Ingredients
- 3 lbs yellow onions, peeled, halved and thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp melted, unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper, or more to taste
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 8 cups (or two 32-ounce cartons) beef broth
- 1/3 cup brandy, optional but highly, highly recommended
- 4 to 6 baguette slices, toasted (1 slice per bowl)
- 1 1/3 to 2 cups grated Gruyere cheese (1/3 cup per bowl)
Preparation
Step 1
Now that you’ve got your ingredients collected, lets put them together to make a delicious French onion soup that will rival your local restaurant’s recipe.
Drop the sliced onions into a large crockpot that is at least 5-quarts big. Also drop in the butter, olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Cover the slow cooker and place on low overnight for 10-12 hours. This will make them perfectly tender and delicious. You’ll know they’re done when they turn golden brown.
Now it’s time to add your broth, vinegar and thyme. Cover your soup again and cook it on low for 6 to 8 hours. With all this slow cooking, your soup is going to be utterly delicious and succulent.
Now season your soup to taste. Then stir in the brandy. After all this effort, it is time to use your oven so preheat it to 350 degrees F.
Portion soup into oven-safe bowls and place the bowls on a baking sheet. Top off with the baguette slice and shredded Gruyere. Bake it 20-30 minutes until the cheese has melted.
Finally, broil it 2-3 minutes to brown the cheese. Wait a few minutes before you serve your hot French onion soup.