Instant Pot French Onion Soup Recipe

If you’re craving a warm, comforting bowl that tastes like it took forever but actually doesn’t, you’ve got to try this Instant Pot French Onion Soup Recipe. I absolutely love how this turns out with rich caramelized onions, that deep beefy broth, and the melty cheese on top—it screams cozy night in. Plus, using the Instant Pot cuts down the time and effort, so you get that classic French onion soul food without the usual all-day slaving over the stove. Stick around, I’ll walk you through every step and share tips that make this one a guaranteed winner.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

This Instant Pot French Onion Soup recipe shines thanks to a handful of simple yet flavor-packed ingredients. Each one pulls its weight to create that perfect balance of sweetness, savoriness, and melty comfort.

• Butter: Essential for sautéing the onions to caramelized perfection; don’t skimp here.
• Yellow onions: The star of the show! They caramelize beautifully, offering sweetness and depth.
• Salt & pepper: Basic seasoning to lift all those flavors.
• Dried thyme: Adds an earthy note that’s classic in French onion soup.
• Flour: Helps thicken the broth slightly and makes the soup luxuriously silky.
• Red wine: Adds acidity and complexity that cuts through the richness.
• Beef broth: For that hearty, savory base; homemade or good-quality store-bought works great.
• Baguette slices: Toasted and ready to soak up soup and cheese—crucial for texture contrast.
• Gruyere cheese: Melts beautifully with a nutty flavor that crowns the soup perfectly.

Variations

I love this soup as written, but you can absolutely make it your own—this recipe is a great base to get creative with flavor and dietary needs. Don’t be shy to tweak away according to what you have or prefer.

• Cheese swaps: I’ve swapped Gruyere for Emmental or Swiss when I ran out, and it still melts perfectly with a deliciously mild flavor.
• Vegetarian twist: Use vegetable broth instead of beef to keep it meat-free—it won’t have as deep a flavor, but you can boost umami with a splash of soy sauce or miso paste.
• Wine alternatives: If you don’t have red wine, a splash of balsamic vinegar or extra broth adds acidity nicely.
• Onion types: While yellow onions work best, white onions are a fine substitute and a little milder if you prefer.

How to Make Instant Pot French Onion Soup Recipe

Step 1: Slowly caramelize the onions in your Instant Pot

Set your Instant Pot to sauté mode, add butter, then toss in those sliced yellow onions. Stir occasionally and make sure to scrape the bottom gently to avoid any scorching—this builds flavor. It takes around 15 minutes for them to get golden and start to brown, which might feel like a long step, but that’s where all the magic happens. Don’t rush this; the better the caramelization, the more incredible your soup will taste.

Step 2: Season and add the flour & wine

Once the onions are beautifully browned, sprinkle on the salt, pepper, dried thyme, and flour. Stir everything together until the onions are completely coated—that flour is your secret to a nice silky consistency. Then pour in the red wine and let it sauté for 1-2 minutes. You’ll notice the alcohol aroma fades and the liquid reduces—this concentrates flavor and preps the base beautifully.

Step 3: Pressure cook with the broth

Add the beef broth and give everything a good stir. Lock the lid on your Instant Pot and set the valve to seal. Pressure cook on high for 5 minutes. The Instant Pot will take its time coming to pressure, which is a great time to prep your baguette slices and grate the cheese. When the cooking’s done, do a quick release carefully by flicking the switch on top with a spoon. Opening the lid when the pressure gauge drops is so satisfying—you’re almost there!

Step 4: Build the bowls and broil the cheese topping

Ladle your gorgeous soup into oven-safe ramekins or bowls. Top each with a baguette slice and pile on that grated Gruyere cheese. Broil on high for 2-3 minutes, but watch closely! That cheese goes from melty golden awesome to burnt in no time. Remove when gorgeous and bubbly. This last step is pure joy—melty, crispy, bubbly cheese… who can resist?

How to Serve Instant Pot French Onion Soup Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep garnishes simple to let the soup shine. A little extra sprinkle of fresh thyme or chopped fresh parsley adds a subtle pop of color and freshness that complements the rich soup. Sometimes, just a crack of fresh black pepper on top finishes it perfectly.

Side Dishes

This soup is quite hearty, but I love pairing it with a crisp arugula salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. It also goes great alongside a simple marinated grilled steak or a classic French dip sandwich for a full-on French-inspired meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I pour the soup into small individual crocks and broil them at the table for a wow-factor experience. Using mini baguettes or fancy bread rounds for the cheese topping can also make it feel extra special. I even sometimes add a sprinkle of smoked paprika on the cheese for a smoky twist that guests love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover soup in airtight containers in the fridge for up to a week. I keep the baguette and cheese separate and add fresh before reheating to keep the bread from getting soggy. This way, every bowl reheats just as nicely as freshly made.

Freezing

Freezing works best if you leave out the bread and cheese. I freeze the soup in portioned containers for up to 3 months. When it’s time to eat, I microwave from frozen about 6-8 minutes, stirring halfway through to keep it even. It reheats beautifully and tastes almost like fresh.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer warming it gently in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Then, add the bread slice and cheese and pop it under the broiler to finish—just like the first time. This keeps the bread crisp and the cheese melty, which is the best way to enjoy leftovers.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Instant Pot French Onion Soup Recipe is one I often turn to when I want something that feels cozy, elegant, and satisfying but without the hassle of traditional stove-top slow cooking. I discovered this trick when I was short on time but still wanted that gorgeous caramelized depth, and it’s become a family favorite ever since. Honestly, once you try it, you’ll see why I recommend making it for yourself or sharing with friends—it’s like a hug in a bowl with far less effort. Go ahead, give it a whirl—I promise you won’t regret it!

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