Heat the butter in a large soup pot until melted and add the onions, stirring frequently over medium heat until they are browned and caramelized. This will take about 20 minutes,
Season with salt and pepper, then add the flour to the mix, stirring vigorously until the flour is incorporated evenly in the onion mixture.
Add the sugar, beef broth, water and bay leaf, then simmer for 10 minutes. Next, add the white wine and simmer gently for another 10 minutes so the alcohol and evaporate.
Preheat an oven or toaster oven to broil, then fill oven safe bowls with soup, about ¾ full. Place a
Fill individual oven safe bowls ¾ full with the soup. Place a slice of bread on top of the soup and finish with a GENEROUS sprinkling of cheese :)
Broil for 3-5 minutes until the cheese is brown and bubbly, then remove from the oven and serve hot!
Recipe by The Chewy Life at https://www.thechewylife.com/hearty-french-onion-soup/