Creamy French Onion and Mushroom Soup Recipe

When it comes to comfort food, nothing quite compares to a warm, hearty bowl of soup. Among the myriad of soup recipes one can find, Creamy French Onion and Mushroom Soup stands out as a luxurious treat. This delightful recipe not only combines the classic flavors of French onion soup but also introduces the earthy richness of mushrooms, making it an irresistible dish perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

To prepare this sumptuous soup, you will need the following ingredients:

• For the Soup:

  • 4 large onions, thinly sliced (preferably yellow or sweet onions)
  • 2 cups mushrooms, sliced (button or cremini work well)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)
  • 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped (or ½ teaspoon dried rosemary)
  • 6 cups beef or vegetable broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • Salt and pepper to taste

• For the Topping:

  • Baguette slices or croutons
  • 1 cup grated Gruyère cheese (or Swiss cheese)

Instructions

Step 1: Sauté the Onions and Mushrooms

1. Melt the Butter: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add Onions: Once melted and hot, add the sliced onions. Cook them slowly, stirring occasionally, until they become incredibly soft and caramelized, about 25-30 minutes. Be patient; this step is key to developing the sweet flavor.
3. Incorporate Mushrooms: After the onions are caramelized, add the sliced mushrooms. Continue cooking for another 10 minutes until the mushrooms are tender and have released their moisture.

Step 2: Add Aromatics and Broth

4. Stir in Garlic and Herbs: Add the minced garlic, thyme, and rosemary into the pot. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until fragrant.
5. Pour in Broth: Carefully pour in the broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 3: Creamify the Soup

6. Add the Cream: Reduce the heat to low, and slowly stir in the heavy cream. Allow the soup to heat through for about 5 minutes, but do not let it boil.

Step 4: Prepare the Topping

7. Toast the Baguette: While the soup is heating, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Arrange baguette slices on a baking sheet and toast them in the oven until golden brown, approximately 10 minutes.
8. Melt the Cheese: Once toasted, remove the baguette slices from the oven and place them on top of the soup in bowls. Generously sprinkle grated Gruyère cheese on top. Place the bowls under the broiler for a few minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Serve and Enjoy!

Your Creamy French Onion and Mushroom Soup is now ready to be served! Ladle the piping hot soup into bowls, top with the toasty cheese-covered baguettes, and dive into a warm, comforting experience. This soup is perfect for chilly evenings or any time you crave something soothing and rich.

Feel free to customize the recipe further—add a splash of sherry for depth or sprinkle some fresh chives or parsley for a pop of color. No matter how you make it, this soup is bound to become a favorite in your kitchen!

Enjoy your culinary adventure with this creamy twist on a classic dish!