Step 1

Start by caramelizing the onions. Melt butter in a medium pot over medium heat. Add the slices onions, ½ teaspoon of sugar and ½ teaspoon of salt and stir with a wooden spoon. Cover and cook for 5 minutes. Remove the lid and turn to a moderately low heat. Cook the onions for 20-25 minutes, stirring every 3-4 minutes so they don’t burn - this is the most important thing. They should be a nice golden brown color once they’ve fully caramelized.

Step 2

Turn the heat to medium and stir in the minced garlic, pepper, ½ teaspoon of salt and a pinch of chili flakes. Cook for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. Add in the balsamic vinegar and water, cooking until most of the liquid has evaporated.

Step 3

Add the broth, beans, fresh thyme sprigs and stir everything together. Increase to medium-high heat and bring to a boil. Turn the heat to medium-low and simmer for 15-20 minutes. Taste and adjust the seasonings with more salt and pepper if needed. Remove from the heat.

Step 4

To make the toasts, turn the heat on the oven to a low broil. Add 2-3 slices of thick bread (depending on how many bowls you're serving, choose that many pieces of bread) to a sheetpan and toast for 1-2 minutes under a low broil. Remove from the oven and spread 1 tablespoon of cracked pepper Boursin cheese on each slice of bread, then top with ¼ cup of shredded Gruyere cheese on each slice. Broil on low until the cheese is melted and bubbling.

Step 5

Serve the bowls of french onion bean soup with the cheesy bread and garnish with fresh thyme sprigs. Enjoy!