In a large pot, saute butter and onions on medium-low heat for 30 minutes. Stir once or twice during that time. Onions will caramelize and become browned.
Once caramelized, add in beef broth, garlic, brandy, thyme, salt and pepper. Simmer over low heat for about 30 minutes, to allow flavors to meld together. When ready, remove twigs of thyme.
To serve, ladle into individual oven safe crocks. Top with toasted baguettes and about 1/2 cup of gruyere cheese. Broil for several minutes until cheese is browned and melted. Serve immediately. ENJOY.
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Notes
Use sweet onions. Not only do they taste amazing when they caramelize, they don't have that onion "bite" a typical yellow or white onion will have. However, they do tend to have a higher water content, so they may take a little longer to caramelize. But the sweetness only gets better with time, so it's a win-win!
Don't skip the secret ingredient: BRANDY! This adds a wonderful depth of flavor. Not a fan? Use sherry or red wine instead. Or keep it alcohol free by just omitting it.
It's all about the final touch. Adding the toasted bread and cheese. While the soup was simmering, I sliced a baguette (from my grocery bakery) and toasted it in the oven. I also shredded some Gruyere cheese to have ready. When the soup was done simmering, ladle it into your oven safe crocks and top with baguette slices and a handful of cheese. Broil for a few minutes in the oven until melted!
If you don't have oven safe crocks, you can toast the baguette with the cheese on them, then drop them onto your individual bowls of soup!