Melt the butter with the extra virgin olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté the sliced onions without letting them brown.
2.
Add the beef broth, balsamic vinegar and thyme. Season with salt and pepper and simmer for 30 minutes.
3.
Divide the soup into ovenproof bowls and place a slice of bread on top of each one. Top each slice of bread with a 1-cm slice of provolone, a little diced Swiss cheese, and a tablespoon of grated Parmesan.
4.
Set the bowls on a baking sheet under the broiler until the cheese bubbles and browns lightly, 2 to 3 minutes. Serve hot.