This rich and comforting French onion soup recipe is surprisingly simple to make at home.

Ingredients

• 5 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 8 cups thinly sliced onions (about 3 pounds)
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 cup port wine or dry sherry
• 2 cartons (32 ounces each) beef broth
• 1/2 teaspoon pepp5 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 8 cups thinly sliced onions (about 3 pounds)
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 cup port wine or dry sherry
• 2 cartons (32 ounces each) beef broth
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 24 slices french bread baguette (1/2 inch thick)
• 2 large garlic cloves, peeled and halved
• 3/4 cup shredded gruyere or swiss cheeseer
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 24 slices french bread baguette (1/2 inch thick)
• 2 large garlic cloves, peeled and halved
• 3/4 cup shredded gruyere or swiss cheese

Directions

1. In a Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons oil and butter over medium heat. Add onions; cook and stir until softened, 10-13 minutes. Reduce heat to medium-low; cook, stirring occasionally, until deep golden brown, 30-40 minutes. Add garlic; cook 2 minutes longer.
2. Stir in wine. Bring to a boil; cook until liquid is reduced by half. Add broth, pepper and salt; return to a boil. Reduce heat. Simmer, covered, stirring occasionally, for 1 hour.
3. Meanwhile, preheat oven to 400°. Place baguette slices on a baking sheet; brush both sides with remaining 3 tablespoons oil. Bake until toasted, 3-5 minutes on each side. Rub toasts with halved garlic.
4. To serve, ladle soup into twelve 8-oz. broiler-safe bowls or ramekins on baking sheets; place 2 toasts in each. Top with cheese. Broil 4 in. from heat until cheese is melted.