FRENCH ONION SOUP TOPPED FRENCH BREAD PIZZAS AND SALAD WITH DIJON VINAIGRETTE

French Onion Soup Topped French Bread Pizzas and Salad with Dijon Vinaigrette image

Provided by Rachael Ray : Food Network

Time 1h10m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 18

1 stick (8 tablespoons) butter
1 teaspoon dried thyme
6 large yellow onions, very thinly sliced
2 fresh bay leaves
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
1/3 cup dry sherry
Two 10-ounce cans beef consomme
1 large or 2 medium loaves French bread, split horizontally and then halved crosswise to make 4 pieces
2 cups shredded gruyere
12 ounces ripe Camembert, sliced
2 tablespoons white wine vinegar or white balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon honey or 1 teaspoon superfine sugar
2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
1 small shallot, grated
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1/3 cup EVOO
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
6 to 8 cups chopped earthy or crisp greens, such as spinach, escarole and romaine hearts

Steps:

For the pizzas: Heat the butter in a large high-sided skillet over medium heat. Add the thyme, onions and bay leaves and season with salt and pepper. Cook low and slow until deep caramel in color and very sweet, 35 to 40 minutes. Deglaze with the sherry, stirring and scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet with a wooden spoon. Stir in the consomme.
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
Toast the bread in the oven. Top with the onion mixture and the cheeses. Return to the oven and bake until the cheese is melted and lightly browned.
For the salad: Combine the vinegar, honey, lemon juice and shallost in a large bowl and let sit for 5 to 10 minutes. Whisk in the mustard and then the EVOO; season with salt and pepper. Add the greens and toss to coat with the dressing.
Serve the pizzas with the salad.
Cook's Note: The onion topping can be covered and refrigerated for a make-ahead meal. Reheat with a splash of water to loosen.