RICH AND DELICIOUS CROCK POT FRENCH ONION SOUP

Rich and Delicious Crock Pot French Onion Soup image

Provided by Julie Jarrell Bailey

Time 6h15m

Number Of Ingredients 11

4-5 c vidalia (sweet) onions, chopped (about 3-4 jumbo size onions)
1 stick butter, unsalted
1-2 tsp garlic, minced (adjust to taste)
32 oz beef broth (can substitute for vegetable broth for vegetarian version)
2 Tbsp Worcestershire (omit if making vegetarian style)
1-1/2 c hot water
2 tsp concentrated beef bouillon (omit if making vegetarian)
3-4 Tbsp dry sherry (optional)
salt and pepper to taste
8 slice provolone cheese (or other white cheese, e.g., mozzarella, jarlsburg, swiss)
8 slice crusty bread, lightly toasted (we like pumpernickel or a baguette)

Steps:

1. Heat crock pot to high temperature setting. Add butter, chopped onions and cover. Cook on high for 2 hours or until onions are translucent, stirring occasionally.
2. Add garlic, beef broth, salt/pepper and Worcestershire. Allow to cook 2 more hours on high. Add hot water and concentrated beef bouillon. Turn heat setting to low for 1 to 2 hours. About 15 minutes before serving, add dry sherry (optional). Turn off heat.
3. Lightly toast bread. Pour soup into serving dishes. Place toasted bread on top of soup, followed by sliced cheese. Set under oven broiler for a few minutes until cheese bubbles to your desire. Serve hot.
4. NOTE: If you're planning to make the crock pot soup while away from the house and unable to stop at the 2 hour increment to add ingredients, first cook the onions in the butter (or butter/oil) using a stovetop pot or pan until translucent (about 6 to 8 minutes). Place cooked onions and all other ingredients except dry sherry into the crock pot. Cook on low-heat for 6 to 8 hours. Follow instructions for adding the dry sherry (optional), the toast and cheese as directed above at the end of cooking time.