Name: Instant Pot French Onion Soup
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 tablespoons unsalted butter; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 8–10 medium red onions, thinly sliced; 1 tablespoon honey; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; ¼ cup red wine (or substitute with brandy or omit); 4 cups low-sodium beef broth; 6 slices sourdough bread; 1½ cups grated Swiss cheese; Fresh thyme, for garnish (optional)

Instant Pot French Onion Soup

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This cozy Instant Pot French Onion Soup is rich, flavorful, and topped with bubbly melted cheese and crusty sourdough. A comforting classic made easy!

Author: Ella
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Category: Main Course, Soup
Method: Instant Pot, Broiling
Cuisine: American, French-Inspired

Ingredients

3 tablespoons unsalted butter

2 tablespoons olive oil

8–10 medium red onions, thinly sliced

1 tablespoon honey

1 teaspoon kosher salt

¼ teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon dried thyme

¼ cup red wine (or substitute with brandy or omit)

4 cups low-sodium beef broth

6 slices sourdough bread

1½ cups grated Swiss cheese

Fresh thyme, for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Prep Onions: Slice onions thinly and evenly.

Sauté in Instant Pot: Select SAUTE mode. Add butter and oil. Once melted, add onions and honey. Cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until caramelized and golden brown.

Add Flavor: Stir in salt, pepper, garlic powder, thyme, red wine, and beef broth. Deglaze the pot by scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.

Pressure Cook: Cancel SAUTE mode. Close the lid and set the valve to SEALING. Cook on HIGH PRESSURE for 5 minutes.

Quick Release: Once cooking is complete, carefully turn the valve to VENTING for a quick pressure release.

Finish and Serve: Ladle soup into 4–6 oven-safe bowls. Top each with a slice of sourdough bread and shredded Swiss cheese.

Broil: Place bowls under a broiler for about 5 minutes, until cheese is melted and golden.

Garnish: Sprinkle with fresh thyme if desired. Serve hot.

Notes

Vidalia onions can be used for extra sweetness, but red onions are budget-friendly and flavorful.

Honey accelerates caramelization and enhances sweetness naturally.

For alcohol-free version, skip the wine or replace with beef broth.

Use low-sodium broth to control salt levels, and season to taste before serving.

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat on stovetop or in oven at 350°F for 15–20 minutes.

Find it online: http://elladishes.com/instant-pot-french-onion-soup/