French Onion Soup Rice

Ingredients

The Base

• Butter: 1 stick (8 tablespoons or $\sim 113$ grams), cold and cut into cubes.
• Onions: 3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced.
• Sugar: 1 teaspoon (to help with caramelization).
• Garlic: 2 cloves, minced.
• Beef Broth: 4 cups (or one 14.5 oz can of concentrated broth diluted to 4 cups, plus extra as needed).
• Water: 1 cup.
• Rice: 1.5 cups long-grain white rice (like Basmati or Jasmine) OR Arborio rice for a creamier texture.
• Worcestershire Sauce: 1 teaspoon (optional, for depth).
• Thyme: 1 teaspoon dried thyme.
• Salt and Black Pepper: To taste.

The Topping

• Gruyère Cheese: 1 cup, shredded (or Swiss/Mozzarella blend).
• French Bread Croutons or Crackers: A handful (Optional, for an authentic French Onion Soup experience).