
Slice the onions thinly. Melt butter in a large pot over medium-low heat. Add onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until deeply caramelized (about 30-40 minutes). Add a pinch of salt and sugar to help the process.
Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in beef broth, then add thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes.
Preheat broiler. Slice baguette into 1-inch thick rounds and toast lightly.
Ladle soup into oven-safe bowls. Place a toasted baguette slice on top of each bowl and cover with grated Gruyère cheese.
Broil until cheese is melted and bubbly, about 2-3 minutes. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
Let cool slightly and serve immediately. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
Enjoy this warm, comforting, and flavorful French Onion Soup!
Soup was ok. Onions took long to cook. Cheese good. I'd eat it again, but not my favorite.
The soup was a little too sweet for my taste. Perhaps a bit of balsamic vinegar would help balance the flavors. The cheese topping was great, though.
A very good soup. The cheese topping was perfect. I might add a bay leaf to the broth next time for a bit more depth.
Absolutely delicious! The caramelized onions were perfect, and the broth was so rich and flavorful. My family loved it. Definitely making this again!
Delicious, the soup is. Patience, you must have, with the onions. A great meal, this is.