Easy Slow Cooker French Onion Soup with Sausage

Learn how to make French onion soup the easy way by making it in a crock pot. Add sausage for a more hearty recipe for French onion soup to warm you up on a chilly evening. This easy slow-cooker French onion soup with sausage recipe is perfect for fall gatherings and parties. Fill your home with the tantalizing aroma of this savory sausage and onion soup as it simmers in the crock pot. Read on for the details!

The Easy Slow Cooker French Onion Soup with Sausage Backstory

We had an amazing onion harvest this past fall. In our damp climate, onions don’t store well, so I went on a search for an easy French onion soup recipe,  preferably involving a crock pot. I found some excellent ones. The problem is, French onion soup is often just one component of a larger meal, or perhaps a light lunch. If I am going to the trouble of making soup, it needs to be a meal in itself. In my household of Men Who Like Meat, the addition of sausage made all the difference. I also adapted the recipe to fit with what we had in our pantry. The ingredients are very simple. If you are looking for a hearty soup to cozy up with on a chilly evening, take a look at this sausage onion soup, one of the best recipes for French onion soup to make for a hearty meal.

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Equipment for Crockpot French Onion Soup with Sausage

1 large skillet for cooking the sausage and onions

1 crock pot (this 8-quart size is ideal)

Ingredients for Crockpot French Onion Soup with Sausage

1 pound ground sausage, such as Jimmy Dean brand

6 onions, thinly sliced

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

1 teaspoon sugar (1/4 teaspoon if you are using sweet onions)

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon ground pepper

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 bay leaf

6 cups beef broth

1/2 cup apple juice

Salt and pepper, to taste

6 slices French bread (optional)

1 1/2 cups shredded Gruyere cheese, optional (if you can’t find Gruyere, use Swiss cheese)

How to Make French Onion Soup in a Crock Pot with Sausage

In a large skillet, brown the sausage. When the sausage is finished cooking, set it aside on a paper towel on a plate.

Slice onions into rings. Using the same skillet the sausage was browned in, cook the onion with butter, sugar, salt and pepper.

The onions will take about 25 minutes to caramelize. Scrape the onions from the skillet into a crock pot.

Add broth, apple juice, thyme, bay leaf, salt and pepper. Cook 6 hours on low. When you are ready to serve the soup, ladle  it into ovenproof bowls. Set the oven on broil. Place bread (optional) on top, sprinkle with cheese, broil for a couple of minutes until cheese is browned.

Common Questions About French Onion Soup

Do you need to soften onions before slow cooker?

Softening onions before using a slow cooker is not strictly necessary, but it can enhance the flavor and texture of your slow-cooked dishes. While the slow cooker will eventually soften the onions during the cooking process, sautéing or caramelizing them beforehand can bring out their natural sweetness and add depth to your recipes. Here are some considerations:

Flavor Development: Sautéing or caramelizing onions before adding them to the slow cooker allows their natural sugars to caramelize, resulting in a richer, sweeter flavor. This extra step can significantly enhance the overall taste of your dish.

Texture: Softening onions in a pan before slow cooking can also help ensure they have a pleasing texture in the final dish. Onions can sometimes remain slightly firmer in a slow cooker, so pre-cooking them can prevent any unpleasant crunchiness.

Time Saving: While it adds an extra step, pre-cooking the onions in a pan doesn’t take much time and can be done while you’re assembling other ingredients in the slow cooker. It can be a worthwhile investment for the flavor it brings to your dish.

Depends on the Recipe: Some slow cooker recipes may not require pre-cooking onions, especially if you prefer a milder onion flavor or if you’re short on time. In such cases, you can add the onions directly to the slow cooker with the other ingredients.

Should French onion soup be thick or thin?

French onion soup is traditionally served with a broth that is thinner in consistency, rather than thick like a stew or a cream-based soup. The key elements of a classic French onion soup are:

Thin Broth: The base of French onion soup is typically a flavorful beef broth or a combination of beef and chicken broths. The broth is usually clear and not thickened with flour or cream. In the case of this French onion soup recipe with sausage, apple juice is used as well.

Caramelized Onions: Sliced onions are slowly caramelized to a deep golden-brown color, which adds sweetness and rich flavor to the soup.

Toppings: The soup is traditionally topped with toasted bread (baguette or croutons) and melted cheese, usually Gruyère or Swiss cheese. The cheese creates a layer of gooey goodness on top of the soup.

Mix-Ins: This recipe calls for sausage to be added, but it doesn’t affect the consistency of the broth.

Serving: It is typically served hot in ovenproof bowls or crocks, with the cheese-covered bread floating on the surface of the soup.

The beauty of French onion soup lies in its simplicity and the balance of flavors and textures. The thin, savory broth allows the sweetness of the caramelized onions and the richness of the cheese to shine through. The bread adds a pleasant crunch and absorbs some of the soup’s flavor.

How do you add depth of flavor to French onion soup?

To add depth of flavor to French onion soup and make it truly rich and delicious, you can incorporate a combination of ingredients and techniques. Here are some tips to enhance the depth of flavor in your French onion soup:

Caramelized Onions: The foundation of French onion soup’s flavor is caramelized onions. Cook the sliced onions slowly and patiently until they turn a deep golden-brown color. This process can take about 25-30 minutes but is essential for achieving the soup’s characteristic sweet and savory notes.

Choice of Onions: Use sweet onions like Vidalia or Spanish onions for a naturally sweeter flavor in the caramelized onions. You can also mix different types of onions to add complexity to the flavor.

Quality Broth: Start with a high-quality beef broth or a combination of beef and chicken broths. Homemade broth is excellent if available, but a good-quality store-bought option will also work. Taste the broth and adjust its seasoning if necessary.

Fresh Herbs: Add fresh herbs like thyme, bay leaves, or a sprig of fresh parsley to infuse the broth with herbal notes. Be sure to remove the herbs before serving.

Seasoning: Season the soup with salt and black pepper to taste. Depending on the saltiness of your broth, you may need to adjust the seasoning.

Optional Ingredients: For additional depth, consider adding a small amount of Worcestershire sauce, balsamic vinegar, or soy sauce for umami flavor. A pinch of nutmeg or a dash of cognac can also be used sparingly for a unique twist. Sausage is also called for in this recipe to add flavor and heartiness.

Top-Quality Cheese: When adding cheese, choose high-quality Gruyère or Swiss cheese for the best flavor. The cheese should be melted and slightly browned on top of the soup for a delicious finish.

Serve with Crusty Bread: Use toasted baguette slices or homemade croutons made from a quality bread. The bread should be crispy on top and absorb the flavorful broth.

Aged Cheese for Garnish: Consider grating a little extra aged cheese on top of each serving just before serving. The sharpness of aged cheese can enhance the overall flavor.

How long does it take for onions to soften in crockpot?

When you’re cooking onions in a crockpot or slow cooker, the time it takes for them to soften and caramelize can vary depending on factors like the temperature setting and the quantity of onions. Softening the onions takes quite a bit longer than softening them in a skillet. That is why this recipe suggests cooking the onions in a skillet before putting the soup together in the crock pot. If you have no skillet for caramelizing your onions, here’s a general guideline for softening onions in a crock pot:

Low Setting: On the low setting, it can take approximately 8 to 10 hours for onions to soften and caramelize in a slow cooker. This extended cooking time allows the onions to slowly release their natural sugars and develop a deep, sweet flavor.

High Setting: On the high setting, onions will soften and caramelize faster, typically in about 4 to 6 hours. While this method is quicker, the onions may not reach the same level of sweetness and depth as they would on the low setting.

It’s important to note that the timing can vary depending on the specific slow cooker model, the size of the onions, and their moisture content. You’ll want to check on the onions periodically and stir them if necessary to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking or burning.

Why is my French onion soup bitter?

If your French onion soup tastes bitter, it may be due to several reasons. Bitterness can detract from the rich, sweet, and savory flavors that are characteristic of this classic soup. Here are some potential causes and solutions:

Overcooked Onions: Caramelizing onions too much or overcooking them can lead to bitterness. When onions become dark brown or burnt, they can develop a bitter taste. To avoid this, monitor the onions closely as they caramelize, and aim for a deep golden-brown color rather than a dark brown or blackened appearance.
Solution: If your onions are overly caramelized or burnt, you may need to start over with fresh onions. When caramelizing onions, cook them over low to medium-low heat and stir occasionally to prevent them from burning.

Type of Onion: Some onion varieties naturally have a more bitter flavor than others. If you used a particularly bitter onion variety for your soup, this can contribute to the bitterness.
Solution: Choose sweeter onion varieties like Vidalia, Walla Walla, or Spanish onions for a milder and sweeter flavor in your soup.

Overcooked Broth: Allowing the broth to simmer or cook for too long can sometimes result in bitterness. This is especially true if the broth is over-reduced or if the flavors have concentrated excessively.
Solution: Taste the broth as it cooks and adjust the seasoning as needed. If it becomes too concentrated or bitter, you can dilute it with additional unsalted broth or water.

Unwanted Ingredients: Check your ingredients for any unexpected additions that might contribute to bitterness. For example, if you used spoiled or rancid ingredients, they could introduce an unpleasant taste.
Solution: Make sure that all the ingredients, including the broth, wine, and seasonings, are fresh and in good condition.

Seasoning: Too much salt or certain seasonings can sometimes create a bitter taste. Overly salty or over-seasoned soup can overwhelm the palate with bitterness.
Solution: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning accordingly. If it’s too salty or bitter, you can try diluting it with additional unsalted broth or water, or adding a touch of sweetness to balance the flavors.

Why is my French onion soup watery?

If your French onion soup turns out watery instead of having a rich and hearty consistency, there are several possible reasons for this issue. Here are some common factors and solutions to help you achieve a thicker and more flavorful soup:

Insufficient Cooking Time: French onion soup requires ample time for the onions to caramelize and the flavors to develop. If you rush this step, the soup may lack depth and thickness.
Solution: Ensure that you give the onions enough time to caramelize properly. Cooking them over low to medium-low heat for at least 30-45 minutes, or until they turn a deep golden-brown color, is crucial for flavor and thickness.

Too Much Liquid: Adding an excessive amount of broth or water can make the soup watery. Recipes can vary in the amount of liquid they call for, so double-check your measurements.
Solution: Use the recommended amount of liquid specified in this recipe. If you’ve already added too much liquid, you can try simmering the soup uncovered for a longer period to allow excess moisture to evaporate and the soup to thicken.

Not Enough Onions: A key factor in thickening French onion soup is the quantity of onions used. Insufficient onions can result in a thinner soup.
Solution: Make sure you use enough onions for your recipe. They not only contribute to the flavor but also help thicken the soup as they break down during cooking.

Diluted Broth: Using a broth that’s overly diluted or low in flavor can result in a watery soup. Some store-bought broths may be less concentrated, so be mindful of the quality of your broth.
Solution: Use a high-quality, flavorful broth as the base for your soup. Homemade broth is an excellent choice, but if you’re using store-bought, consider simmering it with additional seasonings or reducing it to concentrate the flavors.

A Note About the Apple Juice

Some of the French onion soup recipes I read through included white wine. I don’t have wine on hand, so I always substitute apple juice for white wine in recipes. I substitute grape juice for red wine in recipes. When I decided on the spur of the moment to concoct my own version of easy French onion soup, I realized I did not have any apple juice in the house. I didn’t feel like driving into town, so I used half an envelope of spiced cider mix added to 1/2 cup of water. I’m a big believer in improvisation!

A Word About the Bread

A similar substitution situation occurred with the bread. Lacking French bread to go along with the easy French onion soup, I made a game time decision to use…hamburger buns. I separated the top and bottom halves and distributed them on top of the soup. Underneath all of that melted cheese, the type of bread didn’t make much difference. I’m a big believer in using what I have and making it work.

Other Variations of Easy French Onion Soup

One crock pot French onion soup variation gave the option of placing the sliced, raw onion rings and all other ingredients in a crock pot.  Super easy! However, you have to allow about 10 hours of cooking time in the crock pot.

I prefer to assemble the soup the night before, place in a crock pot, and refrigerate overnight. When I’m ready to go to work in the morning, I just take the soup out of the refrigerator and let the crock pot do its thing all day long. I love coming home to a meal that is ready to serve.

One final variation involves the serving of the soup. Rather than place the soup into individual bowls for topping with bread and shredded cheese, I placed multiple servings of soup into an oven-safe casserole dish. I topped the entire casserole dish with split halves of hamburger buns and shredded Swiss cheese.

My Recipes to Try Pinterest Board

I’m always looking for new, easy recipes to try. I get many of my ideas from Pinterest. If I find a recipe I’d like to try, I save it to my Recipes to Try board. My family members have been beneficiaries of my many Pinterest experiments. Most of them have turned out well. Do you have a Pinterest account? If you like to collect easy recipes as well, I’d love to follow you. You might also enjoy reading my post about Easy Holiday Appetizers.

Other Recipes to Warm You Up

Interested in other cozy, comfort food recipes? Try these!

• Easy Cola Chicken Recipe with 4 Simple Ingredients
• Raclette: More than Just a Meal, It’s a Fun Family Activity
• Easy Curried Turkey
• Easy Ham and Potato Hash
• Thai Curry Chili
• Greek Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup
• Lentil Barley Soup (With or Without Meat)

More Food Inspiration

Thinking of working savory French onion soup with sausage into your next dinner party? It’s always nice to have a plan when it comes to meals or parties. If you’re looking for a way to get more organized with your meal-planning efforts, I’ve got something for you. Free, editable meal planners! The templates can be used over and over, as often as you need them. You can make as many duplicates as you like, and you’ll be able to save old meal plans for future reference. I hope it simplifies things for you.

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I hope you enjoy making this easy sausage and onion soup recipe. Now that you know how to cook French onion soup in the crock pot, I hope all of your French onion soup endeavors meet with great success!

 

 

 

Lisa Mitchell is a wife, mom, and school librarian who likes to create and share recipes, often using fresh ingredients from her family’s small Pacific Northwest farm. For more delicious, easy recipes, click on over to the Food page.

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