4 lb. large sweet onions
1/4 c. butter, melted
1 (10 3/4 oz.) can cream of mushroom soup, undiluted
1 c. half and half
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
1 c. (4 oz.) shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
8 (3/4 inch thick) slices French bread
3 tbsp. butter, melted

Slice onions; cut each slice in half. Saute' onion in 1/4 cup butter in a Dutch oven until crisp and tender; spoon into a lightly greased 13 x 9 x 2 inch baking dish.

Combine soup, half and half, salt and pepper; pour mixture over onion. Sprinkle cheese evenly over sauce; arrange bread slices on top and brush with 3 tablespoons butter. Bake at 350 degrees for 35 minutes or until golden brown. Yield: 8 servings.