1. Place a large pot on the stovetop and bring to medium-low heat. Add the butter and onions and allow the onions to soften and caramelize until a dark brown color. Stir the onions every few minutes so they don’t burn.

2. Once the onions are soft and caramelized add the beef broth, apple cider, and a pinch of salt and bring the mixture to a boil for one minute. Then, reduce the soup to a low simmer and allow the soup to simmer for an hour, skimming the top as necessary.

3. Before serving turn the broiler to High. Lightly butter the slices of country bread on both sides and place on a cookie sheet. Allow the bread slices to broil for about 3 to 4 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown. Do not leave the bread unattended because it can burn quickly! Then remove the bread and place two slices of cheese on each slice. Return it to the oven, cheese side up, and broil for another 2 minutes, or until the cheese is melted completely and bubbling. Again – don’t leave the oven – watch it carefully!

4. Ladle the soup into soup bowls and serve with bread slices.