This velvety, restaurant-quality creamy mushroom soup brings together earthy mushrooms, aromatic herbs, and rich cream for the ultimate comfort food experience. Perfect for chilly evenings or when you’re craving something warm and satisfying, this homemade soup delivers complex flavors with surprisingly simple techniques.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This creamy mushroom soup recipe transforms humble ingredients into something truly spectacular. The combination of mixed mushrooms creates layers of umami depth that you simply can’t achieve with a single variety. The soup strikes the perfect balance between rich and light, creamy yet not heavy. What makes this recipe particularly special is its versatility – you can easily customize it with your favorite mushroom varieties or adjust the thickness to your preference. Unlike store-bought versions, this homemade creamy mushroom soup contains no artificial preservatives or excess sodium, giving you complete control over the flavor profile. The recipe is also surprisingly quick, coming together in under 45 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or last-minute entertaining.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Soup:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 1/2 pounds mixed mushrooms (such as cremini, shiitake, and button, cleaned and sliced)
- 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional)
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried)
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (optional, for thicker soup)
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
How to Make Creamy Mushroom Soup
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients Clean and slice all mushrooms uniformly, about 1/4-inch thick. Dice the onion and mince the garlic. Having everything prepped before you start cooking ensures smooth preparation.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics Heat butter and olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 3: Cook the Mushrooms Add the sliced mushrooms to the pot and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. The mushrooms will release their moisture initially, then begin to brown as the liquid evaporates. This browning is crucial for developing deep, rich flavor.
Step 4: Deglaze (Optional) If using white wine, pour it into the pot and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom. Let the wine simmer for 2-3 minutes to cook off the alcohol and concentrate the flavors.
Step 5: Add Broth and Seasonings Pour in the vegetable broth, then add thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Step 6: Create the Cream Base If you prefer a thicker soup, whisk the flour with a small amount of cold broth until smooth, then stir this mixture into the soup. Remove the bay leaf, then slowly stir in the heavy cream. Heat through for 2-3 minutes, but avoid boiling to prevent curdling.
Step 7: Final Seasoning and Serve Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed. Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Helpful Tips
Mushroom Selection: Using a mix of mushroom varieties creates more complex flavors. Cremini mushrooms provide earthiness, shiitake adds umami depth, and button mushrooms offer mild sweetness. Feel free to experiment with oyster, porcini, or chanterelle mushrooms for different flavor profiles.
Don’t Overcrowd: Cook mushrooms in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan. Overcrowded mushrooms will steam rather than brown, resulting in less flavor development.
Temperature Control: Keep the heat at medium when cooking mushrooms. Too high heat will burn the garlic and onions, while too low won’t properly caramelize the mushrooms.
Cream Addition: Always add cream off the heat or on very low heat to prevent curdling. If the soup does curdle, try whisking vigorously or using an immersion blender to smooth it out.
Make-Ahead Friendly: This soup actually improves in flavor after resting. The base can be made up to 2 days ahead, then reheat gently and add cream just before serving.
Details
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4-6
Difficulty Level: Easy to Intermediate
This creamy mushroom soup recipe yields approximately 6 cups of soup, making it perfect for family dinners or meal prep. The soup has a rich, velvety texture with visible mushroom pieces that add wonderful texture contrast. Each serving provides approximately 280 calories, making it a satisfying yet reasonable option for lunch or dinner.
Notes
Wine Substitution: If you prefer not to use wine, simply skip this step or substitute with an additional 1/4 cup of broth plus a splash of lemon juice for acidity.
Dairy-Free Version: Replace heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or cashew cream for a dairy-free alternative. The flavor will be slightly different but equally delicious.
Texture Preferences: For a completely smooth soup, use an immersion blender to puree to your desired consistency. For more texture, leave some mushroom pieces whole.
Flour Alternative: If avoiding gluten, substitute the flour with cornstarch mixed with cold water, or simply reduce the broth slightly by simmering longer for natural thickening.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze creamy mushroom soup? While the soup base (without cream) freezes well for up to 3 months, the cream may separate upon thawing. For best results, freeze the base and add fresh cream when reheating.
What’s the best way to clean mushrooms? Gently wipe mushrooms with a damp paper towel or soft brush. Avoid soaking them in water as they’ll absorb moisture and become soggy when cooked.
Can I use dried mushrooms? Absolutely! Rehydrate 1-2 ounces of dried mushrooms in warm water for 20 minutes, then chop and use along with fresh mushrooms. Reserve the soaking liquid to replace some of the broth for extra mushroom flavor.
How do I prevent the soup from curdling? Always add cream to cooled or barely warm soup, and avoid boiling once cream is added. If curdling occurs, remove from heat immediately and whisk vigorously.
Can I make this soup vegan? Yes! Replace butter with vegan butter or additional olive oil, use vegetable broth, and substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream.
Storage Instructions
Refrigerator Storage: Store leftover creamy mushroom soup in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors will continue to develop, making leftovers even more delicious.
Reheating Instructions: Reheat gently over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent scorching. If the soup appears too thick after refrigeration, thin with additional broth or cream. Avoid rapid reheating or boiling, which can cause separation.
Freezer Storage: Freeze the soup base (before adding cream) for up to 3 months in freezer-safe containers, leaving 1-inch headspace for expansion. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat and add fresh cream.
Portion Control: Consider freezing in individual portions for easy single-serving meals. Ice cube trays work well for small portions that can be quickly reheated.
Conclusion
This creamy mushroom soup recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with simple home cooking techniques. The combination of perfectly sautéed mushrooms, aromatic vegetables, and rich cream creates a soup that’s both comforting and sophisticated. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner, an elegant starter for entertaining, or a satisfying lunch, this versatile recipe fits the bill perfectly.
The beauty of this creamy mushroom soup lies in its adaptability – adjust seasonings to your taste, experiment with different mushroom varieties, or modify the thickness to suit your preferences. With proper storage techniques, you can enjoy this delicious soup throughout the week or even prepare it ahead for stress-free entertaining.
Master this basic creamy mushroom soup recipe, and you’ll have a go-to comfort food that never fails to impress. The rich, earthy flavors and luxurious texture make every spoonful a warm hug in a bowl, perfect for creating memorable meals and cozy moments at home.
