If you have a soft spot for comforting, rich, and deeply flavorful dishes, then the Mushroom & Caramelized Onion Soup with Cheesy Toasties Recipe is about to be your new best friend in the kitchen. This soup combines the earthy goodness of cremini mushrooms with the sweet complexity of caramelized onions, all melding together into a velvety broth that’s perfect for cozy evenings. The crowning glory? Golden, bubbling cheesy toasties that add a crunchy, savory bite, making every spoonful an irresistible experience you won’t want to miss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Though this recipe might sound fancy, the ingredients are refreshingly simple and straightforward. Each plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and texture that elevate this classic to something truly special.
- Unsalted butter (4 tbsp): The perfect fat to gently caramelize onions and sauté mushrooms, adding richness without overpowering.
- Yellow onions (4 large, thinly sliced): They caramelize slowly, releasing natural sugars that give a sweet depth to the soup.
- Garlic (3 cloves, finely chopped): Adds aromatic warmth and enhances the savory profile of the dish.
- Bay leaves (2): These subtle aromatics lend an earthy note that infuses the broth beautifully.
- Fresh thyme (3 sprigs total): Thyme’s herbal brightness cuts through the richness and complements both mushrooms and onions.
- Dry white wine (1 cup): Used to deglaze, it adds acidity and layers of flavor complexity.
- All-purpose flour (¼ cup): To create a gentle thickening agent that gives the soup a luscious texture.
- Beef or vegetable broth (8 cups): The flavorful base that ties all the ingredients together with depth.
- Salt & pepper: Essential seasonings to balance and enhance every element.
- Olive oil (1 tbsp): Used alongside butter for sautéing mushrooms, adding a fruity undertone and preventing burning.
- Cremini mushrooms (24 oz, quartered): Their robust, earthy flavor and meaty texture make this soup unforgettable.
- Baguette (sliced): The crispy foundation for your cheesy toasties, bringing texture and substance.
- Gruyère cheese (8 oz, grated): A nutty, melty cheese that creates that gooey, irresistible topping.
- Parmesan cheese (½ cup, grated): Adds a sharp, salty punch to finish off the toasties perfectly.
How to Make Mushroom & Caramelized Onion Soup with Cheesy Toasties Recipe
Step 1: Caramelize the Onions
Begin by melting butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions along with bay leaves, sprigs of fresh thyme, and a pinch of salt. Cook them slowly for 30 to 40 minutes, stirring occasionally. This patient process allows the onions to turn golden and sweet, developing the rich caramelized flavor that forms the heart of this soup.
Step 2: Add Garlic and Deglaze with Wine
Stir in the finely chopped garlic and cook for about a minute until fragrant. Then pour in the dry white wine to deglaze the pot, scraping up any tasty browned bits stuck to the bottom. Let the wine simmer gently until it reduces by half, which concentrates its flavor and adds a subtle acidity balancing the sweetness of the onions.
Step 3: Create the Soup Base
Sprinkle in the flour and cook it with the onion mixture for two minutes, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Gradually whisk in the beef or vegetable broth, ensuring a smooth consistency. Bring it all to a simmer and let it cook for 20 to 25 minutes, so the flavors meld and the soup thickens slightly into a luxurious broth.
Step 4: Sauté the Mushrooms
While the soup simmers, heat the tablespoon of butter and olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped garlic and sauté briefly before tossing in the quartered cremini mushrooms and fresh thyme. Cook them for 10 to 12 minutes until they release their moisture and become perfectly browned and tender, imparting a deep, savory mushroom flavor to the dish.
Step 5: Prepare the Cheesy Toasties
Slice the baguette and toast the slices lightly. Then pile on a mixture of grated Gruyère and Parmesan cheeses. Pop these under the broiler until the cheese bubbles and turns golden brown, creating crisp, gooey toasties that perfectly complement the soup’s velvety texture.
Step 6: Assemble and Serve
Ladle the soul-warming mushroom and caramelized onion soup into bowls. Nestle the cheesy toasties on top or serve them alongside as a dipper. Garnish with extra thyme and a sprinkle of Parmesan to make each bowl look as appetizing as it tastes.
How to Serve Mushroom & Caramelized Onion Soup with Cheesy Toasties Recipe
Garnishes
A few sprigs of fresh thyme and a light dusting of Parmesan cheese bring a pop of green and a touch of sharpness that lift the beautiful earthiness of this soup. These simple garnishes make the presentation inviting and add extra layers of flavor.
Side Dishes
This soup is filling and flavorful enough to stand on its own, but pairing it with a fresh green salad or a crisp apple slaw can bring a refreshing contrast that balances the richness of the dish perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the soup in rustic bread bowls that soak up every drop of broth. Alternatively, cut your cheesy toasties into bite-sized pieces for dipping or even create an open-faced sandwich topped with soup ladled over for a cozy, casual presentation your guests will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the cheesy toasties separate to maintain their crunch and reheat them just before serving to enjoy them at their best.
Freezing
This Mushroom & Caramelized Onion Soup with Cheesy Toasties Recipe freezes beautifully. Freeze the soup base without the toasties in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Defrost overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stove. Toast fresh bread and add cheese for the perfect finish each time.
Reheating
Reheat the soup slowly on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking or burning. Add a splash of broth or water if it thickens too much. Toast fresh bread slices and add cheese before broiling again for that signature cheesy crunch.
FAQs
Can I use different types of mushrooms in this recipe?
Absolutely! While cremini mushrooms are suggested for their robust flavor, you can mix in shiitake, portobello, or button mushrooms to add complexity and variety to the soup’s taste and texture.
Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, simply substitute the beef broth with a high-quality vegetable broth. This will keep the rich flavors intact while making the dish completely vegetarian-friendly without losing depth.
What can I use if I don’t have Gruyère cheese?
If Gruyère is unavailable, Swiss cheese, Emmental, or even a sharp mozzarella can work as flavorful, melty alternatives for the cheesy toasties.
Can I prepare parts of this recipe in advance?
Definitely! The onions can be caramelized a day ahead, and the mushroom sauté can also be prepared in advance. Just combine everything when ready to finish the soup and toast the bread fresh for the best flavor and texture.
How do I prevent my cheesy toasties from getting soggy?
To keep the toasties crisp, toast the bread slices first, add the cheese just before serving, and broil quickly to melt and brown. Serving them on the side rather than floating on the soup helps maintain their delightful crunch.
Final Thoughts
This Mushroom & Caramelized Onion Soup with Cheesy Toasties Recipe is the perfect cozy companion for any chilly day or when you simply need a little comfort food magic. With its rich flavors, melt-in-your-mouth texture, and cheesy finish, it’s bound to become a favorite in your recipe arsenal. I can’t wait for you to try it and share it with those you love!
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Mushroom & Caramelized Onion Soup with Cheesy Toasties Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This hearty Mushroom & Caramelized Onion Soup with Cheesy Toasties is a comforting blend of rich caramelized onions, savory mushrooms, and fragrant herbs in a flavorful broth. Topped with crispy toasted baguette slices loaded with melted Gruyère and Parmesan cheeses, this soup makes for a perfect meal during colder months or when you crave something warm and indulgent.
Ingredients
Soup Base Ingredients
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
- 1 cup dry white wine
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 8 cups beef broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian option)
- Salt & pepper to taste
Mushrooms
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, finely chopped
- 24 oz cremini mushrooms, quartered
- 1 tsp fresh thyme
Cheesy Toasties
- 1 baguette, sliced
- 8 oz Gruyère cheese, grated
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Instructions
- Caramelize the Onions: Melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced yellow onions, bay leaves, sprigs of fresh thyme, and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 30 to 40 minutes until the onions are deeply caramelized and golden brown.
- Add Garlic and Deglaze: Stir in the finely chopped garlic and cook for about a minute until fragrant. Pour in the dry white wine to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Simmer until the wine has reduced by half, enhancing the flavor of the soup base.
- Thicken the Soup: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the caramelized onions and stir well, cooking for 2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in the beef broth (or vegetable broth) until fully combined. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 20 to 25 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Sauté the Mushrooms: While the soup simmers, heat 1 tablespoon butter and 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the finely chopped garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the quartered cremini mushrooms and fresh thyme, cooking for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are nicely browned and tender.
- Prepare the Cheesy Toasties: Preheat the broiler. Toast the baguette slices lightly under the broiler. Remove them and top each slice with grated Gruyère and Parmesan cheeses. Return the toasties to the broiler and cook just until the cheese is bubbly and golden, about 2 to 3 minutes. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
- Assemble and Serve: Remove bay leaves and thyme sprigs from the soup. Ladle the hot soup into bowls, dividing the sautéed mushrooms evenly among them. Top each bowl with cheesy toasties, garnish with additional fresh thyme and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired, and serve immediately for a delicious, comforting meal.
Notes
- You can substitute beef broth with vegetable broth to make this recipe vegetarian-friendly.
- Use dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio for deglazing to enhance flavor without overwhelming the soup.
- Gruyère cheese adds a nutty flavor, but you can substitute with Swiss or mozzarella if unavailable.
- For gluten-free option, use gluten-free flour and bread alternatives.
- Caramelizing onions is a slow process but essential for depth of flavor; do not rush this step.
