Mushroom & Caramelized Onion Soup with Cheesy Toasties and Bacon

If you’re searching for a comforting and hearty meal to warm your soul, look no further than Mushroom & Caramelized Onion Soup with Cheesy Toasties and Bacon. This recipe combines the earthy richness of mushrooms, the sweet depth of caramelized onions, and the savory crunch of bacon, all complemented by gooey, cheesy toasties. Perfect for a cozy night in, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that’s as satisfying as it is flavorful.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich and Creamy: The soup boasts a velvety texture with layers of flavor from mushrooms and caramelized onions.
• Indulgent Toasties: Cheesy toasties elevate this soup to a restaurant-worthy meal.
• Customizable: You can easily adapt the ingredients to suit your dietary preferences.

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Ingredients

For the Soup:

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp butter
• 4 large onions, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 500g mushrooms, sliced (button, cremini, or a mix of wild mushrooms)
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for a dairy-free option)
• 1 tsp thyme (fresh or dried)
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Cheesy Toasties:

• 4 slices of bread (sourdough or ciabatta works best)
• 1 cup shredded cheese (Gruyère, cheddar, or a blend)
• 2 tbsp butter

Topping:

• 6 strips of bacon, crispy and crumbled

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Step-by-Step Instruction

this recipe

1. Caramelize the Onions

1. Heat olive oil and butter in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 20–30 minutes until golden and caramelized.

2. Sauté the Mushrooms

1. Add mushrooms to the pot and cook for 10 minutes until they release their moisture and become tender.
2. Stir in garlic and thyme, cooking for another 2 minutes.

3. Simmer the Soup

1. Pour in the broth and bring to a simmer. Let it cook for 15 minutes to blend the flavors.
2. Use an immersion blender to purée the soup to your desired consistency. Stir in the cream and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

4. Prepare the Cheesy Toasties

1. Butter one side of each slice of bread. Place shredded cheese between two slices, buttered sides out.
2. Grill or pan-fry until the bread is golden and the cheese is melted.

5. Serve and Garnish

1. Ladle the soup into bowls. Top with crumbled bacon and additional thyme, if desired.
2. Serve with cheesy toasties on the side for dipping.

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Tips for Success

• Caramelization is Key: Be patient when caramelizing the onions; their sweetness is essential to the soup’s flavor.
• Cheese Choices: Gruyère adds a nutty flavor, while cheddar provides a sharp bite. Use your favorite or experiment with a mix!
• Make It Vegetarian: Skip the bacon and use vegetable broth for a vegetarian-friendly version.

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Why It’s Perfect for Any Occasion

This Mushroom & Caramelized Onion Soup with Cheesy Toasties and Bacon is versatile enough for any meal. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or seeking a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe offers the perfect balance of comfort and sophistication. Pair it with a glass of dry white wine for an elevated dining experience.

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Conclusion

Warm up your evenings with the indulgent flavors of Mushroom & Caramelized Onion Soup paired with crispy, gooey Cheesy Toasties and the irresistible crunch of bacon. This recipe is guaranteed to become a family favorite. Don’t forget to share your culinary creations on social media using #MushroomOnionSoup!

Serving and Storage Tips for Mushroom & Caramelized Onion Soup with Cheesy Toasties and Bacon

Serving Tips:

1. Serve with Garnishes: For added flavor and a beautiful presentation, top your soup with extra crispy bacon crumbles, fresh thyme, or a sprinkle of grated cheese. You can even drizzle a little extra cream for a touch of richness.
2. Perfect Pairings: Pair this hearty soup with a light green salad, a glass of crisp white wine (like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc), or a light, citrusy cocktail for a complete meal.
3. Soup Bowls: For a cozy touch, serve the soup in rustic bowls or mugs, and place the cheesy toasties alongside or on top for easy dipping.
4. Add Extra Crunch: If you like extra texture, consider topping the soup with some roasted nuts (such as toasted pine nuts or sliced almonds) for a crunchy contrast to the creamy soup.

Storage Tips:

1. Refrigerating the Soup:

• Allow the soup to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container.
• Store the soup in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
• When reheating, add a little extra broth or cream to bring the texture back to its original consistency if it thickens.

1. Freezing the Soup:

• You can freeze the soup without the cream for longer storage (up to 3 months). After reheating, stir in the cream once it’s fully heated through.
• If freezing the soup with cream, the texture might slightly change upon thawing, but it will still taste delicious.
• To freeze, let the soup cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Be sure to leave some room for expansion.

1. Storage of Cheesy Toasties:

• Cheesy toasties are best served fresh and crispy. However, you can store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 1–2 days. Reheat them in a toaster or oven to restore their crispiness.
• Toasties don’t freeze well, so it’s better to make them fresh when serving.

1. Bacon Storage:

• Store any leftover bacon separately in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Crumbled bacon can be added to the soup when reheating for added flavor.

Reheating Tips:

• For Soup: Reheat on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add a little more broth or cream if the soup has thickened too much.
• For Toasties: Reheat the cheesy toasties in a toaster or skillet to bring back their crispness. You can also place them under a broiler for a minute or two for a crunchy finish.

By following these serving and storage tips, you can enjoy your Mushroom & Caramelized Onion Soup with Cheesy Toasties and Bacon for days to come!

1. Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes, you can easily make this soup vegetarian by omitting the bacon and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The caramelized onions and mushrooms provide plenty of flavor, and the cheesy toasties will still add a delicious, savory touch.

2. Can I make the soup ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the soup a day or two in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and reheat it on the stove. Just remember to add the cream when reheating, if you haven’t already, and adjust the seasoning as needed.

3. Can I freeze Mushroom & Caramelized Onion Soup?

Yes, you can freeze the soup! However, it’s best to freeze the soup without the cream to maintain its texture. Once reheated, stir in the cream for a fresh taste. The soup can be frozen for up to 3 months. Be sure to store it in an airtight, freezer-safe container.

4. What can I use instead of heavy cream in this soup?

If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, coconut milk, or a dairy-free cream alternative. Each option will slightly alter the flavor and texture but still provide a creamy finish to the soup.

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