**Mushroom & Caramelized Onion Soup with Cheesy Toasties & Bacon Recipe**
Easy to prepare and absolutely delicious, our Mushroom & Caramelized Onion Soup paired with Cheesy Toasties and Crispy Bacon is perfect for those cozy evenings at home or even a wholesome family lunch.
**Total Preparation & Cooking Time: 1 h (Prep Time: 15 m, Cook Time: 45 m), Servings: 4**
**Ingredients**
For the Soup:
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 2 medium onions, thinly sliced
– 500g mushrooms, sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
– 1 teaspoon thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
For the Cheesy Toasties:
– 8 slices of your favorite bread
– 1 cup grated cheese (cheddar, gruyere, or your choice)
– 8 strips of bacon, cooked and crispy
**Preparation**
For the Mushroom & Caramelized Onion Soup:
1. Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions and cook until golden and caramelized (approx. 15 minutes).
2. Add sliced mushrooms and garlic to the pot, cooking until mushrooms are tender (approx. 10 minutes).
3. Pour in broth and add thyme. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and let it simmer for 20 minutes. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to your preference.
For the Cheesy Toasties:
1. Preheat a skillet or griddle over medium heat. Assemble the toasties by placing cheese between two slices of bread.
2. Cook the assembled sandwiches in the skillet, making sure to flip it often so both sides turn a golden brown (approx. 3-4 minutes per side).
3. Open the sandwiches and add the cooked bacon strips.
**Serving**
Ladle the hot soup into bowls and serve with a side of warm, cheesy toasties. Enjoy the harmony of flavors from the creamy yet heartwarming soup and the zest from the cheesy toasties with a bacon twist!
**Storage**
The soup can last in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store in an airtight container and reheat on the stove or in the microwave when ready to eat.
**Valuable Tips to Enhance your Mushroom & Caramelized Onion Soup**
– Cook the onions on low to medium heat to achieve optimum caramelization without burning them.
– If you prefer a creamy soup, blend the soup with a stick blender before serving.
– You can add more cheese on top of the toasties and grill further for an extra cheesy finish.
If preferred, swap the bacon with ham or omit it altogether for a vegetarian option. You can also switch up the cheese type for variation.
**FAQs**
1. **What can I use as a substitute for bacon?** You can use ham or prosciutto as a substitute for bacon. If you’re vegetarian or vegan, opt for meat-free bacon alternatives.
2. **Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh ones?** Yes, you can use dried herbs. Generally, the conversion is 1 teaspoon of dried herbs for every tablespoon of fresh herbs.
3. **Can I use other types of mushrooms?** Absolutely. While the recipe calls for white mushrooms, feel free to experiment with different mushroom varieties such as portobello, button, or cremini for a different taste profile and texture.