Texas Baked Sweet Onions

Preheat oven to 350°F. Peel and slice the sweet onions into ¼-inch thick rings, then separate into individual rings.

Layer half of the onion rings in a buttered 9x13 inch baking dish. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of the melted butter.

Layer the remaining onion rings over the first layer and drizzle with the remaining 2 tablespoons of melted butter.

Whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, half-and-half, salt, and ground black pepper in a small bowl until smooth. Pour the mixture evenly over the onions.

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 35 minutes until the onions are tender.

Remove the foil and sprinkle the grated sharp cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the onions.

Brush both sides of the French bread slices with the 3 tablespoons melted butter. Arrange the buttered bread slices on top of the cheese layer, overlapping slightly if necessary.

Return to the oven uncovered and bake for 10 minutes until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.