Creamy Mushroom Soup Recipe
If you are craving something velvety, comforting, and packed with earthy flavor, this Creamy Mushroom Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. Crafted from simple ingredients that come together beautifully, it transforms everyday mushrooms into a luscious bowl of warmth that’s perfect for cozy dinners or a sophisticated starter. Whether you’re a seasoned soup lover or just discovering the joy of homemade soups, this recipe offers a perfect balance of creamy texture and rich mushroom aroma that will have you coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays an essential role, not only bringing flavor but also adding to the luxurious texture and inviting appearance of the soup. From fresh mushrooms to a splash of cream, each element is simple yet indispensable.
- Baby bella mushrooms (1 lb): These provide a deep, earthy flavor and tender texture, making the soup hearty and delicious.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Adds a fragrant, savory kick that amplifies the mushroom’s natural taste.
- Olive oil (1 Tbsp): Helps sauté the mushrooms gently while adding a fruity richness.
- Salt & pepper (a pinch): Essential for seasoning, bringing out the layers of flavor.
- Butter (4 Tbsp): Creates a silky base for the roux, contributing to the soup’s creamy consistency.
- All-purpose flour (1/4 cup): Works as a thickening agent to give the soup its perfect, velvety body.
- Vegetable broth (3 cups): Builds the savory broth base with subtle depth without overpowering the mushrooms.
- Soy sauce (1 tsp): Adds umami and a hint of saltiness, boosting the soup’s complexity.
- Dried thyme (1/8 tsp): A subtle herbaceous note that enhances the earthiness without stealing the spotlight.
- Heavy cream (1/2 cup): Finishes the soup with indulgent creaminess and a smooth, comforting mouthfeel.
How to Make Creamy Mushroom Soup Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Mushrooms
Begin by washing and slicing your baby bella mushrooms into even pieces to ensure they cook uniformly. Mince the garlic finely, so it disperses its flavor evenly throughout the soup without taking over.
Step 2: Sauté Mushrooms
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the mushrooms along with a pinch of salt and pepper, cooking until they turn a rich, dark brown. This caramelization is key to intensifying their flavor. Once browned, toss in the minced garlic and stir for another minute to release its aroma.
Step 3: Make Roux
Lower the heat slightly and add the butter to the pot. Once melted, sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the mushrooms and butter. Stir constantly, cooking the mixture until golden brown and fragrant. This roux will thicken the soup and add a subtle nuttiness.
Step 4: Add Broth and Seasonings
Pour in the vegetable broth slowly, stirring to blend everything smoothly. Add the soy sauce and dried thyme, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook until the soup slightly thickens, about 10 minutes, allowing all the flavors to meld perfectly.
Step 5: Finish Soup
Turn off the heat, then stir in the heavy cream. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed. The cream enriches the soup with a velvety texture and rounds out the savory mushroom flavor. Serve while hot for the best experience.
How to Serve Creamy Mushroom Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a garnish can elevate your presentation and flavor. Consider fresh chopped parsley or chives for a burst of color and a fresh herbal note. A drizzle of truffle oil or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan also pairs beautifully with the earthy mushrooms.
Side Dishes
For a complete meal, this soup shines when paired with rustic crusty bread, garlic toast, or a crisp green salad. These sides provide contrasting textures that complement the smooth creaminess of the soup.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Creamy Mushroom Soup Recipe in hollowed-out bread bowls for a charming rustic touch. You might also drizzle a swirl of cream or add sautéed mushroom slices on top for an inviting, restaurant-quality look at home.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let your soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it a great option for meal prep or quick lunches.
Freezing
This creamy mushroom soup freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Be aware that cream-based soups can separate after freezing, so a quick whisk during reheating will bring it back to its luscious texture.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low-medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent scorching. Adding a splash of fresh cream or broth while reheating can help restore its silky consistency perfectly.
FAQs
Can I use other types of mushrooms in this Creamy Mushroom Soup Recipe?
Absolutely! While baby bella mushrooms offer great flavor and texture, cremini, shiitake, or a mix of wild mushrooms can add wonderful depth and variety to the soup.
Is this soup suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is completely vegetarian since it uses vegetable broth. Just be sure to check your broth and soy sauce labels if you want to keep it strictly vegetarian or vegan.
Can I make this soup dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or a plant-based cream alternative. Use vegan butter or olive oil to keep the creamy texture without dairy.
What can I do if the soup is too thick?
If the soup thickens more than you like during cooling or storage, simply add a little additional vegetable broth or water when reheating and stir to loosen it up.
How long does it take to make this Creamy Mushroom Soup Recipe?
The entire process, from prepping the mushrooms to serving, takes about 35 minutes, making it a perfect midweek comfort meal that doesn’t demand hours in the kitchen.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Mushroom Soup Recipe is more than just a bowl of soup; it’s a delicious hug on a chilly day. With its deep flavors, smooth texture, and simple ingredients, it’s bound to become one of your go-to recipes. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without this perfect creamy mushroom goodness in your life.
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Creamy Mushroom Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This creamy mushroom soup is a comforting, velvety dish that highlights the earthy flavors of baby bella mushrooms. It’s made by sautéing mushrooms and garlic, creating a golden roux with butter and flour, then simmering in vegetable broth with aromatics and finishing with rich heavy cream for a luscious texture. Perfect as a starter or a light meal served with crusty bread.
Ingredients
Mushroom Base
- 1 lb. baby bella mushrooms, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 pinch salt & pepper
Roux
- 4 Tbsp butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
Soup Liquid & Seasonings
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tsp soy sauce
- 1/8 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Prepare Mushrooms: Wash the baby bella mushrooms thoroughly and slice them evenly. Mince the garlic cloves finely to release their flavor.
- Sauté Mushrooms: Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms along with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook until the mushrooms turn dark brown and their moisture evaporates. Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Make Roux: Push the mushrooms to the side, add the butter directly into the pot, and melt it. Once melted, sprinkle in the all-purpose flour and stir continuously to form a golden brown roux, which will thicken the soup.
- Add Broth and Seasonings: Gradually pour in the vegetable broth while stirring to avoid lumps. Add soy sauce and dried thyme. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook gently until it thickens slightly, about 10 minutes, enhancing the flavors and melding the roux with the broth.
- Finish Soup: Pour in the heavy cream and stir well to combine. Heat through without boiling to prevent curdling. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Serve the soup hot, ideally accompanied with crusty bread for dipping.
Notes
- Use fresh mushrooms for the best flavor, but cremini or button mushrooms can be substituted.
- For a vegan version, replace butter with olive oil and heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream.
- To make the soup smoother, blend part or all of it before adding the cream.
- Adding a splash of white wine during the broth addition can add depth.
- Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
