Butternut Bisque with French Onion Toast Topper

This creamy butternut bisque is served with homemade French onion toast toppers.

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1 ½ cups chopped onion
• 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 (2 pound) butternut squash - peeled, seeded, and cut into 1-inch cubes
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 pinch cayenne pepper
• 0.5 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, or to taste
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 3 large sweet onions, chopped
• 1 large shallot, thinly sliced
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons sherry
• 0.5 cup low-sodium beef broth
• 2 each fresh thyme sprigs
• 6 slices sourdough bread
• 6 teaspoons butter, softened
• 6 ounces shredded Gruyere cheese