Instant Pot Copycat Applebees French Onion Soup

Instant Pot Copycat Applebees French Onion Soup Recipe is one of the best soups, in the world, there is nothing better, today I made a copycat version of Applebees French Onion Soup Recipe, and it’s amazing~

With the help of the Instant Pot, you can make this classic soup in minutes! The sweet taste and the deep flavor are amazing! And, of course, adding a slice of bread on top of the soup makes this amazing meal! I love serving mine with fresh thyme!

Instant Pot Copycat Applebee’s French Onion Soup is amazing! It’s rich, and it’s full of flavor. Top it off with the classic French Bread, from the caramelized onions to the melted cheese. It is a winner on any stormy or winter night.

I love making soups, and with the Instant Pot, you can make them in about half the time of stove-top cooking. If you have not tried making soups in the Instant Pot, you miss out; they’re truly earth-shattering!

I love a great pot of soup. The broth and the caramelized onions add so much flavor you will find it hard to believe that you made this in less than 10 minutes.

Once you become addicted to making Soups in the Instant Pot, check out more of these delicious and easy Instant Pot Soup Recipes, INSTANT POT CREAM OF BUTTERNUT SQUASH SOUP, INSTANT POT BROCCOLI AND CHEDDAR CHEESE SOUP, INSTANT POT HOMEMADE TOMATO SOUP, and INSTANT POT CHICKEN AND GNOCCHI SOUP (OLIVE GARDEN COPYCAT).

Applebee’s French Onion Soup

Applebee’s French Onion Soup is a rich and savory dish made with caramelized onions simmered in a flavorful beef broth, topped with croutons and melted cheese.

This classic comfort food is known for its deep, satisfying taste and gooey, cheesy topping.

This copycat recipe allows you to recreate this restaurant favorite at home, offering the same hearty flavor and satisfying experience.

Ingredients Needed For Instant Pot Copycat Applebees French Onion Soup

This is an easy Copycat French onion soup recipe with a few simple ingredients.

• Onions: Use any onion, yellow onions, red onions, white onions, Vidalia onions, or sweet onions.
• Butter: Use unsalted butter. This is the base of the French Onion Soup, which makes it creamy!
• Olive Oil
• Broth: You can use vegetarian broth, chicken broth, or beef broth.
• Gruyere Cheese: The traditional cheese used in classical French Onion Soup!
• French bread or French Baguette: Buy extra to serve alongside; nothing is better than crusty bread for dipping! You can also use sourdough bread.
• Seasonings/Spices: Thyme, Salt, and Black Pepper.
• Oven-Safe Bowls or Individual Ovenproof Bowls

How To Make Instant Pot Copycat Applebees French Onion Soup

Here are the simple steps for making this iconic Applebee’s Copycat French Onion Soup:

Step One: Start by slicing the onions thin. Once they are done, add the butter and oil to your Instant Pot Bowl, then press the saute button. Once the butter starts to melt and the oil is hot, add your onions.

Tip: Remember to mix the bottom of the pot, so they don’t stick and eventually burn. Or you will get a BURN notice.

Step Two: Add your broth or stock once the onions are cooked. Then add your lid, move your valve to the sealing position, and set the manual high pressure for 10 minutes; when the timer beeps, just let it naturally release. When you can, remove the lid, and mix well.

Step Three: Add a baguette slice into each broiler-safe bowls, then ladle soup. Top each bowl with a portion of cheese.

Place your bowls onto a baking tray, then broil for 2-3 minutes or until the cheese is melted. Remove and let the soup cool a bit before serving.

Copycat Applebees French Onion Soup Recipe Tips

• Caramelize the Onions Slowly: Take your time to caramelize the onions slowly over low heat.
• Use a Good Quality Beef Broth: For the best flavor, use a high-quality beef broth or stock.
• Add a Splash of Wine: Deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine, red wine, or sherry after caramelizing the onions.
• Top with Gruyère Cheese: Gruyère cheese is the classic choice for French Onion Soup because of its excellent melting qualities and nutty flavor. If you can’t find Gruyère, Swiss cheese is a good alternative.
• Use Stale or Toasted Bread: Use stale or toasted French bread or a baguette for the crouton topping.
• Broil for a Perfect Cheese Crust: After assembling the soup with bread and cheese, broil it in the oven until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly browned.
• Season to Taste: Taste the soup before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed. A little extra salt, pepper, or even a dash of thyme or bay leaf can enhance the flavor.
• Serve in Oven-Safe Bowls: If possible, serve the soup in oven-safe bowls so you can broil the cheese directly in the serving dishes.
• Let the Soup Rest: After cooking, let the soup rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and intensifies the taste.
• Make It Ahead: French Onion Soup can be made ahead of time and reheated. The flavors often improve with time, making it a great dish to prepare in advance for a dinner party or a cozy night in.

Instant Pot Copycat Applebees French Onion Soup Recipe Faqs

Can I caramelize the onions in the Instant Pot? Yes, you can caramelize the onions using the sauté function on your Instant Pot. It may take slightly longer than on the stovetop, but it’s important to sauté them slowly on low heat to achieve the deep, rich flavor needed for French Onion Soup.

What kind of onions should I use? Yellow onions are the best choice for French Onion Soup because of their balanced sweetness and robust flavor when caramelized. However, you can also use a mix of yellow and sweet onions for added depth.

Can I make this soup vegetarian? Yes, you can make a vegetarian version by substituting the beef broth with a high-quality vegetable broth. To maintain a rich flavor, consider adding a splash of soy sauce or miso paste for umami.

How long should I cook the soup in the Instant Pot? After caramelizing the onions, cook the soup on high pressure for 5 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release for 10 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together without overcooking the onions.

What can I use if I don’t have Gruyère cheese? If Gruyère cheese isn’t available, you can substitute it with Swiss cheese or a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan for a similar melted texture and flavor.

Can I use pre-made croutons instead of bread slices? Yes, you can use pre-made croutons, but for a more authentic experience, it’s best to use slices of French bread or a baguette that have been toasted. They hold up better in the soup and provide a traditional texture.

How do I prevent the cheese from burning under the broiler? Keep a close eye on the soup while it’s under the broiler. Broil until the cheese is melted and bubbly with some browning on the edges. This usually takes 2-3 minutes, but it can vary depending on your broiler.

Can I freeze the soup? Yes, you can freeze the soup, but it’s best to freeze it without the bread and cheese. Store the soup in airtight containers for up to 3 months, then reheat and add the bread and cheese before serving.

How do I store leftovers? Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add fresh bread and cheese before broiling to maintain the best texture.

Can I make this soup ahead of time? Yes, French Onion Soup often tastes better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. Make the soup ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator, then add the bread and cheese before serving.

More Instant Pot Recipes

• Instant Pot Cream of Butternut Squash Soup
• Instant Pot Broccoli and Cheddar Cheese Soup
• How to Make Vegetable Broth in the Instant Pot
• Instant Pot Homemade Tomato Soup
• Instant Pot Chicken and Gnocchi Soup (Copycat Olive Garden Recipe)