Community Corner

Fall Twist on Classic French Onion Soup

Need a meal you can throw together and cook while you work? Check out our slow-cooker recipe for fall French onion soup.

For the past few weeks, I've been craving the salty, cheesy goodness of French onion soup.

There's something comforting about the taste and aroma of a good French onion soup, and as the temperatures continue to drop, I couldn't think of anything better to eat while enjoying a night in front of the fire.

While scouring the Internet for the perfect slow-cooker French onion soup, I found a recipe too eccentric to not try — fall French onion soup. This recipe combines all the deliciousness of the classic onion soup with flavors that scream fall, including apple cider and diced apples.

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To make this recipe, you'll need the following:

  • 4 large onions, thinly sliced
  • 2 Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored and chopped
  • ½ c. butter, divided
  • 2 Tbsp. olive oil
  • 4 c. chicken broth
  • 1½ c. apple cider
  • 2 Tbsp. brandy (optional)
  • 1 Tbsp. ground cinnamon
  • 1 Tbsp. white sugar
  • ½ c. shredded Gouda cheese
  • 6 slices (1-inch thick) French bread

To start, set a slow cooker on low, and put in half of the butter and all of the oil. When the butter is melted, add the onions and apples; cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours. Then, when the apples and onions are soft, pour in the brandy (I only had whiskey, so I used that), chicken broth and apple cider. Set the slow cooker to high and cook for 1 to 2 hours, until simmering.

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Preheat the oven broiler. Mix together the cinnamon, sugar and remaining butter. Spread onto one side of each slice of bread. Place bread, cinnamon side up, on a baking sheet and broil until toasted, about 3 minutes. Remove from the oven, flip the slices over so the cinnamon is on the bottom. Sprinkle Gouda cheese on the top and return to the broiler until the cheese is melted.

Ladle soup into serving bowls and top with slices of toast, cheese side up. Enjoy!

For step-by-step instructions, scroll through the photo gallery.


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