Swift Cheesy Mushroom & Caramelized Onion Soup Recipe

Chilly evenings call for a soul-warming hearty mushroom & caramelized onion soup that promises comfort in every spoonful.

The rich, earthy flavors blend seamlessly with sweet caramelized onions, creating a deeply satisfying meal.

Crispy bacon and melted cheese toasties add a decadent crunch that elevates this classic soup from simple to extraordinary.

Each ingredient is carefully selected to build layers of complex, robust taste.

The aroma alone will draw you to the kitchen, enticing your senses with its warm, inviting fragrance.

Perfectly balanced and deeply nourishing, this soup transforms an ordinary dinner into a memorable culinary experience.

Prepare to savor every delicious bite of this heartwarming dish.

FAQs

• What type of mushrooms work best for this soup?

Cremini, shiitake, or a mix of wild mushrooms provide rich, deep flavors that complement the caramelized onions perfectly.

• Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes, simply omit the bacon and replace with smoked paprika for a similar depth of flavor. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock.

• How do I know when onions are properly caramelized?

Onions should be deep golden brown, soft, and sweet, with a jam-like consistency. This process takes patience and low, slow cooking for 20-25 minutes.

• Is this soup freezer-friendly?

The soup base freezes well for up to 3 months. However, add fresh cheese toasties and bacon just before serving to maintain their crisp texture.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Calories: 450 kcal

Servings: 5

Pantry Picks for Mushroom & Caramelized Onion Soup Combo

• Olive Oil, Butter: Provides a rich, luxurious foundation for developing deep flavor layers.
• Onions: Creates sweet, mellow caramelized base that adds complexity and depth to the soup.
• Salt: Enhances natural sweetness and helps draw moisture from onions during caramelization.

• Mushrooms: Delivers earthy, umami-packed richness with meaty texture and woodland essence.
• Garlic: Introduces bold, pungent undertones that complement the mushroom's subtle notes.
• Thyme: Brings herbaceous, slightly minty freshness that elevates the soup's overall taste.

• Bacon: Adds crispy, smoky element that provides contrasting texture and intense savory punch.
• Cheese: Melts into creamy, tangy topping that creates irresistible golden-brown crust on toasties.
• Bread: Serves as a crunchy, absorbent vehicle for soaking up soup's intense flavors.
• Stock: Creates liquid foundation that carries and harmonizes all ingredient nuances.

Handy Tools for Mushroom & Caramelized Onion Soup Setup

• Large pot: Essential for caramelizing onions and building soup base, with wide bottom for even heat distribution.
• Sharp knife: Needed for slicing onions and mushrooms with precision.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for stirring onions without damaging their delicate texture.
• Cutting board: Provides stable surface for chopping ingredients safely.
• Measuring spoons: Helps accurately add salt and other seasonings.
• Ladle: Useful for serving soup evenly into bowls.

Make Mushroom & Caramelized Onion Soup with Toasties and Bacon

• Launch Flavor Foundation

Heat olive oil and butter in a large pot over medium-low warmth, creating a delicious starting point for your soup adventure.

• Transform Onions into Golden

Add sliced onions with a gentle sprinkle of salt. Let them dance and sizzle slowly, stirring occasionally for 20-25 minutes until they turn into rich, sweet caramel-colored delights.

• Introduce Mushroom

Toss in sliced mushrooms, allowing them to release their earthy essence and absorb the caramelized onion’s deep flavors. Stir and cook until mushrooms become tender and slightly golden.

• Build Soup Symphony

Pour in vegetable or chicken broth, creating a luxurious liquid base. Add a splash of white wine for complexity, then season with fresh thyme, salt, and pepper.

• Simmer and Develop Depth

Let the soup gently bubble and meld flavors for 15-20 minutes, allowing each ingredient to tell its delicious story.

• Create Cheesy Toasties

Toast baguette slices and generously top with gruyère or Swiss cheese. Broil until cheese melts and turns bubbly and golden.

• Crisp Bacon Finale

Cook bacon until perfectly crisp, then crumble over soup and toasties for a salty, crunchy finish.

• Serve and Celebrate

Ladle steaming soup into bowls, crown with cheesy toasties, and sprinkle bacon crumbles for a comforting meal that hugs your soul.

Flavor Twists for Mushroom & Caramelized Onion Soup

• Take your time with onions, stirring every few minutes to prevent burning and achieve deep, rich golden-brown color that develops incredible sweetness.
• Prepare caramelized onions and mushroom base up to 2 days in advance, storing in refrigerator to enhance flavor development and simplify final soup preparation.
• Replace bacon with smoked paprika or liquid smoke to maintain depth of flavor for plant-based eaters. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock for a completely meat-free version.
• Experiment with different cheese combinations like gruyère and cheddar, or add herbs like thyme or rosemary to the bread for extra flavor complexity. Gluten-free bread works perfectly for those with wheat sensitivities.
• For richer flavor, deglaze the pan with a splash of dry white wine or sherry after caramelizing onions, which adds depth and complexity to the soup's overall taste profile.

Serving Mushroom & Caramelized Onion Soup Like a Pro

• Rustic Comfort Combo: Pair this hearty soup with a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette to balance the rich, savory flavors of the mushrooms and caramelized onions.
• Bacon Lover's Delight: Crumble extra crispy bacon on top of the soup just before serving for an added crunch and smoky flavor that complements the cheesy toasties.
• Wine Pairing: Serve alongside a glass of medium-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir or a dry white wine such as Chardonnay to enhance the earthy mushroom and sweet onion notes.
• Bread Bowl Brilliance: Hollow out a round sourdough bread loaf and serve the soup inside for an impressive and delicious presentation that allows diners to enjoy every last drop.

Plan Ahead for Mushroom & Caramelized Onion Soup Nights

• Store the soup in an airtight container for up to 4 days, keeping the cheesy toasties separate to maintain their crispy texture.
• Prepare a double batch of soup and freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for quick future meals, ideal for busy weeknights.
• Wrap the bacon-topped cheese toasts in aluminum foil and refrigerate separately from the soup to prevent sogginess and maintain their delightful crunch.
• Keep the bacon, cheese toasts, and soup in different containers to maximize flavor preservation and prevent soggy ingredients when reheating.

Hearty Mushroom & Caramelized Onion Soup With Cheesy Toasties And Bacon Recipe

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4.6 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Rich Mushroom & Caramelized Onion Soup brings French countryside comfort to your kitchen. Crispy bacon and melted cheese toasties complete this hearty winter classic that nourishes your soul.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 500 g (1 lb) mushrooms, sliced (mix of cremini, shiitake, and button)
• 4 cups (1 liter) chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 large onions, thinly sliced
• 4 slices of bread (sourdough or baguette)
• 4 slices of bacon, cooked crispy
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Gruyere, or mozzarella)
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsps unsalted butter
• 2 tbsps butter, for spreading
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 1 tsp fresh thyme (or ½ tsp dried)
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Caramelize Onions: Gently heat olive oil and butter in a large pot. Add thinly sliced onions with a pinch of salt, stirring occasionally over medium-low heat. Allow onions to transform slowly, developing rich amber tones and deep mahogany edges over 20-25 minutes, ensuring even and patient caramelization.
2. Develop Soup Base: Incorporate sliced mushrooms into the caramelized onions, sautéing until they release their moisture and begin to brown. Sprinkle flour to create a roux, stirring continuously to prevent burning and develop a robust flavor foundation.
3. Liquid Integration: Pour in vegetable broth and white wine, whisking to blend seamlessly with the onion-mushroom mixture. Add fresh thyme, bay leaf, and season with salt and pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer, allowing flavors to meld and intensify for 15-20 minutes.
4. Prepare Cheesy Toasties: While soup simmers, toast baguette slices until golden. Crisp bacon in a separate pan until perfectly rendered. Layer toasted bread with grated gruyère and parmesan cheeses, then broil until cheese melts and develops a bubbly, golden crust.
5. Final Assembly: Ladle the rich, aromatic soup into deep bowls. Top each serving with the cheese-laden toasties and crumbled bacon. Garnish with fresh parsley for a bright, herbal finish.

Notes

• Caramelize with Patience: Low and slow is the secret to perfect caramelized onions. Rush the process, and you’ll end up with burnt, bitter onions instead of sweet, golden goodness.
• Control Heat Carefully: Watch the temperature closely. If the heat is too high, onions will burn; too low, and they’ll steam instead of caramelize.
• Stir Strategically: Occasional stirring prevents sticking and ensures even browning. Use a wooden spoon to gently move onions around the pan.
• Salt Enhances Flavor: A pinch of salt helps draw out moisture and speeds up the caramelization process, creating deeper, more complex flavors in the soup.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 15 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg