Easy One-Hour French Onion Soup

cup olive oil

sweet Vidalia onions (yellow onions may be substituted), peeled and sliced root to tip in long thin segments

to 2 teaspoon salt, or to taste

freshly ground black pepper, or to taste

unsalted butter

garlic, pressed or finely minced

 cup dry cooking sherry (dry white wine may be substituted)

reduced sodium beef broth

tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

bay leaves

dried thyme, or to taste

granulated sugar, optional and to taste

French baguette, sliced into eight 1/2-inch thick slices (or as needed based on how many bowls you’re portioning out), toasted

about 2 cups Gruyere cheese, grated and divided