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### Instructions:
**1. Caramelize the Onions:**
Begin by peeling and thinly slicing the onions. In a large, heavy-bottomed skillet, heat the butter and olive oil over medium-low heat. Add the onions and stir occasionally, letting them cook down slowly and become soft. This process should take around 30-40 minutes, and patience is key! If desired, sprinkle a bit of sugar over the onions to help speed up caramelization and deepen the flavor. Once the onions are golden brown and sweetly fragrant, add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
**2. Build the Broth:**
Once the onions are fully caramelized, add the beef broth and white wine (if using). Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for an additional 10 minutes, allowing the broth to reduce slightly and the flavors to meld. Season with thyme, Worcestershire sauce (if using), salt, and pepper to taste.
**3. Prepare the Croutons:**
While the onion and broth mixture is simmering, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread the cubed French bread or baguette on a baking sheet in a single layer. Toast them in the oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until golden and crispy. These croutons will absorb the flavors of the soup while maintaining their crunch.
**4. Assemble the Casserole:**
In a large casserole dish (about 9×13 inches), layer the toasted bread cubes evenly across the bottom. Pour the caramelized onion and broth mixture over the bread, ensuring it soaks in and gets evenly distributed. The bread should absorb most of the liquid, but some will remain on top for added flavor.
**5. Add the Cheese:**
Top the casserole with a generous amount of shredded Gruyère cheese, followed by a sprinkle of Parmesan. You can use more or less cheese based on your preference for a cheesier dish.
**6. Bake to Perfection:**
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly, golden, and slightly browned. You can broil it for an additional 1-2 minutes at the end to get a beautifully crispy, golden top.
**7. Serve and Enjoy:**
Once the casserole is ready, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. The bread cubes will have absorbed the rich flavors of the onions and broth, while the cheese melts into a gooey, golden layer. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh thyme or parsley, if desired, and serve hot.
### Tips and Variations:
– **Make it vegetarian:** Swap out the beef broth for vegetable broth for a vegetarian version of this comforting casserole.
– **Add extra toppings:** If you want to take it a step further, top the casserole with crispy bacon bits, fresh herbs, or even a fried egg for a hearty breakfast twist.
– **Use different cheeses:** If you don’t have Gruyère, feel free to use Swiss cheese, provolone, or even a sharp cheddar for different flavor profiles.
– **Prepare in advance:** You can prepare the casserole ahead of time up until the baking step. Simply store it in the fridge and bake it when you’re ready to serve.
### Why You’ll Love This Dish
This French Onion Soup Casserole takes all the flavors of the beloved French onion soup and gives them a hearty twist. The crispy bread soaked in rich broth and topped with melty cheese creates the ultimate comfort food experience. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish or making it the star of your meal, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite!
So, next time you’re craving the rich, savory goodness of French Onion Soup, skip the bowl and try this baked casserole version instead. It’s a perfect balance of flavors, textures, and comforting warmth that will leave everyone asking for seconds!
