Slow Cooker French Onion Soup

I enjoy a good bowl of French Onion soup any way its prepared, but that extra time in the crock pot really does make a difference in both mellowing and enhancing the flavor of the onions. There is still a little prep time required at the beginning for this one, but luckily it isn't one you will "set it and forget it" because of the yummy smell throughout the house all day :)

Ingredients

3 Tbsp. butter
4 large onions, thinly sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
8 cups beef broth
1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp. brown sugar
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. black pepper
1/4 tsp. ground thyme
Sliced crusty bread, lightly toasted
Sliced cheese (Swiss, Mozzarella, or Gruyere)

Directions

1. Melt butter in a large skillet. Add onion and garlic, and cook over medium heat until onions and soft and lightly caramelized, about 20-25 minutes.

2. Transfer onion and garlic to slow cooker. Add broth, Worcestershire, brown sugar, salt, pepper, and thyme. Cook on low 6-8 hours.

3. To serve, place soup in oven-safe bowls and put bowls on a large cookie sheet. Top soup with bread, then a few slices of cheese. Place cookie sheet on top rack of oven, and broil 3-4 minutes or until cheese is melted.