Creamy Mushroom Soup

Name: Creamy Mushroom Soup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb. baby bella mushrooms; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 Tbsp olive oil; Pinch of salt and 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

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When the chill sets in and you’re craving something soul-warming, nothing beats a steaming bowl of creamy mushroom soup. Rich, velvety, and packed with deep savory flavor, this simple yet satisfying soup is comfort food at its finest. Whether you’re serving it as a hearty lunch, light dinner, or a starter at a dinner party, this mushroom soup hits every note: creamy, garlicky, and just the right amount of umami. Even better, it’s made with affordable, wholesome ingredients and comes together fast.

Looking for inspiration? Try our creamy broccoli cheese soup recipe for another cozy, flavor-packed dish that’s perfect all winter long.

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Why You’ll Love This Creamy Mushroom Soup

A Budget-Friendly Winter Comfort Staple

Homemade mushroom soup isn’t just a cold-weather classic—it’s also one of the most affordable ways to bring gourmet flavor to your table. With basic ingredients like mushrooms, garlic, butter, flour, broth, and cream, you can whip up a large pot for just a few dollars. And thanks to its richness and depth of flavor, even a small serving feels indulgent.

If you’re trying to make more meals from scratch without breaking the bank, don’t miss our cajun potato soup recipe—another cost-effective, belly-warming option.

Perfect Texture and Rich Umami Flavor

What sets this creamy mushroom soup apart from the canned versions is the texture and taste. By sautéing fresh baby bella mushrooms until deeply browned, then thickening the base with a roux, you create a soup that’s both silky and satisfying. Add garlic, thyme, and a splash of soy sauce, and you unlock deep layers of umami that elevate the mushrooms without overwhelming them. The final touch of heavy cream adds body and richness that makes every spoonful luxurious.

For even more crave-worthy comfort, check out our old-fashioned cream of tomato soup—a creamy, nostalgic favorite.

Better Than Canned – Made From Scratch

Store-bought cream of mushroom soups are often packed with sodium and stabilizers, but making it from scratch gives you total control. You decide the amount of salt, the kind of cream, and even the type of mushroom. Want to keep it dairy-free? You can easily sub in coconut milk or a plant-based creamer. Prefer it blended? Use an immersion blender for that restaurant-smooth finish. This flexibility makes it a go-to recipe for all kinds of dietary preferences.

Don’t miss our creamy pumpkin pasta recipe—another from-scratch dish with a dreamy texture and rich flavor.

Ingredients for the Best Creamy Mushroom Soup

The secret to a truly luscious, restaurant-style creamy mushroom soup lies in using the right combination of fresh produce, pantry staples, and a few flavor enhancers. Below, we break down each component so you can understand what makes this soup so irresistible—and how you can tailor it to suit your preferences.

Why Baby Bella Mushrooms Work Best

While any fresh mushroom will work, baby bella mushrooms (also known as cremini) bring a richer, deeper flavor than white button mushrooms. Their meaty texture and darker color give the soup a beautiful earthy tone and a satisfying bite. If you’re looking to boost the flavor even more, consider adding a few chopped portobello mushroom caps.

You can also mix varieties for complexity—shiitake, oyster, or wild mushrooms work beautifully in small amounts. Just remember: sautéing until browned is essential to extract their umami-packed potential.

Don’t miss our salisbury steak with mushroom gravy for another mushroom-forward dish you’ll want to try next.

Must-Have Pantry Staples for Creaminess

A handful of simple kitchen staples create that signature creamy base:

Ingredient	Purpose
Butter	Adds richness and forms the base for the roux
Flour	Thickens the soup into a velvety texture
Vegetable Broth	Deepens the flavor; opt for mushroom broth if available
Heavy Cream	Delivers body and that dreamy creaminess
Soy Sauce	Adds a hint of savory umami to boost mushroom flavor
Dried Thyme	A touch of woodsy herb aroma to balance richness

This combo gives you a creamy, balanced soup that isn’t overly heavy. It also allows each mushroom bite to shine through the broth.

Discover great ideas like our steak with creamy garlic sauce if you’re into buttery, bold sauces made with pantry staples.

Substitutions and Vegan Alternatives

If you’re looking for a dairy-free or vegan mushroom soup, this recipe easily adapts:

Butter → Olive Oil or Coconut Oil
Cream → Full-fat Coconut Milk or Cashew Cream
Broth → Vegan mushroom broth for even more depth

Using coconut milk adds a slight sweetness that pairs surprisingly well with mushrooms. Just be sure to use unsweetened, full-fat versions for best results. You’ll still get that rich, creamy mouthfeel, without any dairy.

Check out our creamy garlic shrimp for another creamy comfort option that’s easily adjustable for dietary needs.

How to Make Creamy Mushroom Soup Step-by-Step

Cooking creamy mushroom soup from scratch is easier than it sounds—and the flavor payoff is huge. This process involves a few simple stages: browning the mushrooms, building a roux, adding broth, and finishing with cream. Here’s a breakdown to help you nail it every time.

Prep and Sauté for Maximum Flavor

Start by cleaning your mushrooms. Gently wipe or rinse them to remove any dirt, then slice them evenly. Mince a few cloves of garlic and set them aside.

In a large soup pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add your baby bella mushrooms, a pinch of salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Cook them slowly, stirring occasionally, until they’ve released their moisture and turned a deep golden brown—this step is crucial for unlocking that signature earthy flavor.

Once browned, toss in the minced garlic and sauté for another minute. The kitchen will smell amazing at this point!

Looking for inspiration? Try our creamy Thai dumpling soup for another rich and flavorful bowl that starts with sautéed aromatics.

Building the Roux and Broth Base

Next, drop in the butter. As it melts, sprinkle in the flour and stir constantly. This forms a roux—a paste that thickens your soup. Cook it for 1–2 minutes until it starts to smell toasty and turns golden brown.

Now it’s time to pour in the vegetable broth, soy sauce, and a pinch of dried thyme. Stir well, scraping the bottom of the pot to release all the flavor-packed bits. As the soup simmers, you’ll notice the broth thicken slightly—that’s the roux working its magic.

Want to elevate your flavor game even more? Use mushroom broth instead of veggie for an added umami punch.

Don’t miss our marry me chicken soup recipe—it also uses a roux to build deep, satisfying flavor.

Finishing With Cream and Adjusting Seasoning

Once your broth is gently simmering, reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Let the soup continue to warm slowly—don’t boil it at this stage or the cream might curdle.

Taste and adjust. Depending on the saltiness of your broth and soy sauce, you might not need any extra salt. Add a bit more pepper or thyme if needed. If you prefer a silky-smooth texture, use an immersion blender to puree the soup right in the pot. Otherwise, keep it rustic and chunky.

Serve hot with a slice of crusty bread or topped with croutons. Garnish with a swirl of cream or chopped parsley for a beautiful finish.

Discover great ideas like our apple-cinnamon sheet cake recipe to round out your cozy meal with a sweet treat.

Variations and Add-Ins to Elevate Your Soup

One of the best parts of homemade creamy mushroom soup is how easy it is to customize. Whether you’re aiming for more heat, a tangy edge, or a different texture, a few tweaks can transform your bowl from simple to sensational. Below are our top ideas for adapting and upgrading your soup.

Add-On Flavors Like Paprika or Onion

To give your soup a smoky twist, try stirring in a bit of sweet paprika or smoked paprika while you sauté the mushrooms. This adds depth and complexity, reminiscent of Hungarian-style mushroom soup.

Craving more savory backbone? Finely dice a yellow onion and sauté it with the mushrooms from the very beginning. This boosts the base flavor and gives your soup an extra layer of umami without changing its creamy texture.

Want more bold, balanced spice? Our readers also loved this black pepper chicken recipe with its deep seasoning profile and hint of heat.

Make It Chunky or Blend It Smooth

This soup is flexible in texture. Prefer it thick and hearty with mushroom pieces in every bite? Simply follow the original method. But if you’re after that creamy, café-style finish, blend the soup using:

An immersion blender directly in the pot (for partial texture)
A high-speed blender in batches (for ultra-smoothness)

For a creamy blended version with added flavor, stir in a spoonful of sour cream or Greek yogurt just before serving.

If texture is your thing, check out our creamy garlic shrimp—another comfort meal that lets the sauce and ingredients shine together in harmony.

Creative Garnishes and Toppings

Dress up your creamy mushroom soup with simple yet stunning toppings. These small touches add crunch, freshness, or creaminess that contrast beautifully with the silky soup underneath:

Garlic croutons or toasted bread crumbs
Chopped parsley or fresh thyme
A drizzle of truffle oil or herb-infused olive oil
Grated parmesan or a dollop of sour cream
Toasted nuts (like pine nuts or walnuts) for an earthy crunch

For a cozy, well-rounded meal, serve your soup alongside a warm slice of Texas Roadhouse rolls or simple roasted veggies.

What to Serve with Creamy Mushroom Soup

While creamy mushroom soup is rich and satisfying on its own, pairing it with the right side dishes or toppings can turn a simple bowl into a memorable meal. Whether you’re serving it for lunch, dinner, or as a starter, here’s how to round it out perfectly.

Homemade Breads and Crackers to Pair With

Crusty, fresh bread is a must. The soup’s velvety texture begs for something sturdy to scoop or soak. Here are our go-to options:

Rustic sourdough or no-knead bread
Focaccia rolls or soda bread
Buttery garlic toast or crostini
Crackers—especially herb-flavored or seeded varieties

If you’re short on time but still want something special, don’t miss our pumpkin cheesecake truffles for a quick sweet treat after your meal.

Side Dishes to Lighten or Balance the Meal

To balance the richness of mushroom soup, consider serving it alongside something bright, crisp, or roasted. These are excellent pairings:

Roasted Brussels sprouts or cauliflower salad
Simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette
Apple and walnut slaw for a tangy crunch
Steamed asparagus with a squeeze of lemon

Looking for inspiration? Try our light and refreshing grilled skirt steak with lemon herb couscous salad—perfect as a complement or follow-up dish.

Storing Leftovers and Reheating Tips

One of the biggest perks of this soup is how well it stores. It actually tastes even better the next day!

Here’s how to store and reheat your creamy mushroom soup:

Storage	Instructions
Refrigerator	Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer (if no cream)	Freeze before adding the cream, up to 2 months. Add cream after reheating.
Reheat on Stovetop	Simmer gently on low heat. Stir frequently to prevent scorching.
Microwave Reheating	Use medium power in short bursts, stirring between to avoid curdling the cream.

To keep it freezer-friendly, leave the cream out during cooking and stir it in after reheating. That way, the texture stays smooth and luscious.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the difference between cream of mushroom and mushroom soup?

Great question! Mushroom soup typically refers to a basic soup made with mushrooms, broth, and aromatics. It may or may not be creamy. On the other hand, cream of mushroom soup specifically includes dairy or non-dairy cream, butter, or a roux to give it a velvety, thick texture. The “cream of” version is richer and often used as a base for casseroles or sauces.

How do you thicken mushroom soup without flour?

If you’re avoiding flour, you can thicken mushroom soup in several ways:
–Use cornstarch: Mix 1 tbsp with water and stir it into the soup.
–Blend part of the soup: Pureeing some mushrooms thickens the texture naturally.
–Add a potato: Diced and simmered, it blends in smoothly and adds body.
–Use cream cheese or Greek yogurt: These add thickness and richness without flour.
Check out our creamy pumpkin pasta recipe that also uses flour alternatives to achieve a thick and creamy texture.

Can I freeze creamy mushroom soup?

Yes—with a small tweak. Cream-based soups can sometimes separate when frozen and reheated. To avoid that:
–Make and freeze the soup without the cream.
–Add the cream after thawing and reheating for a smoother finish.
-Use airtight containers, leaving a little space for expansion.
Stored this way, it keeps well for up to 2 months. Stir well while reheating to restore the original consistency.

What’s the best mushroom for creamy soup?

Baby bella mushrooms (also called cremini) are ideal for creamy mushroom soup. They offer more depth and umami than white button mushrooms without overpowering the broth. You can also try:
–Portobello mushrooms for meatier texture
–Shiitake for an earthy kick
–A blend of wild mushrooms for complexity
Whatever type you use, be sure to sauté them until golden brown to maximize flavor.

Conclusion: Why This Mushroom Soup Is Worth Making Weekly

There’s just something timeless and satisfying about a bowl of homemade creamy mushroom soup. From its buttery-smooth texture to its earthy, umami-rich flavor, it delivers comfort in every spoonful. Whether you follow the classic version, add your own spin with spices or toppings, or make it vegan, this soup is endlessly versatile and always delicious.

Don’t miss our creamy chicken Ritz casserole if you’re looking for another family-friendly, cozy main dish to try this week.

So go ahead—grab those mushrooms, fire up your stove, and warm your soul with this crowd-pleasing classic. Your taste buds (and your wallet) will thank you.

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