If you’re craving something cozy, comforting, and downright delicious, you’ve got to try this Creamy Mushroom Soup Recipe. I absolutely love how this soup turns out – it’s rich without being heavy, loaded with layers of flavor, and surprisingly simple to make. I remember the first time I whipped this up, my whole kitchen smelled like autumn, and my family went crazy for it. Stick with me, and I’ll share all my tips and tricks so you nail this soup every time!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Natural Creaminess: The secret to the creaminess here is blending part of the soup, no heavy cream needed.
- Easy to Customize: You can switch up mushrooms or add a touch of heat with cayenne pepper to suit your taste.
- Simple Ingredients: Everyday pantry staples come together for a hearty, flavorful soup.
- Healthy Twist: It’s lighter than classic versions but absolutely satisfying for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Creamy Mushroom Soup Recipe uses commonly found ingredients that blend beautifully for deep, savory flavor and a super smooth texture. When you pick those mushrooms, I suggest going for fresh and firm – they’ll give you the best meaty bite in your soup.
- Olive oil: Adds a subtle fruity base and helps sauté the veggies nicely.
- Butter: For richness and a lovely silky mouthfeel.
- Onion: Chopped finely – gives an aromatic sweetness.
- Garlic: Minced – just enough to boost flavor without overpowering.
- Mushrooms: White button mushrooms work great, but feel free to mix in cremini or shiitake for extra earthiness.
- Salt and pepper: To season perfectly.
- Cayenne pepper (optional): Just a pinch if you want a tiny bit of heat that wakes up the flavors.
- Flour: To thicken the soup – you can swap with gluten free flour if needed.
- Dry white wine: For deglazing and adding a slight acidity that balances richness.
- Vegetable or chicken broth: Use low sodium so you can control saltiness.
- Soy sauce: A splash for umami depth – it’s one of those sneaky flavor enhancers.
- Fresh thyme: Herby and fragrant, the perfect herbal note for mushrooms.
Variations
I love that this Creamy Mushroom Soup Recipe easily lends itself to little tweaks. Whether you’re following a diet or just feel like getting creative, there’s a way to personalize it that’ll suit your kitchen mood.
- Adding Cream: If you want that classic rich texture, stir in ½ to 1 cup of heavy cream near the end. My family loves this on chilly nights!
- Gluten Free: Swap the flour for cornstarch or arrowroot powder, or make a slurry with tapioca starch. I used to struggle making a thick gluten-free version, but this trick fixed it every time.
- Mushroom Mix: Try using a mix of wild mushrooms like chanterelles or porcini for a more robust flavor – it’s an easy upgrade for special occasions.
- Vegan Option: Replace butter with more olive oil or a plant-based butter substitute, and use vegetable broth to keep it fully vegan.
How to Make Creamy Mushroom Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics and Mushrooms
Start by warming olive oil and butter in a large pot over medium heat. Once melted, toss in your chopped onion and cook for about 5 minutes until soft and translucent. Then add the garlic and sauté for just 30 seconds – don’t let it brown or it’ll get bitter. Next, add the sliced mushrooms along with salt, pepper, and a pinch of cayenne if you’re using it. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring often, until the mushrooms have released their moisture and start turning golden. This step builds the base of your flavor – patience here really pays off.
Step 2: Thicken and Deglaze
Sprinkle the flour over the mushroom mixture and stir well so everything gets coated. The flour will help thicken the soup later. Pour in the dry white wine and stir to combine, scraping the bottom of the pot gently to loosen any browned bits. That deglazing moment adds incredible depth to your soup that you won’t find in canned soups. Let it bubble for a minute so the alcohol cooks off.
Step 3: Simmer to Perfection
Pour in your broth, soy sauce, and fresh thyme. Bring the soup to a boil, then lower the heat to a gentle simmer and cover the pot. Let it simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally so nothing sticks. This gives all those flavors time to mingle and develop into something cozy and rich.
Step 4: Blend and Finish
Carefully transfer about 2 cups of the soup into a blender or mini food processor and puree until smooth. Then stir the creamy blend back into the pot. This blending trick gives you the perfect silky texture without needing cream. If you want it extra creamy, this is where I’d add some heavy cream, but honestly, I love the lighter version just as much.
Pro Tips for Making Creamy Mushroom Soup Recipe
- Pick Fresh Mushrooms: I discovered this trick when I made the soup with older mushrooms—they turned the soup a bit watery; fresh mushrooms keep the body hearty.
- Don’t Skip Deglazing: Pouring in the wine and scraping the pot adds those little browned bits of flavor that make the soup sing.
- Blend Partially: This technique gives you texture with blended smoothness — it’s the perfect balance for creamy mushroom soup.
- Avoid Overcooking Garlic: Garlic can burn fast and get bitter, so add it just for the last 30 seconds of sauteing onions.
How to Serve Creamy Mushroom Soup Recipe
Garnishes
I like to sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or thyme leaves on top to brighten the whole bowl. A swirl of olive oil or a drizzle of truffle oil if you’re feeling fancy adds amazing fragrance and richness. Some toasted pumpkin seeds or a few cracked black peppercorns up the texture and make it feel extra special.
Side Dishes
Serve this soup alongside crusty bread or warm garlic naan for dipping. It also pairs perfectly with a fresh green salad or grilled cheese sandwiches if you want a heartier meal. I sometimes add a simple roasted veggie platter for a balanced dinner that feels indulgent but not heavy.
Creative Ways to Present
For dinner parties, I love serving this soup in small espresso cups as an elegant starter, topped with a tiny mushroom chip or herb sprig. Or ladle it into hollowed-out mini pumpkins during fall for a festive touch that always wows guests. It’s cozy AND classy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover creamy mushroom soup in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. When you cool it quickly and keep it sealed, it maintains its fresh mushroom flavor really well. Just give it a good stir before reheating.
Freezing
I’ve frozen this soup a few times and it freezes beautifully. Use freezer-safe containers and leave some space at the top for expansion. When thawed, it sometimes thickens up — just add a splash of broth or water when reheating to bring back that creamy consistency.
Reheating
I prefer reheating on the stove over low heat, stirring gently until warmed through to avoid scorching. If it’s too thick, a little broth or water loosens it up without losing flavor. Microwaving works fine too, just heat in short bursts and stir in between.
FAQs
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Can I make this Creamy Mushroom Soup Recipe dairy-free?
Yes! This recipe is naturally dairy-free since it uses olive oil and butter (which you can swap for vegan butter or more olive oil). I’ve made it vegan and it still has that rich, satisfying texture without any cream.
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What mushrooms work best for this soup?
White button mushrooms are my go-to because they’re mild and budget-friendly. But feel free to mix in cremini, shiitake, or even wild mushrooms for more complex flavor. Just make sure they’re fresh and firm.
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Can I use broth other than vegetable or chicken?
Absolutely! Beef broth could work but will give a stronger flavor. I prefer low sodium vegetable or chicken broth to control salt and keep the soup light and herbaceous.
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How do I thicken the soup without flour?
You can use corn starch, arrowroot, or tapioca starch instead of flour. Make a slurry by mixing the starch with a little cold water, then stir it into the soup during simmering. It thickens quickly without altering the flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Mushroom Soup Recipe has become a staple in my home because it’s simple, flavorful, and so comforting on any day you want a little warming hug in a bowl. I truly think you’ll enjoy making it as much as eating it. It’s also a great recipe to tweak and make your own, whether adding cream, trying different mushrooms, or turning it vegan. So grab your mushrooms, get comfy in your kitchen, and let this soup work its magic – you won’t be disappointed!
PrintCreamy Mushroom Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Salt
Description
This creamy mushroom soup is a rich, flavorful, and healthy dairy-free recipe perfect for cozy meals. Made with sautéed mushrooms, garlic, onions, and herbs, it is gently thickened with flour and pureed to achieve a smooth, velvety texture. The addition of white wine and low-sodium broth enhances the depth of flavor, making it a comforting dish for mushroom lovers looking for a homemade classic with a nutritious twist.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 large onion, chopped (about 2 cups)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 24 ounces mushrooms, cleaned and sliced 1/2 inch thick (preferably white button mushrooms)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1-2 pinches cayenne pepper (optional)
Thickener and Liquids
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour substitute)
- 1/4 cup dry white wine
- 4 cups low sodium vegetable broth or chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon low sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme
Instructions
- Heat fats and sauté onions: In a large pot, melt the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté for 5 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 30 seconds to release its aroma without burning it.
- Sauté mushrooms and season: Add the sliced mushrooms along with salt, pepper, and optional cayenne pepper. Stir to combine and sauté for 10 minutes until the mushrooms release their moisture and cook down.
- Add flour: Sprinkle the flour over the mushroom mixture and stir thoroughly to coat all ingredients, creating a roux that helps thicken the soup.
- Deglaze with wine: Pour in the dry white wine, stirring well to combine and loosen any browned bits stuck to the pot bottom for extra flavor.
- Add broth, soy sauce, and thyme: Pour in the broth, soy sauce, and fresh thyme. Bring the soup to a boil.
- Simmer the soup: Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the soup simmer gently for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Puree part of the soup: Transfer about 2 cups of the soup into a mini food processor or blender, puree until smooth, then carefully return it to the pot and stir to combine, adding creaminess and body without heavy cream.
Notes
- For a traditional cream of mushroom soup, add 1/2 to 1 cup of heavy cream after pureeing for extra richness.
- Any type of mushrooms work, but white button mushrooms provide a mild, classic flavor.
- Use low sodium chicken or vegetable broth to control salt levels.
- To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour or use a slurry made from tapioca starch, corn starch, or arrowroot powder.
- This dairy-free version is lighter but still delivers a creamy texture and robust mushroom flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 280 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
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