A timeless classic, this Crockpot French Onion Soup boasts a deeply savory beef broth enriched with tender, caramelized onions and aromatic herbs, finished with a decadent blanket of Gruyere melted to perfection atop crisp bread.
In a spacious non-stick skillet, gently sauté the sliced onions with butter and brown sugar over medium-low heat until the onions reach a deep golden hue and are thoroughly caramelized, which should take approximately 20 minutes. Transfer the caramelized onions to a 6-quart slow cooker and incorporate the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, dry sherry, thyme, and bay leaf. Allow the soup to cook on a low setting for 6 to 8 hours to develop robust flavors. Discard the bay leaf, then portion the soup into serving bowls. Place a slice of dry French bread atop each portion and generously sprinkle with Gruyere, Emmental, and Parmesan cheeses. Broil the bowls for 2 to 3 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and beautifully golden.
Notes
To prepare the bread, slice it into ½-inch thick pieces and toast in a 300°F oven for 5 to 7 minutes until dry. Let cool completely before serving with the soup.