Take two old family favourites from good to great by combining them. French onion soup and grilled cheese together make one decadently delicious meal.
FRENCH ONION SOUP WITH GRILLED
CHEESE & BACON CROUTONS
Serves: 4
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20-25minutes
Broil time: 1-2 minutes
3 tbsp (45 mL) butter
4 medium cooking onions
1 tsp (5 mL) dried thyme
1 tbsp (15 mL) maple syrup
3 tbsp (45 mL) flour
Salt & pepper, to taste
6 cups (1.5 L) beef broth
4 slices sandwich bread
2/3 cup (160 mL) shredded cheese (Jarlsberg, Swiss or Emmental)
4 slices cooked bacon
1 cup (250 mL) shredded cheese
(Swiss, Jarlsberg or Emmental)
METHOD:
In large saucepan, over medium-high heat, melt butter; sauté onions and thyme for 5 minutes. Reduce heat to medium and cover; cook for 10 minutes stirring occasionally. Add maple syrup and stir; season with salt & pepper.
Stir in flour absorbing the butter and liquid. Whisk in broth, increase heat to high, stirring constantly. Reduce heat and simmer 5 minutes or until thickened.
Meanwhile, place 1/3 cup (80 mL) shredded cheese on slice of bread, top with 2 pieces bacon and a slice of bread; repeat.
In sauté pan, cook sandwiches over medium heat until golden brown on both sides and cheese is melted; approximately 3 minutes per side.
Slice each grilled cheese into 8 squares; set aside until ready to assemble.
ASSEMBLE:
Preheat broiler to high.
Place oven-proof bowls on baking tray; ladle boiling hot soup into bowls, top each bowl with 4 grilled cheese squares then 1/4 cup (50 mL) shredded cheese; place tray on middle shelf of oven and broil 1 minute or until cheese is melted and bubbling.
Carefully place bowls onto napkin-lined plates and serve with soupspoon!
Korey’s Tips
Add crumbled blue cheese & bacon before broiling.
Korey Kealey
