If you’ve been craving something truly comforting yet elegant, this Creamy Mushroom Soup Recipe is going to become your new go-to soul food. With velvety textures, rich earthy flavors from perfectly sautéed mushrooms, and just the right hint of herbs and cream, this soup feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. It’s a dish that’s simple to make but impressive in every spoonful, combining humble ingredients into a bowl of pure delight. Whether you’re serving it as a starter for guests or indulging on a quiet evening, this Creamy Mushroom Soup Recipe promises to satisfy with every luscious bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting your ingredients lined up for this soup is a breeze, and each one plays a vital role in building that signature creamy texture and deep mushroom flavor. From the fresh mushrooms to the splash of heavy cream, every element works together to create something truly special.
- Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons): Adds richness and helps soften the onions and mushrooms without overpowering their natural flavors.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Balances the butter by providing a subtle fruitiness and raises the smoke point for better cooking temperature.
- Medium onion, diced (1): Offers a sweet base that enhances the overall depth of the soup.
- Garlic, minced (3 cloves): Brings a fragrant warmth that complements the earthiness of the mushrooms perfectly.
- Cremini or button mushrooms, sliced (1 pound): The star ingredient, delivering that intense umami and chewy texture.
- Thyme (1 teaspoon, fresh or dried): Introduces a subtle herbal brightness to balance the creaminess.
- All-purpose flour (1/4 cup): A key thickening agent that helps create the soup’s beautifully smooth body without clumping.
- Chicken or vegetable broth (4 cups): Provides the flavorful liquid base—vegetable broth keeps it vegetarian-friendly.
- Heavy cream (1 cup): Makes the soup luxuriously creamy and smooth.
- Sour cream (1/2 cup): Adds a tangy richness, giving depth and a velvety finish.
- Soy sauce (1 tablespoon, optional): Enhances the savory taste with a little extra umami richness.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances and brightens all flavors.
- Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a gentle kick and complexity.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (2 tablespoons): For a fresh, colorful garnish that lifts the final presentation.
How to Make Creamy Mushroom Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Begin by melting butter and warming olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the diced onions and let them cook until they become tender and translucent, about 4 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and stir for another minute until the kitchen smells irresistible. This step builds the aromatic base needed for a deeply flavorful soup.
Step 2: Cook the Mushrooms and Thyme
Now, it’s time for the mushrooms—add the sliced cremini or button mushrooms along with the thyme right into the pot. Cook them for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms release their moisture and start to brown beautifully. This caramelization is what gives the soup its rich, earthy depth that you’ll love in every bite.
Step 3: Add Flour to Thicken
Sprinkle the all-purpose flour evenly over the mushroom mixture, then stir constantly for about 1 minute. This step eliminates that raw floury taste and forms the base that will thicken your soup to a lush, creamy consistency.
Step 4: Gradually Stir in Broth
Slowly pour the chicken or vegetable broth into the pot while stirring continuously. This keeps lumps at bay and allows the soup to come together smoothly. Bring everything to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 10 minutes so that the flavors meld and the soup thickens slightly.
Step 5: Finish with Cream and Season
Stir in the heavy cream and sour cream, plus the optional soy sauce for an added umami boost. Season with salt and black pepper to your taste, then reduce the heat to low and simmer gently for another 5 minutes. This final simmer binds the flavors and gives the soup its signature creamy texture without boiling away that delicate richness.
How to Serve Creamy Mushroom Soup Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley adds just the right touch of color and brightness, breaking up the rich creaminess with a hint of herbaceous freshness. If you want to jazz it up even more, a drizzle of truffle oil or a few crispy croutons will make it feel extra special.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty artisan bread or a warm baguette to soak up every creamy drop. For a lighter meal, pair it with a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette—balancing out the soup’s richness in the best way.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the soup in rustic bread bowls for an unforgettable presentation that’s as delicious as it looks. For an elegant touch, drizzle a little extra cream in a spiral and use a toothpick to create delicate swirls on the surface, adding a lovely visual appeal to your homemade culinary creation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer your soup to an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making leftovers just as delightful as when freshly served.
Freezing
This Creamy Mushroom Soup Recipe freezes beautifully. Pour it into freezer-safe containers, leaving space for expansion, and freeze for up to 3 months. Avoid freezing with sour cream already mixed in; you can stir that in when reheating to preserve the texture.
Reheating
Reheat gently over low heat on the stove, stirring frequently to prevent separation. If the soup has thickened too much, add a splash of broth or water to bring it back to the perfect creamy consistency. Add sour cream after reheating if you froze the soup without it.
FAQs
Can I use other types of mushrooms in this soup?
Absolutely! While cremini or button mushrooms are classic choices, you can mix in shiitake, portobello, or even wild mushrooms to add extra layers of flavor and texture.
Is there a vegan version of this Creamy Mushroom Soup Recipe?
Yes! Substitute butter with vegan margarine or additional olive oil, use vegetable broth, and swap heavy cream and sour cream for coconut milk or cashew cream to keep it creamy and dairy-free.
How do I make the soup smoother?
If you love an ultra-silky texture, try blending half or all of the soup using an immersion blender before adding the cream. This step is optional but highly recommended for a velvety finish.
Can I prepare this soup in advance for guests?
Definitely! Make it a day ahead and gently reheat before serving. The flavors develop beautifully after resting, making it a perfect make-ahead appetizer or meal.
What is the best broth to use for the richest flavor?
Chicken broth offers a robust base, but vegetable broth works wonders for vegetarians and still provides excellent depth. Using homemade broth elevates the soup even further.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about this Creamy Mushroom Soup Recipe that makes it an all-time favorite comfort food. It’s easy to prepare, richly flavored, and perfect for any occasion—whether you want a cozy solo meal or an elegant starter to impress friends. Give it a try and watch as this recipe quickly becomes a beloved classic in your kitchen, bringing warmth and creamy deliciousness to your table anytime you need a little comfort.
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Creamy Mushroom Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, European-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This creamy mushroom soup recipe offers a rich and comforting blend of sautéed mushrooms, onions, and garlic in a velvety base of cream and sour cream. Perfectly seasoned with thyme, soy sauce for depth, and fresh parsley garnish, it’s an easy stovetop soup that delivers classic American and European-inspired flavors.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound cremini or button mushrooms, sliced
- 1 teaspoon thyme (fresh or dried)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (optional, for depth)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pot, melt the butter with olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 4 minutes until softened, then stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 additional minute to release their fragrance.
- Cook the Mushrooms: Add the sliced mushrooms and thyme to the pot. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms have released their liquid and begin to brown, enhancing their natural umami flavor.
- Add Flour to Thicken: Sprinkle the flour over the mushrooms and stir well for 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste and start the thickening process for the soup.
- Incorporate Broth and Simmer: Gradually pour in the chicken or vegetable broth while stirring continuously to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 10 minutes until the soup slightly thickens.
- Add Cream and Seasonings: Stir in the heavy cream, sour cream, soy sauce if using, salt, and black pepper. Let the soup simmer gently for 5 more minutes to meld the flavors together.
- Adjust and Garnish: Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary. Serve the soup hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
Notes
- For a smoother texture, blend half or all of the soup using an immersion blender before adding the cream.
- Enhance flavor by adding a splash of sherry or white wine during the mushroom cooking stage.
- This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a fresh side salad for a complete meal.
