If you’re craving a rich, hearty soup that’s packed with savory flavors, this Mushroom & Caramelized Onion Soup with Cheesy Toasties and Bacon is the perfect choice. It combines the earthy, umami flavors of mushrooms and sweet, tender caramelized onions in a rich broth. Topped with crispy, cheesy toasties and crispy bacon, this soup takes comfort food to a whole new level. It’s the ultimate indulgence on a chilly day and is sure to become a new favorite.
What makes this soup so special is the depth of flavor created by the caramelized onions, the rich broth, and the combination of mushrooms, which provide both texture and a savory flavor. The cheesy toasties add a crispy, melty layer of goodness, while the bacon gives it an extra crunch and savory bite. Each spoonful is a perfect balance of creamy, salty, and earthy—an irresistible combination!
I first made this Mushroom & Caramelized Onion Soup with Cheesy Toasties and Bacon on a cold evening when I was looking for something rich and hearty to warm me up. I had mushrooms, onions, and bacon in my fridge, and I thought, why not combine them into a comforting soup? The result was pure bliss—rich, velvety soup topped with crispy toast and savory bacon. Since then, this soup has become a regular in my kitchen, and I can’t wait to share it with you.
Why This Mushroom & Caramelized Onion Soup with Cheesy Toasties and Bacon Will Be Your New Favorite
- Savory and rich: The combination of caramelized onions, mushrooms, and bacon creates a deep, savory flavor that’s comforting and satisfying.
- Creamy and indulgent: The soup is creamy, with a velvety texture that pairs perfectly with the crispy, cheesy toasties.
- Loaded with toppings: The bacon and cheesy toasties elevate the soup with a delightful crunch and extra flavor.
- Perfect for any occasion: Whether it’s a cozy dinner at home, a gathering with friends, or a chilly night, this soup is perfect for any occasion.
How to Make Mushroom & Caramelized Onion Soup with Cheesy Toasties and Bacon
- Caramelize the onions: In a large pot, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for 25-30 minutes, or until the onions are golden brown and caramelized. Be patient—this step is key to building flavor!
- Cook the mushrooms: Add the sliced mushrooms to the pot with the onions and cook for about 5-7 minutes, until the mushrooms have softened and released their moisture.
- Add the garlic and seasonings: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. Add thyme, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Simmer the soup: Pour in the broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Add the cream (optional): If you prefer a creamier soup, stir in the heavy cream at this point and let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes.
- Cook the bacon: While the soup is simmering, cook the bacon in a separate pan over medium heat until crispy. Remove from the pan and set aside on paper towels to drain. Once cooled, crumble or chop the bacon into small pieces.
- Make the cheesy toasties: Preheat your broiler. Spread softened butter on one side of each slice of bread. Place the bread, butter-side down, on a baking sheet. Top each slice with a generous amount of shredded cheese and broil for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Assemble and serve: Ladle the soup into bowls. Top each bowl with crumbled bacon and a cheesy toasty. Serve immediately, and enjoy this cozy, comforting dish!
Tips
- Caramelizing the onions: This step takes time, but it’s what makes the soup so rich and flavorful. If you’re short on time, you can speed up the process slightly by cooking the onions on medium-high heat, but the slower the better for full caramelization.
- Broth options: You can use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version or chicken broth for a richer flavor.
- Add more veggies: For extra nutrition, add some chopped carrots or celery when cooking the onions.
- Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the soup for a little heat.
Substitutions and Variations
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free bread for the cheesy toasties to make the soup gluten-free.
- Dairy-Free: Substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a non-dairy cream and use dairy-free cheese for the toasties.
- Vegetarian: Omit the bacon for a vegetarian version of this soup and use vegetable broth.
- Vegan: Replace the butter with olive oil, and use a vegan cheese alternative for the toasties.
Make a Healthier Version
- Lower Fat: Use a lighter cheese or omit the heavy cream for a lighter version of the soup.
- More Veggies: Add extra greens, like spinach or kale, to the soup for added vitamins and nutrients.
- Lean Protein: Instead of bacon, you can use turkey bacon or cooked chicken for a leaner protein option.
Closing
And there you have it! This Mushroom & Caramelized Onion Soup with Cheesy Toasties and Bacon is the ultimate comfort food. The rich, flavorful soup combined with the crispy toast and smoky bacon creates a perfect balance of textures and tastes. Whether you’re warming up on a chilly day, impressing guests, or enjoying a comforting dinner at home, this soup will surely hit the spot. Don’t forget to let us know how your soup turns out, and check out some of our other comforting soup recipes for more hearty meal ideas!
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long can I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the soup on the stove or in the microwave. - Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes! This soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will even deepen as it sits. - Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, this soup freezes well! Let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. - Can I make this soup without the cheesy toasties?
Yes, the soup is still delicious without the cheesy toasties, though they add a nice touch of flavor and texture. You can also use regular croutons or skip the bread altogether. - Can I use a different type of mushroom?
Yes! You can use any type of mushroom you like. Cremini, portobello, or shiitake mushrooms will all work wonderfully in this soup. - How do I know when the soup is done?
The soup is done when the mushrooms are tender, the broth is rich and flavorful, and everything has simmered together for at least 10 minutes. - Can I add more vegetables to the soup?
Absolutely! Feel free to add in chopped carrots, celery, or even zucchini to make the soup heartier and more nutritious. - Can I make this soup spicier?
Yes! Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the soup for an extra kick. - What can I serve with this soup?
This soup pairs wonderfully with a side of garlic bread, a simple salad, or even a glass of white wine. - How do I store the cheesy toasties?
If you have leftover cheesy toasties, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. You can reheat them under the broiler for a few seconds to crisp them up again. - Can I use a different cheese for the toasties?
Yes, you can use any cheese that melts well, such as cheddar, mozzarella, or Swiss, for the cheesy toasties. - Can I skip the bacon?
Yes, you can omit the bacon for a vegetarian version of this soup. You can also use turkey bacon or sausage if you prefer a different meat.
Mushroom & Caramelized Onion Soup with Cheesy Toasties and Bacon
4
30
minutes40
300
kcal0
minutesKeep the screen of your device on
Ingredients
For the Soup:
2 tbsp 2 unsalted butter
2 tbsp 2 olive oil
2 large 2 onions, thinly sliced
1 lb 1 mushrooms, sliced (button, cremini, or a mix)
2 cloves 2 garlic, minced
4 cups 4 low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth
1 tsp 1 thyme (dried or fresh)
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup 1/2 heavy cream (optional, for creaminess)
For the Cheesy Toasties:
4 slices 4 your favorite bread (sourdough, baguette, or French bread work well)
1 cup 1 shredded Gruyère cheese (or a mix of Gruyère and cheddar)
2 tbsp 2 unsalted butter, softened
For the Bacon:
4 4 strips of bacon
Directions
- Caramelize the onions: In a large pot, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for 25-30 minutes, or until the onions are golden brown and caramelized. Be patient—this step is key to building flavor!
- Cook the mushrooms: Add the sliced mushrooms to the pot with the onions and cook for about 5-7 minutes, until the mushrooms have softened and released their moisture.
- Add the garlic and seasonings: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. Add thyme, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Simmer the soup: Pour in the broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Add the cream (optional): If you prefer a creamier soup, stir in the heavy cream at this point and let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes.
- Cook the bacon: While the soup is simmering, cook the bacon in a separate pan over medium heat until crispy. Remove from the pan and set aside on paper towels to drain. Once cooled, crumble or chop the bacon into small pieces.
- Make the cheesy toasties: Preheat your broiler. Spread softened butter on one side of each slice of bread. Place the bread, butter-side down, on a baking sheet. Top each slice with a generous amount of shredded cheese and broil for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Assemble and serve: Ladle the soup into bowls. Top each bowl with crumbled bacon and a cheesy toasty. Serve immediately, and enjoy this cozy, comforting dish!
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