Instant Pot French Onion Soup is a restaurant quality soup that can be made in about 30 minutes in your Instant Pot. This authentic French onion soup is based on Julia Child's recipe, and is the ultimate comfort food year round.
Melt the butter from this ingredient group in the Instant Pot, and then add the sliced onions. Turn off the saute function, and seal lid. Cook on high pressure for 0 minutes then follow with a quick release. Can also cook for 1 minute on high pressure and then turn off when pressure is reached for a quick release.
Caramelizing the Onions
Turn the Instant Pot to saute. Add the remaining butter, and salt. Cook for about ten minutes or until the onions have turned golden or golden brown. Note you can add a ¼ teaspoon of sugar if desired to help with browning.
Prepping the Soup
Leave pressure cooker on saute, and stir in flour. Cook for a couple of minutes so that the flour does not leave behind a doughy taste in the soup. Add the wine, and cook for a few minutes to reduce slightly.
Add the beef stock. Salt and pepper to taste. Seal lid on Instant Pot and cook on high (normal) pressure for 8 minutes then follow with a quick release.
While the soup is cooking, brush the sliced bread with olive oil, place on baking sheet, and broil for a few minutes to toast.
Finishing the Soup
Put your ramekins or bowls on a baking sheet. Place on a baking sheet. Put one slice of baguette in each bowl, ladle in soup, and top with cheese. Broil for a few minutes until cheese is melted, and slightly browned.
Serve immediately, or store remaining soup for up to three days in an airtight container.
Notes
Caramelizing onions can produce wildly varying results. Just remember you will want your onions to be golden to golden brown. It is not necessary to get a dark mahogany color as this can produce a bitter result.
Make this vegetarian by swapping out the broth for a vegetable or mushroom broth, and use red wine for a "beefier" feel.If you do not drink alcohol then the wine can be completely omitted. You can substitute with additional broth if you wish.