Creamy Mushroom Soup Recipe

If you love hearty, comforting soups, Creamy Mushroom Soup is about to become your new obsession! Imagine velvety, rich broth packed with earthy mushrooms—this classic, old-fashioned soup is the ultimate dish for chilly evenings or cozy lunches alike.

Ingredients You’ll Need

It’s incredible how just a handful of pantry staples and fresh mushrooms can transform into something this soul-soothing. Each ingredient brings out different notes—the mushrooms give an earthy punch, the splash of cream adds lushness, and aromatics create irresistible depth.

• Baby bella mushrooms: These meaty mushrooms deliver a robust, earthy flavor and satisfying texture, making them the true shining star of the soup.
• Garlic: Minced and sautéed, garlic infuses the base with just the right punch of savory warmth.
• Olive oil: Used for sautéing to gently cook and caramelize the mushrooms before the rich ingredients join the party.
• Salt & pepper: Don’t skip these essentials! They’re the secret to balancing and bringing out every layer of flavor in the soup.
• Butter: Creates a luxurious, golden base for the roux and adds a subtle, nutty richness.
• All-purpose flour: This thickens the soup gently without making it heavy, resulting in that dreamy, spoon-coating texture.
• Vegetable broth: The backbone of the soup, vegetable broth adds savoriness while keeping things light and vegetarian-friendly.
• Soy sauce: Just a teaspoon, but it works magic—think deeper umami and a splash of color.
• Dried thyme: A pinch provides a subtly woodsy herbal note that ties all the flavors together.
• Heavy cream: The final flourish! This is what transforms your mushroom soup into a true creamy masterpiece.

Variations

One of the best things about Creamy Mushroom Soup is how endlessly customizable it can be. Don’t be afraid to get creative—swap in what you have on hand or tailor it to your taste, dietary needs, or what’s lurking in your fridge!

• Make it vegan: Use plant-based butter and substitute coconut milk or cashew cream for the heavy cream—you’ll still get that luscious texture.
• Add extra veggies: Sneak in sautéed leeks, spinach, or kale for even more color, flavor, and nutrition.
• Boost the protein: Stir in cooked chickpeas, white beans, or shredded rotisserie chicken (if not vegetarian) for a heartier meal.
• Try different mushrooms: Blend button, shiitake, or oyster mushrooms alongside baby bellas for a wild, woodsy flavor medley.

How to Make Creamy Mushroom Soup

Step 1: Prep the Mushrooms and Garlic

Start by giving your mushrooms a quick wash under cool water to remove any grit—then slice them nice and thick for maximum texture. Mince the garlic cloves so they’re ready to infuse the soup with amazing flavor at just the right moment.

Step 2: Sauté Mushrooms Until Deep Brown

In your soup pot, heat the olive oil and toss in the mushrooms with a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Let them cook over medium heat—no rushing here! Give them time to release their liquid, then keep sautéing until all that moisture evaporates and the mushrooms turn an intense golden brown. This step unlocks their full, savory punch.

Step 3: Add Garlic, Butter, and Flour for a Rich Roux

When the mushrooms are ready, add in the minced garlic and cook for just about a minute; you’ll start to smell the magic. Next comes the butter—let it melt and stir in the flour. Cook this mixture, called a roux, for a couple of minutes to bring out a deep golden color and that irresistible, toasty aroma.

Step 4: Pour in Broth, Soy Sauce, and Thyme

Gradually add the vegetable broth, a splash of soy sauce, and the dried thyme. Stir well to lift up all the browned bits from the bottom—these are flavor gold! Let everything come to a gentle simmer so the soup thickens and every spoonful becomes silky smooth.

Step 5: Stir in Cream and Adjust Seasoning

Time for the creamy finale: stir in the heavy cream and watch the soup become luxuriously velvety. Give it a taste and tweak the salt and pepper—this is your chance to make it your own. Serve piping hot with some crusty bread, and prepare to be wowed!

How to Serve Creamy Mushroom Soup

Garnishes

Scattering fresh herbs—think thyme sprigs or chopped parsley—over your Creamy Mushroom Soup adds a splash of color and earthy freshness. For an extra touch, swirl in a little more heavy cream or a drizzle of good olive oil and top with crunchy black pepper or homemade croutons.

Side Dishes

This soup is made for dunking, so serve it with warm, crusty sourdough or a hunk of toasted baguette. For a heartier meal, pair with a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette or a plate of roasted vegetables to complement the creamy, umami-rich soup.

Creative Ways to Present

For an elegant dinner, ladle Creamy Mushroom Soup into shallow bowls and garnish artfully with microgreens or edible flowers. Hosting friends? Pour into mini mugs or shot glasses for stylish appetizer “sips.” You can even serve it in a bread bowl for cozy, rustic charm!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool your Creamy Mushroom Soup to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. It will stay perfectly fresh and delicious in the refrigerator for up to 4 days—just the right amount of time for several cozy meals or lunches throughout the week.

Freezing

This soup freezes surprisingly well! Just let it cool completely, then pack into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little room for expansion. Thaw overnight in the fridge—the texture might change slightly, but a good stir brings it right back to creamy perfection.

Reheating

Gently reheat Creamy Mushroom Soup on the stovetop over low heat to preserve its silkiness, stirring frequently. If it’s a little thick after refrigeration or freezing, add a splash of broth or cream until it’s back to your ideal consistency.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Mushroom Soup feels like a warm hug in a bowl, and once you’ve made it, you’ll come back to the recipe again and again. If you’re craving comfort, flavor, and a touch of kitchen magic, whip up a pot and let it become your new go-to classic—don’t forget the crusty bread!

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