If you have a craving for something warm, comforting, and indulgently smooth, then this Creamy Mushroom Soup Recipe is exactly what you need in your kitchen rotation. It’s a wonderful blend of earthy mushrooms, a touch of thyme, and a velvety creaminess that wraps you in a cozy hug with every spoonful. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or just treat yourself after a long day, this soup hits all the right notes with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Creamy Mushroom Soup Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a vital role, from building the rich base to enhancing the depth of flavor and creating that luxurious texture you love.
- Olive oil: Adds a subtle fruity richness and helps sauté the vegetables beautifully.
- Unsalted butter: Brings creamy smoothness and balances the olive oil’s sharpness perfectly.
- Yellow onion (diced): Provides a sweet, soft foundation that enriches every bite.
- Garlic cloves (minced): Infuses the soup with its signature aromatic warmth.
- Cremini or white mushrooms (sliced): The star ingredient offering earthy depth and meaty texture.
- All-purpose flour: Acts as a thickening agent to give your soup that silky body.
- Vegetable or chicken broth: Creates a flavorful base and ensures every spoonful is satisfying.
- Heavy cream: Adds luscious creaminess that makes the soup irresistibly rich.
- Dried thyme: Introduces a warm, herbal note that complements the mushrooms.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and ties everything together.
- Black pepper: Offers a gentle kick of spice to balance the creaminess.
- Fresh parsley (optional): Adds a bright, fresh touch and beautiful color for garnish.
How to Make Creamy Mushroom Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating the olive oil and unsalted butter together over medium heat. This blend of fats provides the ideal base for your soup, enriching the flavor without overpowering it. Toss in the diced yellow onion and cook gently for 4 to 5 minutes, allowing it to soften until translucent. Then add the minced garlic, stirring for just about 30 seconds until fragrant—you want to unlock that garlicky goodness without browning it.
Step 2: Cook the Mushrooms
Add your sliced mushrooms to the pot. This part is crucial for maximizing the savory umami flavor. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until the mushrooms release their moisture and start turning golden brown. This caramelization deepens the taste, making your soup truly shine with rich, earthy notes.
Step 3: Thicken the Soup
Sprinkle the all-purpose flour evenly over the mushrooms and stir vigorously to coat them thoroughly. This step creates the thickening base that will transform your soup into a creamy delight. Slowly pour in the broth while stirring constantly, preventing lumps and ensuring a smooth consistency. Once combined, add dried thyme, salt, and black pepper—these seasonings begin to build the complex flavor profile.
Step 4: Simmer and Finish
Bring the soup to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 10 minutes so it thickens and all the flavors meld together perfectly. Then, reduce the heat and stir in the heavy cream, warming it for 2 to 3 minutes without boiling. This finishing touch guarantees that silky, luscious texture that makes this soup special. Give it a taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
How to Serve Creamy Mushroom Soup Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley adds a burst of color and a clean, herbaceous note that brightens the rich soup. If you want to get fancy, a drizzle of truffle oil or a dusting of freshly ground black pepper can elevate the presentation and flavor even more.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread, perfect for soaking up every last drop. Grilled cheese sandwiches with sharp cheddar or a melty fontina offer a nostalgic, satisfying combination that’s hard to beat. Light salads with vinaigrettes also make refreshing companions.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this creamy mushroom soup in rustic bowls for a cozy, homey vibe, or go upscale by garnishing with sautéed wild mushrooms and microgreens. A swirl of cream or a sprinkle of toasted nuts like hazelnuts or walnuts can add an unexpected twist and textural contrast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays fresh and flavorful for up to 3 days, making it an excellent make-ahead lunch or quick dinner option.
Freezing
This Creamy Mushroom Soup Recipe freezes well if you want to stock up. Use freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing if you use heavy cream, as it might change texture slightly, but stirring well after thawing can help.
Reheating
Reheat gently over low-medium heat on the stove, stirring occasionally. If the soup thickens too much, add a splash of broth or cream to restore its perfect consistency. Avoid boiling to keep the cream smooth.
FAQs
Can I use other types of mushrooms?
Absolutely! While cremini or white mushrooms are suggested, you can use button, shiitake, or even portobello mushrooms to add unique flavors and textures. Just adjust cooking times slightly for thicker or denser mushrooms.
Is there a dairy-free version of this soup?
Yes, you can swap out heavy cream for coconut milk or another plant-based cream alternative. This creates a delicious dairy-free or vegan-friendly take on the Creamy Mushroom Soup Recipe without sacrificing creaminess.
How do I make the soup smoother?
If you prefer a silky, velvety texture, use an immersion blender to partially or fully blend the soup after it’s cooked. This technique helps break down the mushrooms and creates a luxuriously smooth finish.
Can I add other herbs or spices?
Definitely! Fresh or dried thyme is classic, but rosemary, sage, or a hint of nutmeg also complement the mushrooms wonderfully. Just add them sparingly to avoid overpowering the base flavors.
What’s the best way to reheat the soup?
Slowly warm it on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring often to avoid scorching. Add a little broth or cream if the soup feels too thick. This ensures the soup retains its creamy texture and rich flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Mushroom Soup Recipe is one of those treasures that feels both elegant and incredibly cozy at the same time. Whether you’re sharing it with loved ones or enjoying a peaceful night in, it’s sure to become a go-to favorite. So go ahead, gather your ingredients and dive into this deliciously comforting bowl of goodness—you won’t regret it!
Print
Creamy Mushroom Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This creamy mushroom soup recipe is a comforting and flavorful dish made with sautéed mushrooms, aromatic onions, garlic, and a rich blend of cream and broth. Perfect for a cozy meal, it’s easy to prepare on the stovetop and suits vegetarian diets while delivering a smooth, velvety texture.
Ingredients
Mushroom Soup Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 pound cremini or white mushrooms, sliced
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Heat oil and butter: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil and unsalted butter over medium heat until melted and shimmering.
- Sauté onion: Add diced yellow onion and cook for 4–5 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Add garlic: Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Cook mushrooms: Add sliced mushrooms, stirring occasionally, and cook for 8–10 minutes until they release moisture and begin to brown.
- Add flour: Sprinkle all-purpose flour over the mushrooms and stir thoroughly to coat evenly, which helps thicken the soup.
- Pour in broth: Slowly pour in the vegetable or chicken broth while stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
- Season soup: Add dried thyme, salt, and black pepper to the pot and stir well.
- Simmer and thicken: Bring the soup to a gentle simmer and cook for 10 minutes, allowing it to thicken and the flavors to meld.
- Add cream: Reduce heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Allow it to warm through for 2–3 minutes without boiling.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste the soup and adjust salt and pepper if needed.
- Garnish and serve: Serve hot garnished with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- For a smoother texture, use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup before adding cream.
- Substitute coconut milk or dairy-free cream for a vegan-friendly variation.
- This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a grilled cheese sandwich for a hearty meal.
