There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of hearty, flavorful soup paired with ooey-gooey cheesy toast to curl up with on a chilly day. The Mushroom & Caramelized Onion Soup with Cheesy Toasties Recipe is one of those cozy indulgences that feels like a hug in food form. Earthy mushrooms mingle beautifully with sweet, slowly caramelized onions, enhanced by rich broth and that perfect touch of creaminess. And those golden, buttery toasties loaded with melted cheese? Simply irresistible! This recipe effortlessly blends layers of flavor and texture, making it a standout comfort meal that’s guaranteed to become your go-to whenever you want something satisfying yet simple.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, accessible ingredients come together here in a way that showcases the magic of caramelization and slow cooking, building deep, complex flavors. Each component plays a vital role: the onions for sweetness, mushrooms for earthiness, and cheese for that irresistible melty finish.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Provides a light, fruity base to gently cook the onions and mushrooms without overpowering their flavors.
- Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons): Adds richness and helps achieve that perfect caramelization on the onions.
- Yellow onions, thinly sliced (2 large): Slowly caramelized to bring out their natural sweetness and depth.
- Garlic cloves, minced (4): Gives a subtle punch of aroma and flavor that complements both mushrooms and onions.
- Cremini or button mushrooms, sliced (1 pound): Deliver earthy, savory notes that form the heart of the soup.
- Fresh thyme leaves (1 teaspoon): A fragrant herb that brightens the dish and echoes the foresty taste of mushrooms.
- Dry white wine (1/4 cup, optional): Adds acidity and depth when deglazing the pan, lifting up the browned bits for flavor.
- Vegetable broth (4 cups): The liquid base that carries all those mushroom and onion aromas in every spoonful.
- Water (1 cup): Helps adjust consistency without watering down flavor when combined with broth.
- Soy sauce (1 tablespoon): Boosts umami richness without making the soup salty.
- Salt and black pepper, to taste: Essential to balance and enhance all the flavors.
- Heavy cream (1/4 cup, optional): Creates a luscious, velvety texture for those who want extra indulgence.
- Sourdough or rustic bread slices (4): Sturdy bread ideal for making crispy, buttery toasties.
- Shredded gruyère or sharp cheddar cheese (1 cup): Melts beautifully, adding a nutty or tangy layer that pairs perfectly with the soup.
- Butter for toasties (2 tablespoons): Ensures a golden, crispy finish on your grilled cheese sandwiches.
How to Make Mushroom & Caramelized Onion Soup with Cheesy Toasties Recipe
Step 1: Caramelize the Onions
Start by heating olive oil and butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add your thinly sliced onions and cook them slowly, stirring often. The magic happens here—this step takes around 25 to 30 minutes, but don’t rush it! The slow caramelization transforms onions from sharp and pungent to sweet and deeply flavorful, setting the foundation of this soup’s incredible taste.
Step 2: Add Garlic and Mushrooms
Once your onions are perfectly caramelized, stir in the minced garlic and sauté for just a minute until fragrant—watch closely to avoid burning. Then add the sliced mushrooms and fresh thyme. Turn the heat up to medium-high so the mushrooms release their moisture and begin to brown, about 8 to 10 minutes. This browning develops an earthy, savory flavor that is vital to this recipe.
Step 3: Deglaze and Simmer
If using, pour in the dry white wine to deglaze the pan—scrape up all those tasty browned bits stuck to the bottom. Then pour in vegetable broth, water, and soy sauce. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 15 minutes, allowing all the flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 4: Blend and Season
Depending on your preference, partially blend the soup for a creamy texture while still leaving some chunks for bite and texture. Season generously with salt and black pepper to taste. If you love silky richness, stir in a splash of heavy cream right before serving.
Step 5: Make the Cheesy Toasties
While the soup simmers, prepare your toasties. Butter one side of each bread slice. On the unbuttered side, pile on the shredded cheese, then top with another slice, butter side facing out. Grill them in a skillet over medium heat until the bread is golden and crisp, and cheese is melted—about 3 to 4 minutes each side. Slice diagonally for easy dipping.
How to Serve Mushroom & Caramelized Onion Soup with Cheesy Toasties Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate this comforting soup, sprinkle fresh thyme leaves or finely chopped chives on top just before serving. A drizzle of extra cream or a little cracked black pepper can bring a wonderful finishing touch, inviting your senses to enjoy every spoonful.
Side Dishes
This recipe stands as a satisfying meal on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or tangy pickled vegetables adds a refreshing contrast that balances the soup’s richness beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party or special occasion, serve the soup in rustic ramekins or hollowed-out sourdough bread bowls for extra charm. Place a toastie wedge resting on the side or floating on top to create a playful, inviting presentation your guests will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Mushroom & Caramelized Onion Soup with Cheesy Toasties Recipe is perfect for making ahead. Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the toasties separate to maintain their crispness.
Freezing
You can freeze the soup without cream for up to 2 months. Cool it completely, then pour into freezer-safe containers, leaving space for expansion. Cheese toasties don’t freeze well but can be quickly made fresh as needed.
Reheating
Gently reheat the soup on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add cream after reheating to maintain its fresh texture. For toasties, re-grill lightly or toast in a hot pan to revive their crispiness and melty goodness.
FAQs
Can I use different types of mushrooms in this recipe?
Absolutely! Mixing cremini, shiitake, or portobello mushrooms can add wonderful depth and variety to the flavor profile. Just slice them evenly so they cook uniformly.
Is it possible to make this soup vegan?
Yes! Simply swap the butter with olive oil or vegan margarine, use a plant-based cream alternative, and choose vegan cheese for the toasties. The soy sauce keeps the umami intact.
What can I do if I don’t have white wine?
No worries at all. You can skip the wine or substitute it with a splash of apple cider vinegar or extra broth. The soup will still be delicious and rich.
Can the soup be fully blended?
Of course. Blending the soup to a smooth consistency creates a velvety texture that some prefer, but leaving it chunky allows you to enjoy the hearty pieces of mushrooms and onions—it’s totally up to your taste!
How do I prevent the toasties from becoming soggy?
Butter the outside of the bread to create a crispy crust, and grill the toasties over medium heat, flipping carefully so the cheese melts while the bread crisps up. Serve immediately for the best texture.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a soul-soothing meal that feels like a warm embrace, give this Mushroom & Caramelized Onion Soup with Cheesy Toasties Recipe a try. It’s packed with flavor, full of wholesome ingredients, and the perfect way to brighten any day with comfort and deliciousness. Trust me, once you make it, it will quickly become a cherished favorite you’ll want to share again and again.
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Mushroom & Caramelized Onion Soup with Cheesy Toasties Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This comforting Mushroom & Caramelized Onion Soup with Cheesy Toasties is a deliciously rich and savory recipe perfect for cozy meals. Slow-cooked caramelized onions blend with earthy mushrooms and a touch of thyme, simmered to perfection in a flavorful broth. Served alongside warm, buttery grilled cheese toasties, this dish offers a satisfying combination of creamy soup and melty cheesy bread, ideal for fall or anytime comfort food cravings.
Ingredients
Soup Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 pound cremini or button mushrooms, sliced
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional)
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup water
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional)
Cheesy Toasties Ingredients
- 4 slices sourdough or rustic bread
- 1 cup shredded gruyère or sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter (for toasties)
Instructions
- Caramelize Onions: Heat olive oil and unsalted butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and cook slowly, stirring often, for 25 to 30 minutes until they become deeply caramelized and rich in color.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Cook Mushrooms: Add the sliced mushrooms and thyme to the pot. Increase heat to medium-high and cook for 8 to 10 minutes until mushrooms release their moisture and begin to brown.
- Deglaze Pan: If using, pour in the dry white wine to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom for added flavor. Let it reduce slightly.
- Add Broth and Simmer: Stir in the vegetable broth, water, and soy sauce. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook gently for 15 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Season and Blend: Season with salt and black pepper to taste. For a creamier texture, partially blend the soup using an immersion blender, or leave it chunky according to preference.
- Finish with Cream: Stir in the heavy cream just before serving if you want a richer soup.
- Prepare Toasties: Butter one side of each slice of bread. On the unbuttered side, evenly distribute the shredded cheese and top with another bread slice, buttered side facing out.
- Cook Toasties: Grill the sandwiches in a skillet over medium heat until the bread is golden brown and crispy, about 3 to 4 minutes per side, and the cheese is fully melted.
- Serve: Slice the cheesy toasties and serve hot alongside the mushroom and caramelized onion soup for a hearty and comforting meal.
Notes
- Use a mix of mushrooms such as cremini, shiitake, and button for deeper, earthier flavor.
- Skip the heavy cream for a lighter, dairy-free version of the soup.
- Add a splash of balsamic vinegar during caramelization for an extra layer of complexity.
- Gruyère cheese adds a nutty richness to the toasties, but any good melting cheese like sharp cheddar will work well.
