This cheese soup with mushrooms is a flavor powerhouse. The earthy, umami-rich mushrooms pair beautifully with the creamy, melted cheese, creating a soup that's sophisticated yet comforting.
The key is properly sautéing the mushrooms first until they're golden and caramelized. This builds deep flavor that complements rather than gets lost in the cheese.
Choosing Mushrooms
A mix of mushrooms creates the best flavor:
- Cremini - Earthy, good base mushroom
- Shiitake - Rich, meaty flavor
- Button - Mild, affordable
- Porcini - Intense, use sparingly
- Oyster - Delicate, silky texture
Sautéing Tips
- Don't crowd the pan - cook in batches
- Don't stir too much - let them brown
- Season at the end to prevent moisture release
- Golden brown edges = maximum flavor
Serving Suggestions
- Crusty sourdough bread
- Fresh thyme sprigs on top
- Truffle oil drizzle for luxury
- Pair with a light red wine
Cheese Soup with Mushrooms
Rich cheese soup with golden sautéed mushrooms and fresh thyme.
Nutrition per serving
365Calories
15gProtein
16gCarbs
28gFat
2gFiber
3gSugar
Ingredients
Instructions
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Sauté mushrooms. Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add mushrooms and cook without stirring for 3 minutes, then stir and cook 5 more minutes until golden. Season lightly and set aside.
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Build the base. Add remaining butter to pot. Sauté onion 5 minutes until soft. Add garlic and thyme, cook 1 minute. Whisk in flour and cook 2 minutes.
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Add liquids. Gradually whisk in broth and cream. Simmer 10 minutes until slightly thickened.
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Add cheese. Reduce heat to low. Add Gruyère and cheddar gradually, stirring until completely melted and smooth.
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Finish and serve. Stir in sautéed mushrooms. Season with salt and pepper. Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley.
Recipe Notes
- Wild mushrooms: Use dried porcini rehydrated for deeper flavor.
- Truffle upgrade: Drizzle with truffle oil before serving.
- Storage: Refrigerate 3 days. Mushrooms may soften when reheated.
- Make it lighter: Use half-and-half instead of cream.
