In a large pot, melt the butter and vegetable oil over medium heat and add the sliced onions.
Stirring occasionally, cook the onions over medium-low heat until they become golden brown and caramelized. This may take around 30-40 minutes.
Sprinkle flour over the caramelized onions and stir well to combine. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to eliminate the raw taste of the flour.
Pour in the apple cider vinegar to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Allow the mixture to cook for another 2-3 minutes.
Slowly pour in the vegetable stock, stirring continuously to avoid lumps.
Add bay leaves for flavor.
Bring the soup to a simmer and let it cook for about 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to combine.
Taste the soup and season with salt as needed. Adjust according to your preference.
Grill or toast the bread slices until it's crisp and golden then rub grilled bread slices with garlic cloves for added flavor.
Remove the bay leaves from the soup and ladle the hot soup into oven-safe bowls.
Place a piece of the garlic-rubbed grilled bread on top of each bowl of soup.
Sprinkle a generous amount of grated cheese over the bread in each bowl.
Place the soup bowls under the broiler until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
Carefully remove the soup bowls from the oven. Let the soup cool for a minute before serving, as it will be very hot.
Serve your delicious homemade French Onion Soup hot with the rich flavors of caramelized onions and gooey melted cheese!
Notes
Pick the Right Onions: Yellow onions are classic, but mixing in sweet or red onions adds extra flavor. Fresh onions work best!Take Your Time: Patience is key for caramelizing onions. Cook them slowly to bring out their rich, sweet flavor. Stir occasionally, but let them brown undisturbed for the best results.Deglaze for Flavor: Apple cider vinegar lifts all the tasty bits from the pot, but white wine, sherry, or brandy work great too. Don’t skip this step!Season as You Go: Taste and adjust the seasoning, especially after adding the stock and before serving.Cheese Matters: Gruyère is perfect for its melty, nutty flavor. Mix with Comté or Emmental for extra richness, and grate it finely for even melting.Sturdy Bread is Key: Use toasted baguette or sourdough to keep the texture right without getting too soggy.Serve Hot: This soup is best enjoyed warm. Let it cool slightly, but serve quickly to keep it at its best.Make Ahead: Prep the soup base a day or two in advance and finish with bread and cheese when ready to serve.Store Leftovers: Keep leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container.