This creamy mushroom soup is a warm hug in a bowl! With fresh mushrooms, rich cream, and simple spices, it’s both cozy and flavorful.
You can sip it with a crusty piece of bread or enjoy it as a base for pasta. I love how easy it is to whip up when I need a quick meal on chilly days! 🍲
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Unsalted butter is best since it allows you to control the saltiness. If you’re dairy-free, try using olive oil or vegan butter instead.
Mushrooms: Cremini or white mushrooms work great. If you want a richer flavor, consider using shiitake or portobello mushrooms. Dried mushrooms can work too—just rehydrate them before cooking.
Broth: Vegetable broth is lighter, while chicken broth gives added depth. You can even use homemade stock for great flavor. If you’re low on broth, mix water with bouillon cubes.
Heavy Cream: For a lighter soup, use half-and-half or whole milk. To keep it dairy-free, blend in coconut milk for creaminess or use a non-dairy cream substitute.
How Do I Get the Best Flavor from Mushrooms?
The key to flavorful mushrooms is cooking them well! Make sure you sauté the sliced mushrooms until they’re golden brown. This caramelization brings out their rich taste. Here’s how to do it:
- Heat your pan over medium-high heat before adding the mushrooms; this helps them brown nicely.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary. Overcrowding leads to steaming instead of browning.
- Stir occasionally, but let them sit for a bit to achieve a nice color. This should take about 8-10 minutes.
Following these tips will ensure your soup is packed with mushroom goodness!
How to Make Cream of Mushroom Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 12 ounces (about 340g) cremini or white mushrooms, sliced
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or chives for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious cream of mushroom soup takes about 10 minutes to prepare and roughly 30 minutes to cook, for a total of around 40 minutes from start to finish. You’ll be enjoying a warm bowl of comfort in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Aromatics:
In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the chopped onion and cook while stirring occasionally. You want the onion to soften and turn translucent, which should take about 5 minutes. Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until it smells delicious!
2. Cook the Mushrooms:
Add the sliced mushrooms and thyme to the pot. Cook them, stirring occasionally, until they release their moisture and become golden brown—this will take about 8 to 10 minutes. This step is crucial for deepening the flavor of your soup!
3. Add the Flour:
Sprinkle the flour over the mushrooms, stirring well to coat everything evenly. Cook this mixture for about 1 to 2 minutes. This helps remove the raw taste of the flour and will thicken your soup nicely.
4. Pour in the Broth:
Gradually pour in the vegetable or chicken broth while stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and allow it to cook for about 15 minutes. This will let all the flavors blend beautifully.
5. Blend the Soup:
After simmering, remove the pot from heat. If you have an immersion blender, use it to purée the soup until it’s smooth. If you don’t, carefully blend the soup in batches in a regular blender. Just be cautious with the hot liquid!
6. Finish with Cream:
Return the blended soup to low heat and stir in the heavy cream. Season it with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Heat gently but do not let it boil!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Once warmed through, ladle the soup into bowls. For a lovely presentation, top with a few sautéed mushroom slices and a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives if you like. Enjoy your comforting bowl of cream of mushroom soup with some crusty bread on the side!
Dig in and savor each spoonful of this creamy goodness!
Can I Use Different Types of Mushrooms?
Absolutely! While cremini and white mushrooms are great choices, you can also experiment with shiitake, portobello, or even dried mushrooms. Just make sure to rehydrate dried mushrooms before using them!
Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
Yes, it’s easy to make this soup dairy-free! Simply substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a non-dairy cream alternative. Adjust the seasoning as needed to balance the flavors.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Just remember to thaw it in the fridge before reheating!
What Should I Serve with Cream of Mushroom Soup?
This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, a fresh salad, or even a grilled cheese sandwich. For a heartier meal, serve it over pasta or rice to add some extra texture and flavor!