5 STAR FRENCH ONION SOUP (STOVETOP OR SLOW COOKER)

5 Star French Onion Soup (Stovetop or Slow Cooker) image

Provided by @MakeItYours

Number Of Ingredients 9

6 large sweet onions (about 3 lbs), halved and sliced into half-moons
2 tablespoons of butter
1 tablespoon of sugar
1 teaspoon of salt
1 teaspoon cracked black peppercorns (we used ¾ tsp ground black pepper)
8 cups beef stock or low-sodium vegetable broth
2 tablespoons brandy, Cognac or dry sherry (optional, we used dry sherry)
12 slices of a good quality baguette
2 cups shredded Swiss, Gruyere or Jarlsburg cheese (we used slices of Swiss cheese), plus more for serving

Steps:

In a soup pot, combine the onions and butter and cook over low heat, stirring to coat the onions thoroughly, until softened, about 30 minutes. (If using a slow cooker, cover and cook on high until the onions are softened, about 1 hour.)
Add the sugar, salt and peppercorns and stir well. Increase the heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for 2 hours. (Cook on high for 4 hours in the slow cooker.) Add the stock or broth and brandy (if using). Cook for 2 hours longer (or 2 hours in the slow cooker).
Preheat the broiler. Ladle the soup into 6 ovenproof bowls and place 2 slices of the baguette in each bowl. Sprinkle liberally with cheese and broil for 2 to 3 minutes, until the top is bubbling and brown. Serve immediately. Pass extra cheese at the table.