If you’re craving a cozy, rich, and utterly satisfying soup to warm up your day, this Creamy Mushroom Soup Recipe is an absolute must-try. It beautifully balances the deep, earthy flavors of fresh mushrooms with a silky smooth texture that feels like a comforting hug in a bowl. Whether you’re a longtime mushroom fan or just discovering their magic, this soup is a simple yet elegant way to enjoy a homemade classic that’s guaranteed to impress.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these straightforward ingredients is the first step toward something truly special. Each one plays a crucial role: from the sweetness of onions and garlic to the earthiness of the mushrooms themselves, and the creamy finish that brings everything together perfectly.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps soften the onions for a sweet base flavor.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Balances the butter, preventing it from burning and adding a subtle fruity note.
- 1 small yellow onion (finely chopped): Provides a mild, savory sweetness that builds the soup’s foundation.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): Lends an aromatic punch without overpowering the mushroom flavor.
- 1 pound fresh mushrooms (sliced): Cremini, white button, or a mix, these bring the star earthy notes and meaty texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 teaspoon fresh): Offers a subtle herbal lift that complements the mushrooms’ richness.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Just enough to gently awaken the flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (more to taste): Enhances all the natural tastes beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Gives the soup its luscious, thickened body.
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth: Creates the liquid base, packed with savory depth.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half: Brings the signature creamy, smooth finish we all love.
- Optional garnish: chopped parsley or a drizzle of cream: Adds a fresh, pretty touch that elevates every spoonful.
How to Make Creamy Mushroom Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by melting the butter and warming the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once hot, toss in the finely chopped onion and cook gently for 4 to 5 minutes until it’s soft, translucent, and exuding sweetness. This is the cozy foundation that sets the stage for the rest of the flavors to shine.
Step 2: Add Garlic for Aroma
Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook for just 30 seconds. This step is brief but essential—the garlic releases its fragrant oils, infusing the soup with a subtle kick that complements but doesn’t overshadow the mushrooms.
Step 3: Cook the Mushrooms
Time to introduce your sliced mushrooms to the pan along with thyme, salt, and black pepper. Cook gently for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. During this time, the mushrooms will release their moisture and begin to brown, concentrating their earthy flavor and creating the heart of your soup.
Step 4: Thicken the Soup
Sprinkle the flour evenly over the mushrooms, stirring well to coat everything. Let it cook for about one minute—this step is critical to avoid any raw flour taste and helps give the soup that luxurious, velvety texture you’re aiming for.
Step 5: Add Broth and Simmer
Slowly pour in the vegetable or chicken broth while stirring to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil to blend all flavors, then reduce heat and let it simmer for 10 to 15 minutes. This simmering develops a rich, well-rounded body that makes the soup truly comforting.
Step 6: Stir in the Cream
Reduce heat to low and add the heavy cream or half-and-half, stirring until heated through but not boiling. Taste at this stage and adjust the seasoning if needed. The cream softens the edges and adds that indulgent finish we’re all daydreaming about.
How to Serve Creamy Mushroom Soup Recipe
Garnishes
To make each serving feel extra special, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top—it adds a bright, herbal note and freshens the palate. For a luxurious touch, swirl in a drizzle of cream just before serving; it creates a beautiful contrast and a touch of elegance.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread or garlic toast for dipping, making it a perfect light lunch or starter. You could also serve it alongside a crisp green salad or a simple grilled cheese sandwich for a heartier meal that will satisfy any appetite.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the soup in rustic bowls or mini cauldrons for a cozy vibe, especially in colder months. For dinner parties, a garnish of sautéed mushroom slices or a sprinkle of toasted nuts can add texture and sophistication. Don’t be afraid to experiment—the creamy mushroom soup recipe is wonderfully versatile!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover soup keeps wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors deepen, making your next bowl even more delicious. Just give it a good stir before reheating to recombine any separated cream.
Freezing
For longer storage, this soup freezes well for up to two months. Leave out the cream if you plan to freeze it and add it fresh when reheating for the best texture and flavor. Freeze in individual portions for easy convenience.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring regularly to prevent scorching. If the soup seems too thick, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up. Add the cream at the very end to keep that rich creaminess intact.
FAQs
Can I use different types of mushrooms in this soup?
Absolutely! While cremini and white button mushrooms are traditional and give a balanced flavor, feel free to experiment with shiitake, portobello, or oyster mushrooms for a more complex, earthy taste.
Is there a dairy-free version of this creamy mushroom soup recipe?
Yes! Simply swap out the heavy cream for coconut milk or any plant-based cream alternative. The soup will still be rich and silky but with a different, slightly tropical undertone.
Can I make this soup completely smooth?
Definitely. Use an immersion blender directly in the pot or transfer the soup to a blender in batches. Blending results in a velvety texture similar to classic cream soups, perfect if you prefer a refined finish.
What can I serve this soup with for a full meal?
Pair it with a fresh green salad, crusty artisan bread, or a warm sandwich like grilled cheese or roast beef. The soup is a great starter or light dinner option when combined with these sides.
How long does it take to prepare this creamy mushroom soup recipe?
From start to finish, you’re looking at about 40 minutes total—10 minutes to prep and around 30 minutes to cook, making it perfect for a weekday meal or weekend treat.
Final Thoughts
There is something genuinely comforting about a bowl of this Creamy Mushroom Soup Recipe that feels both indulgent and refreshing. It’s the kind of dish you’ll want to keep coming back to, whether on a chilly day or when you simply want to treat yourself with a homemade classic. Go ahead and whip up a pot—you’ll soon see why it’s a favorite worth sharing with friends and family.
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Creamy Mushroom Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, European-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This creamy mushroom soup combines fresh mushrooms, aromatic herbs, and a touch of cream to create a rich and comforting dish perfect for any season. With a flavorful base of sautéed onions, garlic, and mushrooms thickened with a light flour roux and finished with cream, this soup is both hearty and elegant. Ideal as a starter or light meal, it can be easily made vegetarian or dairy-free to suit your preferences.
Ingredients
Base
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Mushrooms & Seasoning
- 1 pound fresh mushrooms, sliced (cremini, white button, or a mix)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 teaspoon fresh thyme)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (more to taste)
Thickening & Liquid
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
Optional Garnish
- Chopped parsley
- Drizzle of cream
Instructions
- Prepare Aromatics: In a large pot, heat the unsalted butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook for 4–5 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent, developing a sweet aroma that forms the soup base.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, taking care not to let it brown to avoid bitterness.
- Sauté Mushrooms: Add the sliced mushrooms along with dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms release their moisture and start to brown, intensifying the soup’s umami flavor.
- Add Flour: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour evenly over the mushrooms and stir thoroughly to coat them. Cook for 1 minute, allowing the flour to remove its raw taste and act as a thickener.
- Add Broth and Simmer: Slowly pour in the vegetable or chicken broth while stirring continuously to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10–15 minutes to meld the flavors and thicken the soup.
- Finish with Cream: Stir in the heavy cream or half-and-half and heat through gently without boiling, to keep the cream from curdling. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with chopped parsley or a drizzle of cream for an elegant presentation.
Notes
- For a smooth, silky texture, blend the soup with an immersion blender directly in the pot or in batches with a regular blender.
- To make a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or simply omit the cream.
- The soup can be made completely vegetarian by using vegetable broth.
