🍄 Mushroom & Caramelized Onion Soup with Cheesy Toasties and Bacon
A rich, hearty, and soul-warming dish filled with deep umami flavor from mushrooms, sweetness from slow-cooked onions, and a savory finish from crispy bacon. The cheesy toasties take this soup to next-level comfort food.
🧾 Ingredients
For the Soup:
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb (450g) mushrooms (mix of button, cremini, or shiitake), sliced
- ½ cup dry white wine (optional – adds depth)
- 4 cups beef or vegetable broth
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves (or 1 tsp dried thyme)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ¼ cup heavy cream (optional – for creamier texture)
For the Cheesy Toasties:
- 4 slices crusty bread (like baguette or sourdough)
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère, Swiss, or sharp cheddar
- 2 tbsp butter, softened
🍳 Instructions
1. Cook the Bacon:
- In a large pot, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat.
- Add chopped bacon and cook until crispy. Remove and set aside, leaving the drippings.
2. Caramelize the Onions:
- Add butter to the pot. Stir in sliced onions and a pinch of salt.
- Cook on low heat, stirring often, for 20–25 minutes until deeply golden and soft.
3. Add Garlic and Mushrooms:
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Add mushrooms and cook for 10–15 minutes until browned and reduced.
4. Deglaze with Wine (Optional):
- Pour in wine and let it reduce for 2–3 minutes.
5. Simmer the Soup:
- Add broth, thyme, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 15–20 minutes.
- Blend partially for texture (optional).
- Stir in heavy cream if using.
6. Make the Toasties:
- Butter one side of each bread slice.
- Top the unbuttered side with cheese, sandwich together, and pan-grill until golden and cheese is melted.
7. Serve:
- Ladle soup into bowls, top with crispy bacon.
- Serve with cheesy toasties on the side or dipped in.
📝 Notes & Tips
- Mix mushrooms for best flavor – cremini and shiitake add deep earthiness.
- Low and slow is key for caramelized onions – don’t rush it.
- Toasties can be made in a sandwich press for extra crispness.
- Use vegetable broth and skip bacon for a vegetarian version.
🍽️ Servings
- Makes about 4 servings.
🔬 Nutritional Info (Per Serving, Approximate)
With bacon, cream, and cheese toasties:
- Calories: 450–550
- Protein: 15–20g
- Fat: 30–40g
- Carbs: 25–35g
- Fiber: 3–5g
- Sodium: 700–900mg
🌟 Health Benefits
- Mushrooms: Rich in antioxidants, B vitamins, and immune-boosting compounds.
- Onions & garlic: Anti-inflammatory, good for heart health.
- Thyme: Natural antimicrobial.
- Bacon adds protein and flavor, but can be replaced for lighter versions.
- Cheese offers calcium and flavor—Gruyère and Swiss are great melters.
❓ Q & A
Q1: Can I freeze this soup?
A: Yes! It freezes well (without cream added). Store in airtight containers for up to 2 months.
Q2: Can I make it vegetarian or vegan?
A: Yes. Use veggie broth, skip the bacon, and replace cream with coconut milk or cashew cream. Use dairy-free cheese or skip the toasties.
Q3: What’s the best cheese for the toasties?
A: Gruyère is ideal for its melty, nutty flavor, but sharp cheddar or Swiss also work great.
Q4: What wine pairs best with this soup?
A: A dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or even a light red like Pinot Noir complements the earthy flavors well.