun to see their eyes light up with delight.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Yellow Onions: Aim for about four medium yellow onions for that sweet flavor. Slice them thinly for even caramelization.
Butter: Use unsalted butter to control the saltiness while adding rich flavor to your soup. rich butter chicken.
Beef Broth: Opt for low-sodium beef broth for depth without overwhelming saltiness; homemade is always best if you have it!
Dry White Wine: A splash adds acidity and enhances the overall flavor; choose one you’d enjoy drinking. comforting white chicken chili.
Sourdough Bread: Toasted slices create the perfect base for bubbly cheese on top—choose a nice crusty loaf.
Gruyère Cheese: This melty cheese delivers that classic French onion soup taste; feel free to mix in some mozzarella for extra gooeyness! For more inspiration, check out this Mozzarella Pepperoni Croissant Rolls recipe.
Thyme: Fresh thyme adds an aromatic touch; dried thyme is fine if fresh isn’t available.
Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to bring all flavors together—adjust according to your taste preference. For more inspiration, check out this Garlic Parmesan Cheeseburger Bombs recipe.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Sautéing the Onions: Start by setting your Instant Pot to sauté mode. Melt butter until bubbly then add thinly sliced onions. Stir occasionally until they turn golden brown and smell divine—about 15 minutes.

Add Flavorful Ingredients: Pour in dry white wine and scrape any bits stuck at the bottom of the pot (this adds flavor). Add beef broth, thyme, salt, and pepper, stirring well.

Pressure Cook Time!: Secure the lid on your Instant Pot and set it to high pressure for 10 minutes. Don’t forget to ensure your vent is sealed tight!

Release Pressure & Serve Up!: Once cooking time is up, perform a quick pressure release. Carefully remove the lid and give everything a good stir—take in that amazing aroma!

Prepare Bread & Cheese Topping: While your soup cools slightly, toast sourdough slices until crispy. Top each bowl with toasted bread followed by heaps of Gruyère cheese (let’s be generous here).

Bake Until Bubbly!: Place bowls under broiler until cheese melts and bubbles beautifully—about 3-5 minutes! Keep an eye on them so they don’t over-brown.

Serve immediately while bubbling hot! Watch everyone’s faces light up as they dig into this comforting classic.

Now you know how to whip up a delightful Instant Pot French Onion Soup that will surely become a favorite among family and friends. Enjoy your culinary adventure!

You Must Know

Instant Pot French Onion Soup is about layering flavors; caramelizing onions is key
Use good quality broth for richness
A sprinkle of Gruyère cheese on top enhances texture and taste, making it a comforting bowl of goodness

Perfecting the Cooking Process

The best way to tackle this recipe is to start by caramelizing the onions first, allowing their sweetness to develop fully before adding broth and seasoning.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out Gruyère cheese for Swiss or even mozzarella if you’re feeling adventurous. Add a splash of sherry for a unique twist.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a bit of broth if needed.

Chef's Helpful Tips

To avoid bitter soup, caramelize onions slowly over low heat until golden brown
Use homemade stock for maximum flavor, and always taste before serving to adjust seasonings as needed
Keeping bread slices dry helps them maintain texture when topped with soup

Cooking this Instant Pot French Onion Soup has become a cherished ritual in my home, often sparking laughter and stories around the table with friends enjoying every bite.

FAQ

Can I use yellow onions instead of sweet onions?

Yes, yellow onions work well but might result in a slightly different flavor profile.

How long does it take to cook in the Instant Pot?

The total cooking time is about 30 minutes, including the sautéing process for the onions.

Can I freeze leftover French onion soup?

Yes, freeze it in airtight containers for up to three months for future enjoyment.

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📖 Recipe Card