Canadian (French) Onion Soup

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

Heat 1/4 cup butter in a large saucepan over medium heat; stir in onions and saute until onions are tender and translucent, about 5 minutes.

Remove onions with a slotted spoon; set aside.

Pour water into the saucepan, cover, and bring to a boil. Stir remaining butter, beef bouillon cubes, and chicken bouillon cube into water until dissolved. Stir in beer, garlic, bay leaf, and sauteed onions; season with pepper. Reduce heat; simmer for 15 minutes.

Fill oven-proof bowls 3/4 full with soup.

Place bowls on a baking tray; top with croutons and shredded cheese.

Bake in the preheated oven until cheese is melted, about 5 minutes.

Remove baking tray from oven.

Set oven rack about 6 inches from the heat source and preheat the oven's broiler.

Return soup to the oven; broil until cheese is browned, about 3 minutes.