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Creamy Mushroom Soup Recipe

I absolutely love this Creamy Mushroom Soup Recipe because it’s the kind of soup that feels like a big warm hug on a chilly day. It’s rich and velvety without being too heavy, and the deep, savory mushroom flavor makes it so comforting. When I first tried making mushroom soup from scratch, I was amazed at how a few simple ingredients could come together to create something so luxurious and satisfying.

This soup is perfect to whip up anytime you want a quick, impressive meal or starter. You’ll find that it’s not only great on its own but also fantastic paired with crusty bread or a fresh salad. Whether you’re cooking for family or just yourself, this Creamy Mushroom Soup Recipe is a go-to that never fails to please.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Deep, Rich Flavor: Sautéing mushrooms until they’re beautifully browned unlocks incredible umami that makes this soup unforgettable.
  • Simple Ingredients: It’s made with pantry staples and fresh mushrooms, so you can get it ready with little effort.
  • Silky Smooth Texture: The cream and butter create that perfect velvety mouthfeel I’m obsessed with.
  • Versatile and Comforting: Great for quick lunches, cozy dinners, or even as an elegant starter for guests.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients in this Creamy Mushroom Soup Recipe really shine because they complement each other so well. You want fresh mushrooms that have good flavor and a creamy component to give it that luscious texture.

  • Baby bella mushrooms: I love baby bellas for their meaty texture and rich earthiness compared to white button mushrooms.
  • Garlic: Adds a subtle depth that brightens the mushroom flavor without overpowering.
  • Olive oil: Use a good quality extra virgin for sautéing; it adds a mild fruity note.
  • Salt & pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing flavors at every step.
  • Butter: It helps create that creamy base and enhances the richness of the soup.
  • All-purpose flour: Acts as a thickener, giving the soup its body and silky finish.
  • Vegetable broth: Provides a gentle savory backdrop without overwhelming the mushrooms.
  • Soy sauce: Here’s a neat trick I use to deepen umami and add complexity without making the soup salty.
  • Dried thyme: Adds a subtle herbal note that complements the earthiness beautifully.
  • Heavy cream: That’s the final touch for richness and that dreamy creamy texture you’ll adore.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I’m a huge fan of customizing this soup depending on what I have on hand or the mood I’m in. You can easily swap ingredients or add extras to make it your own. Tweak it to fit your taste and dietary needs without losing that creamy mushroom goodness.

  • For a dairy-free version: I substitute coconut cream or cashew cream instead of heavy cream—it’s surprisingly good and still super creamy.
  • Add herbs like rosemary or sage: When I want to elevate the earthiness, a pinch of fresh rosemary works beautifully.
  • Mix in other mushrooms: Shiitakes or creminis add different textures and depth for a more complex flavor.
  • Make it vegan: Just swap out butter for olive oil and use plant-based cream and broth.

How to Make Creamy Mushroom Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Mushrooms to Perfection

Start by washing and slicing your baby bella mushrooms and mincing the garlic. Heat olive oil in a soup pot over medium heat, then add mushrooms, a pinch of salt, and pepper. This step is key—don’t rush. Stir occasionally and let the mushrooms release their moisture and then cook until it evaporates and the mushrooms turn a deep, gorgeous brown. This caramelization creates that intense flavor we all crave in creamy mushroom soup.

Step 2: Build the Soup Base with Butter and Flour

Once the mushrooms are beautifully browned, add the minced garlic and cook for about one minute until fragrant. Then add the butter and sprinkle the flour over the mushrooms. Stir continuously for about two minutes. You’ll notice the mixture thickens and turns golden—this is your roux, the magic that gives the soup its creamy body. It’s important not to let it burn, so keep the heat moderate.

Step 3: Add Broth, Herbs, and Umami Boosters

Gradually pour in the vegetable broth while stirring to dissolve any flour lumps from the bottom of the pot. Add the soy sauce and dried thyme, then bring everything to a gentle simmer. You’ll see the soup start to thicken—this is how you know it’s coming together. The soy sauce doesn’t make it taste soy, but it adds a deep savory note that I’ve come to really appreciate through trial and error.

Step 4: Finish with Cream and Adjust Seasonings

Once simmering, stir in the heavy cream to achieve that smooth, velvety texture. Taste the soup and adjust salt and pepper as needed. I always recommend tasting at this stage because the broth and soy sauce already season it, so you might not need much more. Serve hot, ideally with some crusty bread to sop up all that amazing flavor!

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Pro Tips for Making Creamy Mushroom Soup Recipe

  • Patience When Sautéing: Don’t skip the browning step—letting the mushrooms dry out and caramelize is what’s going to make your soup taste unforgettable.
  • Use Soy Sauce Wisely: I learned to add just a splash for umami depth without overpowering the creaminess or making it salty.
  • Consistent Stirring: When you add the flour and butter, stir constantly to avoid lumps and to get an even golden roux.
  • Season Last: Once you add the cream, give it a final taste before more salt or pepper—this helps avoid over-seasoning.

How to Serve Creamy Mushroom Soup Recipe

A white bowl filled with creamy beige soup containing small pieces of brown mushrooms and green parsley sprinkled on top. A dark spoon is lifting some soup and mushroom pieces out of the bowl, showing the smooth texture of the soup. The bowl is set on a white marbled surface with another white bowl of the same soup blurred in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I usually garnish this soup with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or thyme for a pop of color and freshness. Sometimes I add a swirl of extra cream or a dash of cracked black pepper on top—it makes it look fancy and tastes even better. If I’m feeling indulgent, a little grated Parmesan works wonders too.

Side Dishes

This creamy mushroom soup pairs perfectly with a crusty baguette or garlic bread—great for dipping and soaking up all that creamy goodness. I also love pairing it with a simple green salad to balance the richness. Occasionally, I serve it alongside grilled cheese sandwiches for a comforting meal that everyone loves.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to serve this Creamy Mushroom Soup Recipe in small, elegant cups or shot glasses as an appetizer. Another fun idea is to garnish with sautéed mushroom slices stacked in the center as a mini “mushroom bouquet.” Little edible flowers or microgreens add an unexpected fancy touch that always impresses guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover soup in airtight glass containers in the refrigerator, and it stays fresh for up to 3 days. I make sure it cools before sealing it tightly to avoid condensation that can make the soup watery. Whenever I reheat it, I usually add a splash of cream or broth to restore that silky texture.

Freezing

Freezing creamy soups can sometimes separate the cream—so if I plan ahead, I freeze the soup without cream, then add fresh cream when reheating. I’ve found this method keeps the flavor intact and the texture smooth. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove.

Reheating

Reheat the soup gently over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to avoid scorching. Adding a splash of broth or cream while warming helps bring back the fresh-made creaminess. Avoid high heat, which can cause the soup to separate.

FAQs

  1. Can I use other types of mushrooms for this Creamy Mushroom Soup Recipe?

    Absolutely! While baby bellas are my favorite for their rich flavor and texture, you can experiment with shiitakes, cremini, even portobello or wild mushrooms. Just adjust the cooking times as some varieties have different moisture content and flavors.

  2. Is it possible to make this soup vegan or dairy-free?

    Yes! Swap the butter for olive oil and the heavy cream for coconut cream or a creamy plant-based alternative. Use a vegetable broth that’s vegan, and you’ll end up with a delicious dairy-free, vegan-friendly mushroom soup.

  3. How do I thicken the soup if it’s too thin?

    If your soup feels too thin, mix a teaspoon of flour or cornstarch with a little cold water, then stir it into the simmering soup to thicken gradually. Another way is to cook it longer on low heat to reduce and concentrate the flavors.

  4. Can I prepare parts of this recipe ahead of time?

    Definitely! You can sauté the mushrooms and prepare the roux a day ahead, then finish the soup by adding broth and cream when ready to serve. Just store the components separately in the fridge for best results.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Mushroom Soup Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen because it’s straightforward, comforting, and impresses every time I make it. The way those mushrooms brown and deepen in flavor, then blend with the creamy base, always wins over family and friends. I truly hope you give it a try—cooking this soup feels like creating a little moment of cozy joy, and I think you’ll love it as much as I do.

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Creamy Mushroom Soup Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.8 from 67 reviews
  • Author: Villerius
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings (1 cup each)
  • Category: Soup
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This creamy mushroom soup is a comforting and rich dish made with sautéed baby bella mushrooms, garlic, and a smooth blend of butter, flour, vegetable broth, and heavy cream. Perfect as a cozy starter or light meal, this soup offers deep earthy flavors enhanced by a touch of soy sauce and thyme, served best with crusty bread.


Ingredients

Mushrooms and Aromatics

  • 1 lb. baby bella mushrooms
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 Tbsp olive oil
  • 1 pinch salt & pepper

Soup Base

  • 4 Tbsp butter
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 tsp soy sauce
  • 1/8 tsp dried thyme

Finishing

  • 1/2 cup heavy cream


Instructions

  1. Prepare mushrooms and garlic: Wash the baby bella mushrooms thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris. Slice the mushrooms and mince the garlic cloves finely to prepare for sautéing.
  2. Sauté mushrooms: Heat olive oil in a soup pot over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms along with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook until the mushrooms release all their moisture and that liquid evaporates, leaving the mushrooms dark brown and deeply caramelized. Then add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute to develop flavor.
  3. Create roux: Add butter and flour to the pot with the mushrooms. Stir constantly and cook for about two minutes or until the flour and butter mixture coats the bottom of the pot and turns a deep golden brown. This process forms the roux that will thicken the soup.
  4. Add broth and seasonings: Pour in the vegetable broth along with soy sauce and dried thyme. Stir thoroughly to dissolve any flour stuck to the pot. Bring the liquid up to a gentle simmer, which will help the roux thicken the broth slightly, creating a base for the creamy soup.
  5. Finish with cream and adjust seasoning: Stir the heavy cream into the soup, blending until smooth and creamy. Taste the soup and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Serve the soup hot with crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal.

Notes

  • For deeper flavor, use a mix of baby bella and shiitake mushrooms.
  • Vegetable broth can be substituted with chicken broth if not vegetarian.
  • To make the soup vegan, replace butter with olive oil and heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream.
  • Serve immediately as the soup thickens upon standing, thinning with additional broth if needed.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 210
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 450mg
  • Fat: 16g
  • Saturated Fat: 9g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 11g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 45mg

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