Nothing brings comfort like a warm bowl of homemade soup, especially when it’s enriched with earthy mushrooms, sweet caramelized onions, and topped with crispy, cheesy toast and savory bacon. This Mushroom & Caramelized Onion Soup with Cheesy Toasties and Bacon is the perfect dish to warm your soul and satisfy your taste buds. Let’s dive into this comforting recipe, complete with ingredients, instructions, and tips to make the best soup you’ve ever had.
Ingredients
For the Soup:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb (450g) mushrooms (button, cremini, or a mix), sliced
- 4 cups vegetable or beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tbsp soy sauce (optional for umami boost)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh thyme leaves (about 1 tbsp), or 1 tsp dried thyme
For the Cheesy Toasties:
- 4 slices of sourdough or rustic bread
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 4-5 slices of crispy bacon, chopped
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
Estimated Calories
Per Serving: Approximately 400-500 calories (including cheesy toast and bacon)
Instructions
Step 1: Caramelize the Onions
In a large pot, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat.
Add sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until they become soft and golden brown. This should take about 20-25 minutes. The key here is patience, as caramelizing onions slowly brings out their sweetness.
Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 2 minutes, until fragrant.
Step 2: Sauté the Mushrooms
Once the onions are caramelized, add the sliced mushrooms to the pot.
Cook the mushrooms until they release their moisture and become golden brown, about 10-12 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
Step 3: Prepare the Soup Base
Pour in the broth and bring the mixture to a boil.
Reduce the heat to a simmer and add thyme, salt, black pepper, and soy sauce if using.
Let the soup simmer for 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Step 4: Add Cream and Final Seasoning
Stir in the heavy cream and let the soup heat through for an additional 5 minutes.
Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper as needed.
Step 5: Prepare the Cheesy Toasties
While the soup simmers, preheat the broiler or oven to 400°F (200°C).
Place the bread slices on a baking sheet and sprinkle generously with shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese.
Broil or bake until the cheese melts and turns golden brown, about 3-5 minutes.
Once done, sprinkle the chopped bacon on top of the melted cheese and add a bit of parsley for garnish.
Step 6: Serve
Ladle the hot soup into bowls.
Carefully place a cheesy toastie on top of each bowl of soup, allowing it to slightly soak into the soup.
Garnish with extra thyme or parsley if desired, and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Mushroom & Caramelized Onion Soup
Take Your Time with Onions: Caramelizing onions slowly over low to medium heat ensures they develop a deep, rich flavor that enhances the soup.
Use a Mix of Mushrooms: Button, cremini, and even a few shiitake mushrooms can add a variety of textures and flavors to the soup.
Broth Choice Matters: Vegetable broth keeps it vegetarian, while beef broth adds a robust flavor. Choose based on your preference.
Add Soy Sauce for Extra Umami: A splash of soy sauce brings out a rich umami flavor, especially if you’re using vegetable broth.
Experiment with Cheese: While cheddar and mozzarella are used here, Gruyère or Swiss cheese would also melt beautifully and add a deeper flavor to the toasties.
Crispy Bacon Tip: For the best crunch, bake your bacon slices in the oven until crispy, then chop them to sprinkle over the cheesy toasties.
Adjust Creaminess: If you prefer a lighter soup, reduce the heavy cream to 1/2 cup or replace it with half-and-half.
Conclusion
This Mushroom & Caramelized Onion Soup with Cheesy Toasties and Bacon is more than just a soup; it’s a cozy, hearty meal perfect for chilly nights. The earthy mushrooms, sweet caramelized onions, and the creamy soup base pair perfectly with the crispy, cheesy bacon-topped toast. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or a special treat for yourself, this soup is sure to become a favorite. Enjoy every warm, cheesy, and savory bite!