French Onion Soup with Croissant

Ingredients

• For the Soup:
  • 4 large onions, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups beef broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian version)
  • 1 cup dry white wine (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 tablespoon flour (for thickening, optional)
• For the Topping:
  • 2 cups shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese
  • 4 slices of French bread or croissants (or both)
  • Fresh thyme for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Caramelize the Onions:
   • In a large pot, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until the onions are golden brown and caramelized. This can take about 25-30 minutes. Make sure to stir frequently to prevent burning.
2. Add Garlic and Flour:
   • Once the onions are caramelized, add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. If you want a thicker soup, add the flour at this stage and stir for a couple of minutes.
3. Deglaze and Simmer:
   • Pour in the wine (if using) and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Add the broth, thyme, and bay leaves. Stir to combine. Bring the soup to a simmer and cook for about 20-30 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Toast the Bread or Croissants:
   • While the soup is simmering, toast the French bread or croissants until golden brown. If using bread, cut it into pieces that will fit the tops of your soup bowls.
5. Assemble the Soup:
   • Ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls. Place the toasted bread or croissant on top of each bowl and cover generously with shredded cheese.
6. Broil:
   • Preheat your broiler to high. Place the bowls under the broiler for about 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
7. Serve:
   • Carefully remove the bowls from the oven and garnish with fresh thyme if desired. Serve hot and enjoy the rich, comforting flavors of French Onion Soup with the delicious touch of crispy croissants on top.

Enjoy this perfect dish on a cold day, or whenever you’re craving something hearty and delicious!