Print

Mushroom & Caramelized Onion Soup with Cheesy Toasties and Bacon

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

This hearty Mushroom & Caramelized Onion Soup is rich with earthy flavors and topped with cheesy toasties and crispy bacon for a deliciously comforting meal. Perfect for a cozy evening, this soup is sure to satisfy.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Soup:

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 2 large onions, thinly sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 500 g (1 lb) mushrooms, sliced (use a mix like cremini, shiitake, and button)
  • 4 cups (1 liter) chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tsp fresh thyme (or 1/2 tsp dried)
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the Cheesy Toasties and Bacon:

  • 4 slices of bread (sourdough or baguette work well)
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Gruyère, or mozzarella)
  • 4 slices of bacon, cooked until crispy
  • 2 tbsp butter, for spreading


Instructions

1. Caramelize the Onions:

  1. In a large pot, heat olive oil and butter over medium-low heat.
  2. Add the sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 20-25 minutes until the onions are golden and caramelized.

2. Sauté the Mushrooms:

  1. Add the mushrooms to the pot with the onions. Increase the heat to medium and cook for 8-10 minutes until the mushrooms release their liquid and begin to brown.
  2. Stir in the garlic, thyme, smoked paprika, and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

3. Make the Soup:

  1. Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
  2. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth, or leave it slightly chunky if you prefer texture.
  3. Stir in the heavy cream and season with salt and pepper to taste. Keep warm over low heat.

4. Prepare the Cheesy Toasties:

  1. Butter one side of each bread slice. Place the buttered side down in a hot skillet or griddle.
  2. Sprinkle cheese evenly on two slices of bread. Add the crispy bacon slices on top, then cover with the remaining bread slices, buttered side up.
  3. Grill the toasties over medium heat until golden brown and the cheese is melted, about 3-4 minutes per side.

5. Serve:

  1. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh thyme or a sprinkle of smoked paprika.
  2. Cut the cheesy toasties into strips or wedges and serve alongside the soup.


Notes

  • Make It Vegetarian: Skip the bacon and use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
  • Enhance the Flavor: Add a splash of sherry or white wine to the mushrooms before adding the broth for extra depth.
  • Storage: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.