Description
This Creamy French Onion & Mushroom Soup combines caramelized onions and savory mushrooms in a rich, flavorful broth finished with a touch of cream. Enhanced with fresh thyme, sage, and a hint of honey, this comforting soup is perfect served classic-style topped with broiled Gruyère cheese on toasted French bread slices for an indulgent twist.
Ingredients
Scale
Soup Base
- 6 Tbsp salted butter
- 4 medium yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups cremini or wild mushrooms, sliced
- 2 Tbsp fresh thyme leaves
- 2 Tbsp chopped fresh sage
- 1 tsp honey (optional)
- 6–8 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 bay leaves
- Kosher salt & black pepper, to taste
Finishing
- ½ cup heavy cream
Optional Garnish
- French bread slices topped with Gruyère cheese, broiled until bubbly
Instructions
- Caramelize Onions: Melt the salted butter in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and honey, if using. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions turn deeply golden and caramelized, about 15–20 minutes, developing a rich, sweet flavor.
- Add Garlic & Mushrooms: Stir in the minced garlic, sliced mushrooms, fresh thyme leaves, and chopped sage. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, for approximately 5 minutes until the mushrooms soften and begin to release their juices.
- Simmer the Soup: Pour in 6 to 8 cups of low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth based on desired soup thickness. Add Worcestershire sauce and bay leaves. Bring the soup to a gentle simmer and cook for about 20 minutes to meld all flavors. Remove and discard the bay leaves.
- Finish with Cream: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Season the soup with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper according to taste, ensuring a creamy and well-balanced finish.
- Serve: Ladle the finished soup into bowls. For an indulgent touch, top with slices of French bread and Gruyère cheese. Place under a broiler until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown, then serve immediately.
Notes
- Using low-sodium broth allows better control of the soup’s saltiness.
- Honey is optional but helps deepen the sweetness of the caramelized onions.
- Gruyère cheese adds a classic flavor, but you can substitute with Swiss or mozzarella if preferred.
- For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth and ensure Worcestershire sauce is vegetarian-friendly or substitute with soy sauce.
- This soup can be made ahead; reheat gently on the stovetop before serving.
