This Creamy Mushroom Soup is the definition of cozy comfort in a bowl! It’s earthy, rich, and lusciously velvety, thanks to plump baby bella mushrooms and a swirl of heavy cream. Whether you need a soul-warming lunch or an impressive first course at a dinner party, this is the soup I turn to again and again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Seriously Creamy Texture: Every spoonful is silky and satisfying, without being too heavy—just pure, cozy comfort.
- Earthy, Deep Flavor: Sautéed mushrooms get beautifully caramelized for an incredible depth you just can’t get from canned versions!
- Simple, Whole Ingredients: You don’t need anything fancy—just pantry basics, fresh mushrooms, and a few flavor boosters make this taste gourmet.
- Weeknight Friendly: It comes together in under 40 minutes, including prep, so you can enjoy homemade Creamy Mushroom Soup anytime.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This soup proves that a handful of simple ingredients really can create magic. Each ingredient has a role—building body, depth, and that characteristic mushroomy richness that makes Creamy Mushroom Soup so irresistible.
- Baby bella mushrooms: Their meaty texture and deep flavor are essential for a robust, earthy foundation.
- Garlic: Just three cloves turn up the savory warmth and intensity.
- Olive oil: Helps the mushrooms caramelize and imparts a lovely aroma right from the start.
- Salt & pepper: Brings all the flavors into sharp, tasty focus.
- Butter: Adds richness and a hint of sweetness, plus helps sauté the flour smoothly.
- All-purpose flour: The secret to thickening the broth to the perfect, cozy consistency.
- Vegetable broth: Gives the soup body and savory flavor while keeping it vegetarian-friendly.
- Soy sauce: Just a splash adds umami depth and accentuates the mushroom flavor.
- Dried thyme: A pinch infuses the soup with gentle, woodsy notes that are just right with mushrooms.
- Heavy cream: The finishing touch that transforms everything into that classic creamy texture we love.
Variations
The best part about Creamy Mushroom Soup? It’s endlessly adaptable! Feel free to make it your own by switching up ingredients or tweaking for dietary needs—there’s a variation for everyone.
- Dairy-Free: Substitute full-fat coconut milk or a rich unsweetened non-dairy cream for the heavy cream—still dreamy, with a slight hint of coconut.
- Make It Meaty: Stir in crisped bacon or shredded rotisserie chicken at the end for a heartier bowl.
- Boost the Herbs: Fresh thyme, rosemary, or even parsley make fragrant, beautiful additions if you have them on hand.
- Garnish Fun: Swirl in truffle oil or add sautéed wild mushrooms for a truly luxe finish.
How to Make Creamy Mushroom Soup
Step 1: Clean and Slice the Mushrooms
Give your baby bella mushrooms a quick rinse or gentle wipe to ensure there’s no grit—don’t worry, a little water won’t hurt them. Slice them up and mince your garlic so everything’s ready to go before you start cooking. Prepping everything first means the cooking process is smooth and relaxed!
Step 2: Sauté the Mushrooms
In a soup pot, combine olive oil, your mushrooms, and a good pinch of salt and pepper. Sauté over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms release their liquid, the liquid fully evaporates, and the mushrooms take on a deep, caramelized brown hue. This is where the magic happens—let them go until they’re deeply golden for maximum flavor! Just before they’re done, toss in the garlic and sauté for a minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Add Butter and Flour
Next, add your butter and sprinkle in the flour. Stir well—keep things moving—until the butter melts and the flour coats everything, creating a nutty, golden roux. This step is key for thickening your Creamy Mushroom Soup, so give it a couple of minutes to “toast up” without rushing.
Step 4: Build the Soup Base
Pour in the vegetable broth, soy sauce, and dried thyme, stirring constantly to dissolve any flour stuck to the bottom. Bring everything to a gentle simmer—this is when the soup thickens and the herbs work their way into every bite. The aroma will have everyone circling the kitchen!
Step 5: Make It Creamy and Finish
Turn off the heat and swirl in your heavy cream. Stir gently and taste—this is the time to adjust salt or pepper, making it perfect for you. Ladle the Creamy Mushroom Soup into bowls and serve piping hot with crusty bread, or however you love it most!
Pro Tips for Making Creamy Mushroom Soup
- Caramelization is Key: Don’t rush sautéing the mushrooms; the longer you let them brown, the richer and more full-bodied your soup will taste.
- Deglaze Like a Pro: After adding the broth, really scrape the bottom of the pot—those caramelized bits pack tons of flavor!
- Cream Last: Add the heavy cream off the heat to prevent curdling and to maintain that perfect, silky consistency.
- Blending Options: For an ultra-smooth Creamy Mushroom Soup, blend part (or all) of it before stirring in the cream—totally personal preference!
How to Serve Creamy Mushroom Soup
Garnishes
The best finishing touches for Creamy Mushroom Soup are simple and celebrate its earthy character—try a sprinkle of freshly chopped herbs (parsley or thyme work wonders), a drizzle of cream or olive oil, and some freshly cracked pepper. For an extra special vibe, top each bowl with a few sautéed mushroom slices or homemade croutons.
Side Dishes
This soup is made for bread—think thick slices of toasted sourdough, a crusty baguette, or even a fluffy dinner roll for dipping. If you want to turn it into a meal, a crisp green salad or a gooey grilled cheese sandwich make it incredibly satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want your Creamy Mushroom Soup to look extra special for guests, serve it in stylish mugs, small ramekins for appetizers, or even hollowed-out bread bowls. A swirl of cream, a tiny drizzle of truffle oil, or microgreens on top can make it party-ready in seconds!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let your soup cool to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container. It keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to four days—perfect for quick, grab-and-reheat lunches all week!
Freezing
If you want to freeze Creamy Mushroom Soup, skip the cream and add it only after thawing and reheating—this way, the texture stays luscious and smooth. Freeze in single-serve portions for easy defrosting.
Reheating
Gently reheat on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally, until hot (don’t let it boil if you’ve already added the cream). A splash of broth or extra cream can refresh the consistency if needed.
FAQs
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Can I use other types of mushrooms in Creamy Mushroom Soup?
Absolutely! While baby bella mushrooms offer fantastic flavor, you can mix in or substitute white button, shiitake, or even wild mushrooms for a unique flavor blend. Just try to use mushrooms with a similar texture so your soup stays silky.
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How do I make Creamy Mushroom Soup gluten-free?
For a gluten-free version, swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend or a tablespoon of cornstarch (mixed into a little cold broth first). The soup will still be just as creamy and luscious.
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Can I turn this into a vegan Creamy Mushroom Soup?
Yes! Use olive oil instead of butter or a vegan buttery spread, your favorite non-dairy milk (like cashew cream or full-fat coconut milk) for the heavy cream, and be sure your broth and soy sauce are vegan.
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What’s the best way to blend the soup for a smooth texture?
If you prefer a velvety soup, use an immersion blender directly in the pot, or transfer some or all of the soup to a blender in batches. Just remember—always cool it slightly if using a traditional blender, and never fill it more than halfway to avoid splatters.
Final Thoughts
I hope you fall in love with this Creamy Mushroom Soup as much as I have! It’s a hug in a bowl—easy, soul-soothing, and packed with earthy flavor. Give it a try the next chilly evening, and don’t be surprised if it becomes a beloved staple in your kitchen, too.
PrintCreamy Mushroom Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (1 cup each) 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich and velvety goodness of this Creamy Mushroom Soup. Made with earthy baby bella mushrooms, aromatic garlic, and a touch of cream, this soup is a comforting delight for any occasion.
Ingredients
Mushroom Soup:
- 1 lb. baby bella mushrooms
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 pinch salt & pepper
- 4 Tbsp butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tsp soy sauce
- 1/8 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Prepare the Mushrooms: Wash and slice the mushrooms, mince the garlic.
- Sauté Mushrooms: Cook mushrooms with olive oil, salt, and pepper until dark brown. Add garlic.
- Create Roux: Add butter and flour, cook until golden brown.
- Add Broth: Pour in vegetable broth, soy sauce, and thyme. Simmer until slightly thickened.
- Finish with Cream: Stir in heavy cream, adjust seasoning. Serve hot with bread.
Notes
- This soup can be easily customized with additional herbs or spices.
- For a richer flavor, use a mix of different mushroom varieties.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 65mg