French Onion Soup

A rich, savory classic made with caramelized onions, beef broth, and topped with cheesy French bread.

Ingredients

• 4 cups sliced onions
• 4 (10.5 ounce) cans beef broth
• ½ cup unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons dry sherry (optional)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 (1 pound) loaf French bread, sliced
• 6 slices provolone cheese
• ¾ cup diced Swiss cheese
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Method

1. Melt butter in an 8-quart stock pot on medium heat.
2. Add olive oil and stir.
3. Add onions and cook, stirring continuously, until tender and translucent (do not brown the onions).
4. Add beef broth, sherry, and thyme.
5. Season with salt and pepper, then simmer for 30 minutes.
6. Ladle the soup into individual oven-safe bowls and place one slice of bread on top (whole or in pieces).
7. Layer the cheeses on top of the bread: first a slice of provolone, then diced Swiss, and finally Parmesan.
8. Place the bowls on a cookie sheet and broil until the cheese bubbles and turns slightly golden brown.