Season to taste: Before adding the bay leaf, stir in the thyme. Infuse with aroma and cook for 1 minute.
Combine Broth: Pour in the water and beef broth. Reduce heat to low and bring to a boil. For a more flavorful soup, cook it uncovered for 30 minutes. Before serving, take out the bay leaf.
Toasted Bread Preparation For the baguette, have your oven broiler ready. Toast the chunks of baguette for a minute or two on each side, or until they get a golden brown color.
Put the Soup Together
Toss in Cheese: Transfer the soup to serving dishes that may be placed in the oven. Toast a piece of bread and top each bowl with a good amount of shredded Gruyère cheese.
Broil: Melt and bubble the cheese by placing the bowls in the broiler for two to three minutes.
Toss with a garnish and savor: After baking, carefully take the bowls out of the oven. Quickly serve with more thyme on top, if preferred.
Thirteen minutes for preparation | Two hours and fifteen minutes in the oven
Amount per serving: 4–6
