Description
This French Onion Mushroom Soup is a hearty and comforting twist on the classic French onion soup. With rich, savory caramelized onions and earthy mushrooms, this soup has deep, satisfying flavors that will warm you from the inside out. The combination of umami-rich mushrooms and the sweet richness of slowly caramelized onions creates a perfectly balanced broth. Topped with melted cheese and served with crusty bread, this soup makes the perfect meal for chilly days or when you want something indulgent and cozy.
Ingredients
- Yellow onions (thinly sliced)
- Mushrooms (cremini, button, or a mix, sliced)
- Butter (for sautéing)
- Olive oil (for sautéing)
- Garlic (minced)
- Thyme (fresh or dried)
- Bay leaf
- Beef broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian version)
- White wine (optional, but adds depth of flavor)
- Salt (to taste)
- Black pepper (to taste)
- Sugar (a pinch, to help caramelize the onions)
- Gruyère cheese (shredded, for topping)
- Baguette (sliced, for serving)
- Flour (optional, to thicken the soup)
Instructions
- Caramelize the Onions: In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and a pinch of sugar. Cook, stirring frequently, for about 25-30 minutes, until the onions are soft and caramelized. Stir occasionally to prevent burning and add more oil or butter if needed.
- Add Garlic and Mushrooms: Add the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms to the pot with the caramelized onions. Cook for another 5-7 minutes, until the mushrooms are softened and have released their moisture.
- Add Broth and Seasoning: Pour in the beef broth (or vegetable broth) and stir in the thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. If using, add white wine and let it cook down for 2-3 minutes. Bring the soup to a simmer and let it cook for 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Thicken the Soup (Optional): If you prefer a thicker soup, you can add a small amount of flour to the soup. Mix 1 tablespoon of flour with a little water to form a slurry, then stir it into the soup. Let the soup simmer for an additional 5 minutes to thicken.
- Prepare the Toast: While the soup simmers, preheat your oven’s broiler. Place slices of baguette on a baking sheet and toast them under the broiler until they are golden brown on both sides.
- Serve the Soup: Ladle the soup into bowls and top each serving with a slice of toasted baguette. Sprinkle with shredded Gruyère cheese. Place the bowls under the broiler for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the soup hot, with extra bread for dipping. Enjoy the rich and savory flavors of this comforting dish!
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth instead of beef broth and omit the cheese if preferred.
- If you don’t have Gruyère, Swiss cheese or mozzarella also work well as a substitute.
- This soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for 2-3 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making it even more delicious the next day.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Soup, Main Course
- Method: Stovetop, Broiling
- Cuisine: French, Comfort Food
Keywords: French onion mushroom soup, savory onion soup, mushroom soup, hearty soup, French onion soup recipe