When you think of comforting meals, few dishes can match the warmth and richness of a good onion soup. It’s a dish that transcends seasons-perfect for chilly evenings or when you just need something to feel like home. But, let’s be real: the classic French onion soup can be a bit of a time investment. The caramelization of the onions alone can take forever, right? Enter the Instant Pot: your ultimate solution for transforming this traditional favorite into something fast, easy, and just as flavorful.
In this guide, I’ll take you step-by-step through an Instant Pot onion soup recipe that gives you all the depth and warmth of the classic version-without the long wait. So, whether you’re a newbie to pressure cooking or an Instant Pot pro, this recipe will bring you from raw ingredients to a steaming bowl of soul-soothing goodness in no time. Let’s dive in!
Instant Pot Onion Soup Recipe
This Instant Pot onion soup recipe lets you skip the slow stove-top simmer and still enjoy all the deep, savory flavors of the onions, broth, and melted cheese topping. It’s like your favorite French onion soup but in half the time!
- Time: 50 minutes (about 5 minutes of prep time and 45 minutes of cooking)
- Serves: 4-6 people
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Ingredients Needed
Let’s break down the essentials for this delicious soup. It’s simple, but each ingredient plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor.
- 4 large onions (yellow or sweet onions work best for the right balance of sweetness and depth)
- 4 cups beef broth (or chicken broth for a lighter version)
- 2 tablespoons butter (for that rich, silky texture)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for sautéing the onions)
- 2 teaspoons sugar (helps caramelize the onions quickly)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (garlic = flavor boost)
- 1 teaspoon thyme (dried or fresh-adds that herbal warmth)
- 1 bay leaf (for aromatic complexity)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (optional, for a touch of acidity)
- Gruyère cheese (grated, for the perfect melty, savory topping)
- French bread or baguette slices (for the croutons that sit on top)
Cooking Instructions
Ready to get your Instant Pot cranking out some onion soup magic? Here’s a detailed breakdown of the cooking process:
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Sauté The Onions
Set your Instant Pot to the "Sauté" function. Add the olive oil and butter, letting the butter melt and coat the bottom of the pot.
Add the onions and cook them for about 5-7 minutes until they start to soften. Stir frequently to prevent them from burning.
Sprinkle the sugar over the onions. This will help speed up caramelization and give the onions that deep golden-brown color and sweet flavor. Keep stirring occasionally for 10-12 minutes, until the onions are deeply caramelized.
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Add Garlic And Herbs
Once the onions are golden and soft, stir in the minced garlic, thyme, and bay leaf. Let them cook for another 1-2 minutes, just until the garlic becomes fragrant.
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Deglaze The Pot
Pour in the balsamic vinegar (optional), then immediately add a splash of the beef broth to deglaze the pot, scraping any caramelized bits off the bottom of the Instant Pot. These little bits are full of flavor!
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Pressure Cook The Soup
Add the remaining beef broth into the pot. Give everything a quick stir to combine. Lock the lid in place and set the Instant Pot to "Manual" or "Pressure Cook" on high for 15 minutes.
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Release And Season
Once the timer goes off, carefully perform a quick release of pressure. Open the lid and give the soup a good stir. Taste it and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
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Prepare The Croutons
While the soup is cooking, slice the baguette into thick slices. You can toast them in the oven or under a broiler until golden brown, or even skip toasting if you prefer them soft.
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Serve The Soup
Ladle the hot soup into oven-safe bowls. Place the toasted bread slices on top and generously sprinkle with grated Gruyère cheese. Place the bowls under the broiler for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is bubbling and golden brown.
Ingredient Insights
Now that you know how to put the dish together, let’s explore the magic behind these ingredients:
- Onions: The star of the show. Caramelizing onions is what gives this soup its signature flavor. As they cook slowly, their natural sugars break down and develop that sweet, savory profile. Yellow onions are often used in French onion soup for their balance of sweetness and sharpness, but sweet onions or even red onions can work in a pinch.
- Beef broth: This is the base of the soup, adding richness and depth. The beef broth helps balance out the sweetness of the onions. If you’re looking for a lighter version, chicken broth works well too-though it won’t have the same deep, savory undertones.
- Gruyère cheese: Think of this as the icing on the cake. The melty, slightly nutty flavor of Gruyère is classic in French onion soup. It melts perfectly on the bread, creating a comforting, gooey topping.
- Balsamic vinegar: A little touch of acidity helps cut through the richness and adds a complexity to the flavor profile. While optional, it’s a great addition if you like your soups to have a little zing.
Expert Tips
To take this recipe from great to extraordinary, keep these pro tips in mind:
- Caramelization is key: Don’t rush the onion caramelization step. It can be tempting to turn up the heat, but low and slow is where the magic happens. The slow cooking helps bring out the natural sweetness of the onions, adding layers of flavor to the soup.
- Use a good-quality broth: Since broth is a primary component, a high-quality beef (or vegetable) broth makes a huge difference. Homemade broth, if you have the time, will elevate this soup, but a store-bought option works just fine for convenience.
- Don’t skip the cheese: Gruyère is traditional for French onion soup, but if you’re in a pinch, you can substitute with Swiss cheese or even mozzarella for that gooey melt. The cheese makes the soup, so don’t skip this part!
- Let the soup rest: If you’re making the soup ahead of time, let it sit for an hour or so after cooking. This helps the flavors meld together. Reheat it gently before serving.
Recipe Variations
While this recipe is pretty straightforward, you can customize it to suit your tastes or dietary needs. Here are a few variations to try:
- Vegetarian Version: Swap the beef broth for vegetable broth, and you’ve got a vegetarian version of onion soup that’s just as satisfying. You can also add a splash of soy sauce to boost umami.
- Add Protein: For an extra hearty meal, toss in some shredded rotisserie chicken or beef short ribs for added protein.
- Spicy Onion Soup: If you’re a fan of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño to the onions while sautéing. The kick will complement the sweetness of the onions beautifully.
Final Words
Instant Pot onion soup is the game-changer we didn’t know we needed. It combines the rich flavors of caramelized onions, savory broth, and a cheesy, toasty topping-all in a fraction of the time it takes to make the classic version. It’s a perfect blend of convenience and comfort, making it ideal for busy weeknights, rainy days, or whenever you need a bit of cozy warmth in your life.
FAQs
What Ingredients Are Needed For An Instant Pot Onion Soup Recipe?
For an Instant Pot onion soup, you’ll typically need onions (yellow or sweet), butter, olive oil, garlic, beef broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian version), thyme, bay leaves, salt, pepper, and a baguette or croutons for topping. Gruyere cheese is often used for the classic French onion soup finish.
How Long Does It Take To Make Onion Soup In An Instant Pot?
It takes about 30 minutes to make Instant Pot onion soup once the pressure cooking is done. The actual cooking time is around 10-15 minutes at high pressure, but you should factor in the time it takes to sauté the onions and bring the pot to pressure.
Can I Use Vegetable Broth Instead Of Beef Broth In Instant Pot Onion Soup?
Yes, you can use vegetable broth instead of beef broth to make a vegetarian or vegan version of onion soup. The flavor will be slightly lighter, but still delicious.
Do I Need To Sauté The Onions Before Pressure Cooking In The Instant Pot?
Yes, sautéing the onions before pressure cooking is essential to develop their sweetness and flavor. This process caramelizes the onions, which is a key component of the soup’s depth and richness.
Can I Make Instant Pot Onion Soup Without Cheese?
Yes, you can skip the cheese if you prefer a dairy-free or vegan version of the soup. The soup will still be flavorful without the melted cheese topping.
How Do I Make The Soup Extra Rich And Flavorful?
To enhance the flavor of your Instant Pot onion soup, consider adding a splash of white wine or sherry during the sauté step. You can also use a mix of beef and chicken broth or add a bit of Worcestershire sauce for extra depth.
Can I Use Frozen Onions For Instant Pot Onion Soup?
While it’s best to use fresh onions for optimal flavor, you can use frozen onions if needed. However, be aware that they may release more moisture and not caramelize as well as fresh onions.
How Do I Make The Croutons For Instant Pot Onion Soup?
To make croutons, slice a baguette or any bread into cubes, toss with olive oil and a pinch of salt, and bake in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes or until crispy. Alternatively, you can toast the bread in the Instant Pot using the sauté function.
Can I Double The Recipe In An Instant Pot?
Yes, you can double the recipe in an Instant Pot, as long as the total volume of ingredients does not exceed the maximum fill line. You may need to increase the pressure cooking time slightly, but generally, the cook time remains the same.
What Is The Best Type Of Cheese For Instant Pot Onion Soup?
Gruyère is the traditional cheese used for French onion soup, as it melts beautifully and adds a nutty flavor. Other good options include Swiss, Emmental, or even a combination of mozzarella and Parmesan for a different twist.