Name: Crockpot French Onion Soup with Cheese Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 6 h
Total time: 6 h 20 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 3 large white onions, sliced; 3 tablespoons butter; 64 ounces beef broth (reduced sodium preferred); 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 1 clove garlic, minced; ⅓ cup dry sherry; 4 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme); 1 bay leaf; 8 slices French bread (stale or dry is best); ¾ cup shredded Gruyere cheese; ½ cup shredded Emmental cheese; 6 tablespoons shredded Parmesan cheese

If you’re craving something cozy, indulgent, and packed with deep, savory flavor, you’ve got to try this Crockpot French Onion Soup with Cheese Recipe. It’s one of those dishes that just warms your soul—and the slow cooker makes it insanely simple. I absolutely love how this turns out every time, with caramelized onions melding perfectly into a rich broth and that gooey cheese topping that just hits all the right notes. Keep reading, and I’ll walk you through exactly how to make it your new favorite comfort food!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortless Slow Cooker Magic: You let your crockpot do the heavy lifting, so you can come back to an amazing soup without hovering in the kitchen.
Perfectly Caramelized Onions: Taking a bit of time upfront browning the onions creates that sweet, rich base everyone raves about.
Melty Cheese Heaven: The combo of Gruyere, Emmental, and Parmesan melts into a bubbling, golden topping that’s seriously addictive.
Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prep the soup in advance or freeze leftovers easily for a cozy meal anytime you want.

The image shows a round brown ceramic bowl filled with French onion soup. On top, there are two thick layers of melted cheese that look golden and bubbly, covering soft toasted bread underneath. The cheese is creamy white with spots of golden brown and has a smooth texture that slightly drips over the edge of the bowl. Beneath the cheese layer, dark caramelized onions in a rich broth are visible near the bowl's side. A few small green herb sprigs sit on top of the cheese, adding a fresh touch. The bowl is on a wooden surface with a silver spoon next to it against a white marbled background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Crockpot French Onion Soup with Cheese, easy French onion soup, slow cooker onion soup, cheesy onion soup recipe, homemade French onion soup

Ingredients You’ll Need

I love how simple and wholesome the ingredients list is for this Crockpot French Onion Soup with Cheese Recipe. Each item works together to build layers of flavor—from the sweet caramelized onions to the aromatic thyme and the hearty beef broth. If you pick good-quality cheese, your final soup gets that authentic, melty top that everyone loves.

Flat lay of three large white onions, a few pats of fresh butter, a small white bowl filled with rich beef broth, a small white bowl with dark Worcestershire sauce, one peeled garlic clove minced, a small white bowl containing amber dry sherry, four fresh sprigs of thyme, one fresh bay leaf, eight slices of rustic French bread, a small white bowl with shredded Gruyere cheese, a small white bowl with shredded Emmental cheese, and a small white bowl with shredded Parmesan cheese, all arranged symmetrically with perfect balance, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Crockpot French Onion Soup with Cheese, easy French onion soup, slow cooker onion soup, cheesy onion soup recipe, homemade French onion soup

White onions: The star of the show—sweet and caramelizable, they become the soul of the soup.
Butter: Adds richness to help those onions caramelize beautifully without sticking.
Beef broth: I use reduced sodium so I can control the saltiness and deepen the flavor.
Worcestershire sauce: Brings that umami punch and a bit of tang.
Garlic: Just a touch to layer the savory notes without overpowering.
Dry sherry: Adds complexity and a subtle sweetness—don’t skip it if you can help it!
Fresh thyme sprigs (or dried thyme): Herbal warmth that pairs perfectly with the onions.
Bay leaf: Infuses the broth with gentle earthiness during slow cooking.
French bread slices: Stale or day-old bread is best so it holds up when you top the soup without turning mushy.
Gruyere cheese: This is my top pick for melting—it’s nutty and gooey.
Emmental cheese: Adds a creamy texture and melts seamlessly.
Parmesan cheese: A sharp finish that browns up gorgeous under the broiler.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I like to keep things classic with this Crockpot French Onion Soup with Cheese Recipe, but feel free to make it your own! Maybe you want to switch up the cheese, or adjust to fit your dietary needs—you’ll find it’s really forgiving and perfect for personalization.

Cheese swaps: I’ve tried mozzarella or fontina when I’m out of Gruyere, and it still gets that lovely melty finish.
Make it vegetarian: Just use vegetable broth instead of beef, and add a splash of soy sauce for richness.
Extra herbs: Sometimes I toss in a bay leaf plus a teaspoon of rosemary for a different aromatic vibe.
Wine instead of sherry: Dry white wine or even a little port can replace the sherry if that’s what you have on hand.

How to Make Crockpot French Onion Soup with Cheese Recipe

Step 1: Caramelize Your Onions with Love

This is the magic step. In a large non-stick pan, melt your butter over medium-low heat and add the sliced white onions. Stir every few minutes and let them slowly turn golden and caramelized—this usually takes about 20 minutes. Patience here pays off because those caramelized onions are what gives the soup its signature sweet, savory depth. If the onions start to stick, add a splash of water to deglaze the pan.

Step 2: Combine in the Slow Cooker

Once your onions look perfectly golden, transfer them to your crockpot. Add the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, dry sherry, thyme sprigs, and bay leaf. Give everything a gentle stir to mix those wonderful flavors. Then set your slow cooker on low and let it work its magic for 6 to 8 hours. This low and slow cook time really lets the flavors marry beautifully without you having to babysit the pot.

Step 3: Final Prep and Cheese Topping

At the end of cooking, remove and discard the bay leaf and thyme sprigs. Ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls or crocks. Then layer each bowl with a slice of that stale French bread—you’re aiming for bread that won’t turn to mush, so a bit dry is perfect. Top generously with a mix of shredded Gruyere, Emmental, and Parmesan cheese. Pop the bowls under the broiler for 2 to 3 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Keep a close eye so it doesn’t burn!

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Pro Tips for Making Crockpot French Onion Soup with Cheese Recipe

Low and Slow Caramelization: Don’t rush your onions—low heat and patience brings out the best sweetness and color.
Use Stale Bread: Fresh bread turns soggy fast; slightly stale bread holds up perfectly to soak up the soup and cheese.
Broil at the End: Broiling the cheese topping creates that irresistible crust everyone craves—watch it closely, it goes from perfect to burnt in seconds!
Don’t Skip the Sherry: It adds a subtle but essential depth; if you aren’t used to cooking with alcohol, it cooks off, leaving behind rich flavor.

How to Serve Crockpot French Onion Soup with Cheese Recipe

The image shows a small round white ceramic bowl filled with a dish that has three layers. The bottom layer is a golden-brown base, likely cooked meat or vegetables in sauce. On top of this is a thick layer of melted white cheese with light golden spots from baking, covering the whole surface smoothly. There are a few fresh green thyme sprigs placed on top of the cheese for decoration. The bowl is set on a white marbled surface, and next to it is a metal spoon with ornate handles and some scattered green herbs around. The overall look is warm and inviting, with a crispy cheese topping that looks soft and creamy underneath. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Crockpot French Onion Soup with Cheese, easy French onion soup, slow cooker onion soup, cheesy onion soup recipe, homemade French onion soup

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle a little fresh chopped parsley right after broiling—it adds a pop of color and a fresh bite that cuts through the rich cheese. Sometimes I add a pinch of cracked black pepper on top for a little extra punch. It’s simple but elevates the presentation and flavor.

Side Dishes

Because this soup is so hearty, I usually keep sides light. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette is my go-to, or roasted root vegetables if we want something a little earthier. And hey, if you want to keep things extra cozy, crusty extra bread is never a bad idea!

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I love serving this soup in individual mini cast iron skillets or rustic ramekins to impress guests. You can even layer the bread and cheese right on top before placing the bowls in the crockpot for a hands-off final broil. It makes dinner feel elevated without much extra effort.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover soup in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Leave off the bread and cheese topping if you plan to reheat later—the bread really only tastes best fresh. When ready to eat, just reheat gently on the stove and add the bread and cheese before broiling.

Freezing

This soup freezes beautifully. I freeze it without the bread or cheese in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. When thawed, just reheat on the stove and prep your bowls fresh with bread and cheese before broiling. The flavors stay rich and just as comforting after freezing.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low-medium heat so the broth doesn’t reduce too much or scorch. Once hot, ladle into soup bowls, add bread and cheese, and broil quickly until bubbly and browned. Trust me, it tastes just as fantastic the next day!

FAQs

Can I make Crockpot French Onion Soup with Cheese Recipe without alcohol?

Absolutely! While dry sherry adds great depth and sweetness, you can substitute it with extra beef broth or a splash of apple cider vinegar for acidity. The soup will still be flavorful and comforting.
What’s the best bread for topping French onion soup?

Stale or day-old French bread works best because it holds up under the hot soup and broiled cheese without turning soggy. You want something sturdy enough to soak up the broth but not fall apart.
Can I skip the slow cooker and make this on the stove?

You can, but I love the slow cooker method because it lets the onions and broth develop flavor over several hours with minimal effort on your part. If stovetop is your only option, simmer gently for 1 to 2 hours to develop similar depth.
How do I get the cheese perfectly browned without burning?

Keep a close watch under the broiler and position the rack about 6 inches from the heat. Broil in short bursts of 2 to 3 minutes—once the cheese bubbles and starts turning golden, it’s time to remove.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes! Preparing the soup ahead and reheating it is easy and just as tasty. Store the soup base separately and add bread and cheese fresh when serving to keep everything delicious and fresh.

Final Thoughts

When I first tried this Crockpot French Onion Soup with Cheese Recipe, it quickly became a staple dinner in my house—I love how I can start it in the morning and come home to an incredible aroma waiting for me. This soup just feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, and the cheesy crust is pure comfort food gold. Whether you’re cooking for family or a crowd, I’m confident you’ll adore making this in your crockpot. Give it a go—you won’t regret it!

Crockpot French Onion Soup with Cheese Recipe