Homemade French Onion Soup

Method

1. 1
   Heat oil and butter in a Dutch oven over medium high heat. As soon as the butter begins to bubble, add the onions. Add sugar and cook on medium high heat for 10 minutes, stirring every few minutes.
2. 2
   Reduce heat to medium and cook until onions are caramelized and jammy, stirring every 1-2 minutes. This will take another 30-35 minutes.
3. 3
   Add garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add flour and cook for another minute. Add wine and deglaze, scraping up the golden bits on the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon.
4. 4
   Add salt, pepper, thyme and bay leaf. Add beef broth and bring soup to a simmer. Cover and simmer soup for 10 minutes.
5. 5
   Preheat oven to 400°F. Arrange baguette slices on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush with olive oil and bake for 5-7 minutes, or until lightly golden. Switch oven to broil.
6. 6
   Ladle soup into an oven-safe bowl or crock. Top with baguette slices then 1/2 cup of cheese per serving. Broil for 2 minutes, or until cheese is bubbly and golden brown (watch carefully). Allow soup to cool for 5 minutes before serving.