Canadian (French) Onion Soup

I decided to make French onion soup one day but after I started, I realized I didn't have any wine on hand - but I did have beer! You get a hint of beer but still a rich onion flavor. Give it a try - you'll love it!

• Preparation Time: 15 mins
• Cooking Time: 30 mins
• Total Time: 45 mins
• Calories: 381 Calories

Ingredients

• 5 cups water
• 1 bay leaf (Optional)
• ½ cup butter, divided
• freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 2 beef bouillon cubes
• 1 garlic clove, crushed
• 1 chicken bouillon cube
• 3 red onions, thinly sliced
• 1 (12 ounce) bottle Canadian beer (such as Steam Whistle Pilsner®)
• 1 cup garlic croutons, or as needed
• 1 ½ cups shredded Italian three-cheese blend

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

Step 2

Set oven rack about 6 inches from the heat source and preheat the oven's broiler.

Step 3

Heat 1/4 cup butter in a large saucepan over medium heat; stir in onions and saute until onions are tender and translucent, about 5 minutes. Remove onions with a slotted spoon; set aside.

Step 4

Pour water into the saucepan, cover, and bring to a boil. Stir remaining butter, beef bouillon cubes, and chicken bouillon cube into water until dissolved. Stir in beer, garlic, bay leaf, and sauteed onions; season with pepper. Reduce heat; simmer for 15 minutes.

Step 5

Fill oven-proof bowls 3/4 full with soup. Place bowls on a baking tray; top with croutons and shredded cheese.

Step 6

Bake in the preheated oven until cheese is melted, about 5 minutes. Remove baking tray from oven.

Step 7

Return soup to the oven; broil until cheese is browned, about 3 minutes.