Decadent spoonfuls of caramelized onions, warm broth, and melty cheese. French Onion Soup is one of those things on a menu that is fun to order and fun to eat.
Why not make it at home?!
In a large pant, melt the butter over the medium heat. Add the oil and stir. Next, add the onions and the fennel. Sauté for 30 minutes stirring occasionally. Add the garlic and the flour to the mixture and continue to cook for 5 minutes. Stir in the wine and deglaze the pot. (Use a to scrape the brown bits from the bottom and sides of the pot.)
The Soup
Add the beef stock, Worcestershire sauce, bay leaf, and thyme to the onions. Turn the heat to medium and stir until the soup reaches a simmer. Reduce the heat and simmer for 10 more minutes. Remove the bay leaf. Salt and pepper to taste.
Layering = Magic
Move an oven rack six inches from the top of the oven. Preheat the oven using the broiler. Place 4 oven safe bowls on a baking sheet and ladle the hot soup in each.
Place one or two slices of the toasted baguette on the soup.
Top each bowl with a few slices of cheese.
Carefully place the baking pan under the broiler for 2-4 minutes or until the cheese in melted and bubbly.