Name: Mushroom & Caramelized Onion Soup with Cheesy Toasties Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons butter; 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced; 1 teaspoon sugar; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1 lb cremini or button mushrooms, sliced; 1/2 lb shiitake mushrooms, stems removed, sliced; 1 teaspoon fresh thyme or 1/2 tsp dried thyme; 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional); 4 cups vegetable broth; 1 tablespoon soy sauce; 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional for richness); Salt and pepper to taste; 4 slices crusty bread; 1 cup shredded Gruyère or sharp cheddar cheese; 1 tablespoon butter

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Get ready to fall head over heels for the comforting, savory flavors of Mushroom & Caramelized Onion Soup with Cheesy Toasties. This is the ultimate cozy dish for chilly evenings — deeply golden caramelized onions swirl together with earthy mushrooms, a hint of fresh thyme, and the irresistible richness of melted cheese on crispy, buttery toast. Each spoonful warms you from the inside out, while every cheesy bite is pure bliss. Whether you’re seeking a meatless main or just craving something soul-satisfying, Mushroom & Caramelized Onion Soup with Cheesy Toasties manages to be both elegant and fuss-free, making it a true go-to in any kitchen.

Mushroom & Caramelized Onion Soup with Cheesy Toasties Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this dish is how everyday ingredients transform into something spectacular. Every component plays a starring role, and choosing good-quality essentials ensures the Mushroom & Caramelized Onion Soup with Cheesy Toasties sings with flavor, heartiness, and depth.

Olive Oil (2 tablespoons): Adds rich, fruity notes and gets those onions sizzling perfectly.
Butter (2 tablespoons): Lends a velvety mouthfeel and helps onions caramelize into golden ribbons.
Large Yellow Onions (2, thinly sliced): The foundation! Slow cooking unlocks their natural sweetness.
Sugar (1 teaspoon): Just a pinch speeds up caramelization and deepens the onions’ color.
Garlic Cloves (3, minced): A fragrant backbone that elevates the entire soup.
Cremini or Button Mushrooms (1 lb, sliced): These bring earthiness and substance, perfect for a hearty spoonful.
Shiitake Mushrooms (1/2 lb, stems removed, sliced): Their intense flavor is key for umami depth and a woodsy vibe.
Fresh Thyme (1 teaspoon, or 1/2 tsp dried): A tiny touch adds wonderful herbal notes.
Dry White Wine (1/4 cup, optional): For deglazing, it infuses brightness and subtle acidity.
Vegetable Broth (4 cups): The soup’s flavor base—choose a good quality or homemade broth when you can.
Soy Sauce (1 tablespoon): A secret ingredient for a pop of savory depth and fantastic color.
Heavy Cream (1/2 cup, optional): Swirls in just before serving to create luxurious richness—skip it for a lighter bowl.
Salt and Pepper (to taste): The essential finishing touch to balance all of the flavors.
Crusty Bread (4 slices): For the toasties, pick something sturdy that crisps gorgeously in a skillet.
Gruyère or Sharp Cheddar Cheese (1 cup, shredded): Choose boldly flavored cheese for toasties that melt and stretch beautifully.
Butter (1 tablespoon): Makes those cheesy toasties shatteringly golden and delicious.

How to Make Mushroom & Caramelized Onion Soup with Cheesy Toasties

Step 1: Caramelize the Onions

Heat your olive oil and butter in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Toss in the sliced onions and sprinkle over the sugar. Let everything mingle and cook slowly, stirring occasionally for a good 25 to 30 minutes. You want the onions deeply golden, buttery-soft, and just the faintest bit sticky — patience at this stage is what gives Mushroom & Caramelized Onion Soup with Cheesy Toasties its signature sweetness and deep flavor.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic and Mushrooms

Once your onions are beautifully caramelized, add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about one minute. Tip in all the mushrooms along with the thyme, and turn up the heat just a notch. Sauté for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring now and then, until the mushrooms release their juices and start to brown. This builds serious umami depth in your soup base.

Step 3: Deglaze the Pot

Time for a splash of white wine, if you like! Pour it into the pot and use your spoon to scrape up all the golden-brown bits stuck to the bottom—those are packed with flavor. Let the wine bubble up and reduce slightly. If you’re skipping the wine, a splash of broth will also do the trick.

Step 4: Simmer the Soup

Stir in the vegetable broth and soy sauce, watching as the pot transforms into a fragrant, irresistible pool of flavor. Bring the soup up to a gentle simmer and cook uncovered for 10 to 15 minutes, letting the flavors meld and deepen. If you’re feeling indulgent, finish by stirring in the heavy cream for an ultra-silky, luscious texture. Taste and season with salt and plenty of cracked black pepper.

Step 5: Make the Cheesy Toasties

While the soup simmers, prep your toasties. Butter one side of each slice of crusty bread. On the unbuttered side of two slices, pile on the shredded cheese, then top with the other bread slices (buttered sides out). Heat a skillet over medium and cook each toastie for 2 to 3 minutes per side, until gorgeously golden and the cheese is bubbling. For that classic touch, slice them into halves or quarters—perfect for dunking!

How to Serve Mushroom & Caramelized Onion Soup with Cheesy Toasties

Garnishes

Add the finishing touch by sprinkling each bowl with fresh thyme or a scatter of finely chopped chives for color and a lovely herbal lift. If you’re feeling a bit fancy, a dollop of crème fraîche or a dash of cracked black pepper makes this Mushroom & Caramelized Onion Soup with Cheesy Toasties restaurant-worthy.

Side Dishes

This soup is absolutely complete thanks to those cheesy toasties, but a crisp, tangy arugula salad or classic caesar brings extra freshness alongside the rich, earthy notes. Add some sliced apples or pears for a sweet contrast, or a simple vinaigrette to cut through all that glorious cheese.

Creative Ways to Present

Pour the soup into oven-proof bowls, float the cheesy toasties right on top, and broil for a few minutes for a French onion soup-inspired effect. Or, serve the soup in rustic mugs for a casual gathering. For parties, cut the toasties into mini sticks for fantastic finger-food dipping action—Mushroom & Caramelized Onion Soup with Cheesy Toasties becomes both comforting and a little bit fun.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have a bit left, store the soup and cheesy toasties separately. Let the soup cool, then pour it into airtight containers and refrigerate for up to four days. The flavors deepen with time, so next-day Mushroom & Caramelized Onion Soup with Cheesy Toasties is even better!

Freezing

This soup freezes brilliantly. Portion cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving room for expansion, and freeze for up to three months. Hold off on the cream until reheating, if making ahead. Toasties are best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze assembled (uncooked) sandwiches and grill straight from the freezer.

Reheating

Reheat the soup gently on the stovetop over medium-low, stirring often. If it was frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator first. To crisp up leftover toasties, reheat them in a skillet or toaster oven until melty and hot—never the microwave, which makes them soggy.

FAQs

Can I make Mushroom & Caramelized Onion Soup with Cheesy Toasties vegan?

Absolutely! Swap the butter for plant-based margarine, use your favorite vegan cheese for the toasties, and skip the cream or use coconut cream or any plant-based alternative. The mushroom and onion flavors are so bold, you’ll still get plenty of richness and depth.

What kind of mushrooms can I use?

Cremini and shiitake are recommended for their flavor and texture, but feel free to mix and match with oyster, portobello, or even wild mushrooms for extra earthiness. Just make sure to adjust cooking time for larger or denser varieties.

Is there a gluten-free option for the toasties?

Definitely! Simply use a good-quality gluten-free bread for your cheesy toasties. Everything else in the Mushroom & Caramelized Onion Soup with Cheesy Toasties is naturally gluten-free, so everyone can enjoy a bowlful.

Can I skip the wine in the recipe?

Yes! The wine adds subtle acidity and complexity, but you can easily leave it out or substitute a splash of extra broth or a tiny touch of balsamic vinegar. The soup remains flavorful and satisfying without it.

Does this soup taste better the next day?

Absolutely! Like many soups, Mushroom & Caramelized Onion Soup with Cheesy Toasties develops even deeper flavors after a night in the fridge. Just reheat gently and enjoy those complex savory notes that come with a little time.

Final Thoughts

If you’re longing for a dinner that feels like a big, warm hug, you truly can’t go wrong with Mushroom & Caramelized Onion Soup with Cheesy Toasties. It’s simple enough for busy weeknights yet impressive for company, and the classic flavors never disappoint. Grab your favorite soup bowls—and plenty of napkins for extra gooey toasties—because this is one recipe you’ll want to come back to again and again!

Mushroom & Caramelized Onion Soup with Cheesy Toasties Recipe

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4.8 from 8 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the rich and comforting flavors of this Mushroom & Caramelized Onion Soup with Cheesy Toasties. The hearty soup paired with gooey, cheesy toasties makes for a satisfying meal on a chilly day.

Ingredients

Scale

Soup:

2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
1 teaspoon sugar
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 lb cremini or button mushrooms, sliced
1/2 lb shiitake mushrooms, stems removed, sliced
1 teaspoon fresh thyme or 1/2 tsp dried thyme
1/4 cup dry white wine (optional)
4 cups vegetable broth
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1/2 cup heavy cream (optional for richness)
Salt and pepper to taste

Cheesy Toasties:

4 slices crusty bread
1 cup shredded Gruyère or sharp cheddar cheese
1 tablespoon butter

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Instructions

Soup: In a large pot, heat olive oil and butter. Caramelize onions, add garlic, mushrooms, thyme, then deglaze with wine. Add broth, soy sauce, simmer. Stir in cream, season.
Cheesy Toasties: Butter bread, add cheese between slices. Cook in skillet until golden and cheese melts. Cut and serve with soup.