Mushroom and Caramelized Onion Soup with Cheesy toasties
Rich, earthy mushrooms and sweet, slow-cooked caramelized onions come together in a creamy, flavorful soup. Served with golden, melty cheesy toasties, this dish is comfort food at its finest—perfect for winter evenings, lunch, or as a starter for a special meal.
Time
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 35 minutes
Total time: ~50 minutes
Ingredients
For the soup
2 tbsp olive oil
2 medium onions, thinly sliced
2 garlic cloves, minced
500 g mushrooms, sliced (button, cremini, or mixed)
1 tsp fresh thyme (or ½ tsp dried)
3 cups vegetable or chicken stock
½ cup milk or cream (optional for creaminess)
Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional: splash of white wine for deglazing
For the cheesy toasties
8 slices of bread (sourdough or country bread preferred)
1 cup grated mozzarella or Gruyère cheese
2 tbsp butter (for spreading)
Optional: sprinkle of Parmesan for extra flavor
Instructions
1. Caramelize onions
Heat olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions and a pinch of salt. Cook 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and sweet.
2. Cook mushrooms
Add garlic and cook 1 minute. Add mushrooms and thyme. Cook for 5–7 minutes until mushrooms release moisture and start browning. Optional: splash a little white wine to deglaze the pan.
3. Add stock
Pour in vegetable or chicken stock. Bring to a simmer and cook 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
4. Blend the soup
Use an immersion blender or regular blender to blend the soup until smooth (or leave slightly chunky for texture). Stir in milk or cream if using. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
5. Prepare cheesy toasties
Butter one side of each bread slice. Place cheese between two slices (buttered side out) and grill on a pan over medium heat until golden and melty (~3 minutes per side). Alternatively, toast under a broiler.
6. Serve
Pour soup into bowls and serve immediately with cheesy toasties on the side or dipped into the soup.
Tips for Best Results
Cook onions slowly for rich sweetness
Use a mix of mushrooms for deeper flavor
Don’t over-blend if you prefer some mushroom texture
Toast bread just before serving to keep it crispy
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make it vegan?
Yes. Use olive oil instead of butter and plant-based milk + vegan cheese for toasties.
Can I freeze the soup?
Yes, freeze before adding milk or cream. Reheat gently.
Can I add herbs?
Thyme, rosemary, or parsley work beautifully with mushrooms.
Can I make it in advance?
Soup can be made a day ahead; prepare toasties fresh before serving.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 340 kcal
Protein: 12 g
Fat: 18 g
Carbohydrates: 32 g
Fiber: 4 g