Creamy French Onion and Mushroom Soup Recipe
This Creamy French Onion and Mushroom Soup is a rich and flavorful blend of caramelized onions, sautéed mushrooms, and aromatic herbs simmered in vegetable broth and finished with heavy cream. Perfectly comforting and smooth, this classic French-inspired soup is ideal for a cozy meal, garnished with fresh parsley and optional melted Gruyère or Swiss cheese for an indulgent touch.
- Author: Ava
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Vegetarian
Vegetables
- 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 8 oz mushrooms (such as cremini or button), sliced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Liquids & Dairy
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth for non-vegetarian version)
- 1 cup heavy cream
Herbs & Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary (or ½ teaspoon dried rosemary)
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (optional, for added depth)
Optional Toppings
- Grated Gruyère or Swiss cheese (optional, for topping)
- Slice the Onions: Thinly slice the onions to ensure they caramelize evenly and provide a smooth texture in the soup.
- Slice the Mushrooms: Clean and slice the mushrooms uniformly for even cooking.
- Heat the Oil and Butter: In a large pot, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat until the butter melts, creating a flavorful base.
- Cook the Onions: Add the sliced onions to the pot and cook for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they turn golden brown and caramelize, developing deep sweetness.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, careful not to burn it.
- Sauté the Mushrooms: Add the sliced mushrooms to the pot with the onions and garlic. Cook for 8-10 minutes until the mushrooms have released their moisture and become tender.
- Add Broth and Herbs: Pour in the vegetable broth along with fresh thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf. Stir well and bring the soup to a simmer. Let it cook gently for 20-25 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Season the Soup: Add salt, pepper, balsamic vinegar, and optional soy sauce. Stir to combine and adjust seasoning to taste.
- Add the Cream: Reduce heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Cook for 5-10 minutes until the soup is heated through and creamy.
- Garnish and Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and optionally top with grated Gruyère or Swiss cheese. For a luxurious finish, broil the topped soup until the cheese melts and bubbles.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use chicken broth instead of vegetable broth if you are not vegetarian.
- Caramelizing onions properly is key to achieving the classic deep flavor and sweetness in this soup.
- Broiling the soup with cheese on top adds an indulgent, savory crust that enhances the dish.
- Soy sauce is optional but adds umami depth; reduce salt if using soy sauce to avoid oversalting.
- Fresh herbs can be substituted with dried herbs in half the quantity if fresh is unavailable.
Keywords: French onion soup, mushroom soup, creamy soup, vegetarian soup, caramelized onions, Gruyère cheese soup, comforting soup