Classic French Onion Soup

Classic French Onion Soup is a medium French recipe that serves 4. 300 calories per serving. Recipe by SAM THE COOKING GUY on YouTube.

Prep: 25 min | Cook: 1 hr 30 min | Total: 2 hrs 10 min

Cost: $10.25 total, $2.56 per serving

Ingredients

  • 3 pounds Yellow Onions (peeled and thinly sliced)
  • 0.25 cup Unsalted Butter (cut into cubes)
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (extra virgin preferred)
  • 3 cloves Garlic (large, minced)
  • 5 cups Beef Broth (low-sodium preferred)
  • 3 tablespoons Dry Sherry (adds depth of flavor)
  • 2 teaspoons Fresh Thyme (leaves stripped from stems)
  • 2 tablespoons Soy Sauce (regular, not low-sodium)
  • to taste to taste Salt
  • to taste to taste Black Pepper
  • 1 piece Baguette (Batard) (about 8 inches, sliced diagonally)
  • 1 cup shredded Gruyère Cheese (sharp, aged)

Instructions

  1. Slice the onions

    Peel the onions and slice them thinly (about 1/8 inch) using a mandoline or a sharp chef's knife.

    Time: PT10M

  2. Caramelize the onions

    In a large pot over medium‑low heat, melt the butter with the olive oil. Add the sliced onions, stir to coat, and cook, stirring occasionally, until deep golden brown and sweet, about 25 minutes.

    Time: PT25M

  3. Add garlic and aromatics

    Create a small well in the onions, add the minced garlic and a drizzle of oil, sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the sherry and fresh thyme.

    Time: PT2M

  4. Add broth and soy sauce

    Pour in the beef broth, add soy sauce, and season with salt and pepper. Stir to combine.

    Time: PT2M

  5. Simmer the soup

    Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer (do not boil) and let it cook for 25 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

    Time: PT25M

  6. Toast the bread

    While the soup simmers, preheat the oven to 350°F. Slice the baguette diagonally into two pieces, place on a baking sheet, and bake for 10 minutes until dry and lightly crisp.

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: 350°F

  7. Grate the cheese

    Grate the Gruyère cheese using the large‑hole side of a box grater.

    Time: PT3M

  8. Assemble and broil

    Ladle the hot soup into oven‑safe bowls, place a toasted baguette slice on top, and sprinkle a generous amount of grated Gruyère. Place the bowls on a baking sheet and broil on high (about 450°F) for 5 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and golden.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: 450°F

  9. Serve

    Remove the bowls from the oven, let cool for 2 minutes, then serve hot. Enjoy the rich, aromatic soup with its crispy, cheesy topping.

    Time: PT2M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
300
Protein
12 g
Carbohydrates
30 g
Fat
12 g
Fiber
3 g

Dietary info: Contains meat (beef broth), Contains dairy, Contains gluten, Contains soy

Allergens: Dairy, Gluten, Soy

Last updated: April 7, 2026

Amazon Associates

Amazon Associates PartnerTrusted

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases made through links on this page. This helps support our site at no extra cost to you. Clicking on ingredient or equipment links will take you to amazon.com where you can purchase these items.

Classic French Onion Soup

Recipe by SAM THE COOKING GUY

A comforting, richly flavored French onion soup made with caramelized onions, beef broth, sherry, thyme, and topped with toasted baguette and melted Gruyère cheese. Perfect for chilly evenings and easy enough for home cooks.

MediumFrenchServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
22m
Prep
1h 2m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
1h 34m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$10.25
Total cost
$2.56
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Caramelizing the onions slowly over medium‑low heat
  • Drying the baguette slices sufficiently to hold up under the broth
  • Broiling the cheese until bubbling and golden without burning

Safety Warnings

  • Handle the mandoline slicer with a guard; the blade is extremely sharp.
  • Hot oil and hot broth can cause burns – use long-handled utensils.
  • The oven and broiler reach high temperatures; use oven mitts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of French Onion Soup in French cuisine?

A

French Onion Soup, or soupe à l'oignon, originated in medieval France as a peasant dish using cheap ingredients like onions and stale bread. Over time it became a classic restaurant staple, symbolizing rustic comfort and the French art of turning simple foods into elegant fare.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of French Onion Soup in France?

A

In Parisian bistros the soup is often finished with a crouton and melted Gruyère, while in the Lyon region a richer broth and sometimes a splash of cognac are added. Alpine versions may include cheese like Emmental and use beef stock enriched with wine.

cultural
Q

How is French Onion Soup traditionally served in French restaurants?

A

It is traditionally served in a shallow, oven‑safe bowl, topped with a toasted baguette slice and a generous layer of grated Gruyère, then broiled until the cheese forms a bubbling, golden crust. The bowl is often presented on a wooden board to protect the table.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is French Onion Soup traditionally associated with in French culture?

A

French Onion Soup is a popular starter during the colder months and is often enjoyed at family gatherings, holiday meals, and after‑work gatherings in French cafés. Its warming qualities make it a favorite for winter celebrations and cozy evenings.

cultural
Q

What authentic traditional ingredients are essential for French Onion Soup versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Authentic ingredients include yellow onions, beef broth, dry sherry, fresh thyme, Gruyère cheese, and a crusty French baguette. Acceptable substitutes are vegetable broth for a vegetarian version, white wine instead of sherry, and Emmental or Swiss cheese in place of Gruyère.

cultural
Q

What other French dishes pair well with French Onion Soup?

A

French Onion Soup pairs beautifully with a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette, a classic Niçoise salad, or a light charcuterie board. For a full French meal, follow it with coq au vin or a buttery croque‑madame.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making French Onion Soup?

A

Common mistakes include cooking the onions on too high heat, which burns them; not allowing enough time for caramelization; using fresh bread that becomes soggy; and under‑broiling the cheese, leaving it unmelted. Patience and proper oven timing are key.

technical
Q

Why does this French Onion Soup recipe use soy sauce instead of Worcestershire sauce?

A

Soy sauce adds a subtle umami boost and deepens the broth’s color without imparting a distinctly Asian flavor. Worcestershire sauce contains additional spices that can mask the delicate onion‑and‑thyme profile the recipe aims for.

technical
Q

Can I make French Onion Soup ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, you can caramelize the onions and prepare the broth up to 24 hours ahead. Store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator, reheat gently, then add freshly toasted bread and cheese before the final broil.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when the onions are properly caramelized for French Onion Soup?

A

Properly caramelized onions should be deep golden‑brown, soft, and glossy, with a sweet aroma. They will have reduced in volume dramatically and should coat the pot without sticking.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel SAM THE COOKING GUY specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel SAM THE COOKING GUY specializes in approachable, home‑cooked comfort food recipes with a focus on clear step‑by‑step instruction and a light‑hearted, conversational style.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel SAM THE COOKING GUY's approach to French cooking differ from other French cooking channels?

A

SAM THE COOKING GUY demystifies classic French dishes by breaking them into simple, practical steps, emphasizing that French cooking isn’t intimidating. Unlike more formal French channels, he uses everyday kitchen tools and adds humor to keep viewers engaged.

channel

You Might Also Like

Similar recipes converted from YouTube cooking videos

Classic French Onion Soup
12

Classic French Onion Soup

A comforting, classic French onion soup made with caramelized onions, rich beef stock, a splash of white wine, and topped with toasted baguette croutons smothered in melted Gruyère cheese. Perfect for brunch or a cozy dinner.

2 hrs 21 minServes 6$14
French
Classic French Onion Soup
11

Classic French Onion Soup

A rich, comforting French onion soup made by slowly caramelizing yellow onions, deglazing with sherry, simmering in beef broth, and topping with toasted baguette slices loaded with a blend of Gruyère, provolone, Swiss, and Parmesan cheese.

1 hr 43 minServes 4$12
French
Classic French Onion Soup
30

Classic French Onion Soup

A rich, comforting French onion soup made with deeply caramelized onions, beef stock, brandy, white wine, toasted baguette, and melted Gruyère cheese. Perfect for cold evenings and dinner parties.

2 hrs 6 minServes 4$13
French
Classic French Onion Soup
20

Classic French Onion Soup

A rich, beefy French onion soup with deeply caramelized sweet onions, sherry‑finished broth, and a melty topping of Gruyère and Gouda cheese on toasted baguette. Inspired by Joshua Weissman's YouTube tutorial.

2 hrs 9 minServes 4$12
French
Classic French Onion Soup
27

Classic French Onion Soup

A timeless French onion soup made with slowly caramelized yellow onions, rich beef stock, a splash of sherry, and topped with toasted baguette slices and a blend of Gruyère, Fontina, and Swiss cheeses melted under the broiler. Perfect for a cozy dinner or a comforting first course.

2 hrs 10 minServes 4$17
French
Classic French Onion Soup
18

Classic French Onion Soup

A rich, silky French onion soup made from scratch with homemade beef marrow stock, deeply caramelized onions, toasted baguette, and a blend of Gruyère, Comté, and Fontina cheeses. Slow‑cooked for maximum flavor and finished under the broiler for a bubbly, golden crust.

5 hrs 45 minServes 4$24
French