# Ingredients:
- 4 large onions, thinly sliced
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 6 cups beef broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian option)
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional)
- 1 bay leaf
- 4-6 slices of French bread, toasted
- 1-2 cups shredded Gruyere or Swiss cheese
- Fresh thyme or parsley, for garnish (optional)
### Instructions:
1. **Caramelize the Onions**: In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are soft and caramelized, about 30-40 minutes.
2. **Add Garlic and Seasonings**: Stir in the minced garlic, granulated sugar, salt, and black pepper. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant.
3. **Thicken the Soup**: Sprinkle the flour over the caramelized onions and stir to coat. Cook for 1-2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste. Gradually pour in the beef broth and white wine (if using), stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Add the bay leaf.
4. **Simmer**: Bring the soup to a simmer and cook, uncovered, for about 20-30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
5. **Toast the Bread**: While the soup is simmering, preheat the oven broiler. Place the slices of French bread on a baking sheet and toast them under the broiler until golden brown and crispy on both sides.
6. **Assemble the Soup**: Remove the bay leaf from the soup. Ladle the hot soup into oven-safe bowls. Place a slice of toasted French bread on top of each bowl of soup.
7. **Add Cheese**: Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded Gruyere or Swiss cheese over the toasted bread.
8. **Broil**: Place the soup bowls under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and starting to brown.
9. **Serve**: Carefully remove the soup bowls from the oven and garnish with fresh thyme or parsley, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
### Tips:
- Use sweet onions like Vidalia or Spanish onions for the best flavor in French onion soup.
- For a deeper flavor, you can deglaze the pot with a splash of white wine or brandy after caramelizing the onions.
- If you don't have oven-safe bowls, you can toast the bread separately and then add it to the soup bowls before adding the cheese and broiling.
- Be cautious when handling hot soup bowls under the broiler, and use oven mitts to protect your hands.
With this homemade French onion soup recipe, you'll be able to enjoy a warm and comforting bowl of soup with layers of rich flavor. Enjoy!