4.9 from 66 votes
Ultimate Instant Pot French Onion Soup
The Ultimate Instant Pot French Onion Soup uses caramelized yellow onions sautéed with brown sugar and butter, cooked under pressure with beef broth and red wine for a rich, savory flavor. It’s served topped with toasted baguette slices and melted Gruyere cheese broiled until bubbly and golden, combining deep onion sweetness with hearty broth and cheesy crust.
Prep Time
30 mins
Cook Time
35 mins
Total Time
1 hr 5 mins
Servings:
6
servings
Calories:
326 kcal
Course:
Main Course
Cuisine:
French
Ingredients
- 5 medium size onion peeled and thinly sliced, yellow
- 4 tablespoons butter unsalted
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 5 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon thyme optional, dry
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup red wine or beef broth
- 8 cups beef broth or bone broth stock if you can get it
- 1/4 tsp salt or to taste
- 1/4 tsp black pepper or to taste
For serving:
- 6 baguette slices
- 2 cups gruyere cheese grated
Instructions
- Turn on the Instant Pot and Select Sauté mode on High. Once it reads HOT, add the butter, and stir with a wooden spoon, melt it.
- Add sliced onions and brown sugar to the Instant Pot. Sauté for about 15-20 minutes or until onions are golden brown and caramelized. Stir occasionally.
- Next, add minced garlic, thyme, red wine, Worcestershire sauce, salt and pepper to taste. Stir for 1-2 minutes.
- Then, add the beef broth. Make sure you do not go over the MAX line of the inner pot.
- Seal pressure cooker lid and cook on high pressure for 20 minutes. This is followed by a 15 minutes Natural Pressure Release.
- After the time is done, release the remaining pressure by allowing steam to vent, then remove the lid. Stir the soup.
Cup of Yum
Serving:
- Turn on the oven broiler.
- Before serving, top each serving bowl with a slice or two of French baguette and some sliced or shredded Gruyere cheese.
- Place the bowl on a baking sheet and transfer it into the oven for few minutes to broil. Broil until cheese is melted, bubbly, and has a golden brown color. Serve.
Notes
- Use beef bone stock or beef broth for a richer base.
- Caramelize onions until deeply golden to develop natural sweetness.
- Opt for red wine like Pinot Noir or Merlot for a robust flavor.
- Adjust salt and pepper gradually, especially if using low-sodium broth.
- Adding ¼ teaspoon baking soda during caramelization can speed up the process but use carefully to avoid flavor changes.
Nutrition Information
Calories
326kcal
(16%)
Carbohydrates
6g
(2%)
Protein
17g
(34%)
Fat
22g
(34%)
Saturated Fat
13g
(65%)
Cholesterol
68mg
(23%)
Sodium
1532mg
(64%)
Potassium
291mg
(6%)
Fiber
0g
(0%)
Sugar
4g
(8%)
Vitamin A
650IU
(13%)
Vitamin C
1.4mg
(2%)
Calcium
480mg
(48%)
Iron
1mg
(6%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 6 servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 326
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 326kcal | 16% |
| Carbohydrates | 6g | 2% |
| Protein | 17g | 34% |
| Fat | 22g | 34% |
| Saturated Fat | 13g | 65% |
| Cholesterol | 68mg | 23% |
| Sodium | 1532mg | 64% |
| Potassium | 291mg | 6% |
| Fiber | 0g | 0% |
| Sugar | 4g | 8% |
| Vitamin A | 650IU | 13% |
| Vitamin C | 1.4mg | 2% |
| Calcium | 480mg | 48% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.