If you’re craving a cozy, indulgently smooth soup that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, you’re in the right place. This Creamy Mushroom Soup Recipe is one of my absolute favorites because it’s rich and silky, yet still highlights the fresh, deep flavors of mushrooms. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to keep this recipe close at hand all year round.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfectly Balanced Creaminess: The soup is luscious without being overwhelming, letting mushroom flavors shine.
- Simple Ingredients: You probably already have most of these in your kitchen—no fancy or hard-to-find stuff.
- Easy to Customize: Skip the cream for lighter soup or add herbs and wine for a gourmet twist.
- Comfort Food Classic: It’s soul-warming and satisfying, perfect for a quick dinner or impressive dinner party starter.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Creamy Mushroom Soup Recipe lies in simple, fresh ingredients that blend to create that rich, velvety texture and earthy flavor. Grab a good mix of mushrooms — they add layers of character — and don’t skip the splash of white wine; it really brightens things up.
- Extra-virgin olive oil: I love using this for its fruity richness and a healthy fat base for sautéing.
- Unsalted butter: Adds a creamy depth that blends beautifully with olive oil.
- Yellow onion: For sweetness and aromatics—make sure to chop it finely for even cooking.
- Sea salt: Enhances mushroom flavor and balances the soup.
- Freshly ground black pepper: Adds mild heat; freshly ground is always better here.
- White button mushrooms: Classic, mild mushrooms that give body to the soup.
- Cremini mushrooms: Slightly earthier and more flavorful, they add complexity.
- Garlic cloves: Grated garlic blends in smoothly without overpowering the soup.
- Dry white wine: For acidity and brightness—always add a little to lift the richness.
- Vegetable broth: The base liquid—pick a good-quality one for best flavor.
- Tamari: Provides a deep umami boost without saltiness overpowering the taste.
- Fresh thyme leaves: Earthy, slightly minty herb that pairs perfectly with mushrooms.
- Heavy cream or creme fraîche (optional): Use this if you’re craving a truly rich, silky finish.
- Chopped fresh parsley: For a fresh, herbal garnish that brightens the bowl.
Variations
I love playing around with this Creamy Mushroom Soup Recipe depending on the season and what’s in my pantry. It’s amazing how a simple swap or addition can change the whole vibe of the dish.
- Vegan Version: Skip the butter and cream; use olive oil and coconut milk or cashew cream instead—I tried this for friends and it was just as creamy and tasty!
- Earthy Twist: Add a handful of dried porcini mushrooms soaked in warm water for that deep, forest flavor boost.
- Herb Variations: Swap thyme for rosemary or sage for a different herbal note that feels cozy and aromatic.
- Spicy Kick: Stir in a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne for warmth that wakes up the palate.
How to Make Creamy Mushroom Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics and Mushrooms
Start by heating the olive oil and butter in a large pot over medium heat. When the butter melts and starts to sizzle, add the chopped onion with sea salt and a few grinds of black pepper. Cook it gently for about 2 minutes until it softens and starts to smell sweet. Then, toss in half the mushrooms and stir occasionally for about 5 minutes until they release their moisture and start browning a bit. This slow caramelization is key—it brings out the best mushroom flavor. Add the remaining mushrooms and cook for another 5 minutes. You’ll notice the mushrooms reduce and develop a lovely, rich color.
Step 2: Add Garlic, Wine, and Broth
Grate the garlic directly into the pot and stir it around for just about 30 seconds to bloom its flavor. Then pour in the dry white wine—this is where the soup gets a pleasant brightness—and let it simmer for a minute or so until slightly reduced. Next, add the vegetable broth, tamari for umami, and fresh thyme leaves. Cover the pot and let it simmer gently for 15 minutes so all those flavors marry beautifully.
Step 3: Blend and Combine for Perfect Texture
After simmering, carefully remove about two-thirds of the soup and blend it until silky smooth. This is the trick I discovered that gives the soup creaminess without heavy cream if you want to skip it. Pour the blended soup back into the pot with the chunkier portion, creating the perfect balance of velvety and textured. If you’re using heavy cream or crème fraîche, stir it in now and cook for about 2 more minutes so the cream melds in and the raw dairy taste cooks off. Season to taste with more salt and pepper.
Pro Tips for Making Creamy Mushroom Soup Recipe
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When cooking mushrooms, give them space to brown instead of steam—they turn way more flavorful this way.
- Grate Garlic for Max Flavor: Grated garlic blends smoothly and distributes evenly without biting chunks.
- Balance Your Salt Carefully: Since tamari adds salty umami, season gradually and taste often.
- Blend in Batches: To avoid splattering and ensure safety, only blend a partial amount of soup at a time.
How to Serve Creamy Mushroom Soup Recipe
Garnishes
I’m all about those finishing touches that elevate this soup to something special. A drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil on top adds a fruity finish, while a swirl of heavy cream or crème fraîche brings extra indulgence. Fresh thyme and chopped parsley sprinkled on top add brightness and a pop of green that looks beautiful and tastes fresh.
Side Dishes
My go-to sides with this soup are crusty bread or garlic toast to soak up every bit of the creamy mushroom goodness. Sometimes I serve it alongside a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. For a heartier meal, a grilled cheese sandwich is always a crowd-pleaser!
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, I like to serve this soup in individual mini cast iron pots or rustic stoneware bowls, garnished with edible flowers or microgreens for that wow factor. You can even ladle it into hollowed-out small bread bowls for a fun and cozy presentation that doubles as an edible dish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually keep leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. When I reheat, I like to do it gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally so it doesn’t scorch or separate. This gentle reheating keeps the texture as close as possible to freshly made.
Freezing
This soup freezes well if you skip the cream. I freeze it in individual portions in freezer-safe containers or bags. When you want to enjoy it, just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat slowly on the stove. If you used cream, I recommend adding it fresh when reheating rather than before freezing.
Reheating
To bring the soup back to life, warm it in a pot over low to medium heat, stirring often. If it’s too thick after refrigeration, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up. Add fresh cream or a drizzle of olive oil right before serving to refresh the flavors and texture.
FAQs
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Can I make this Creamy Mushroom Soup Recipe vegan?
Absolutely! Simply swap out the butter for extra olive oil or vegan butter and use coconut milk or cashew cream instead of heavy cream. The tamari and mushrooms provide rich umami flavor, so you won’t miss the dairy at all.
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What mushrooms work best for this soup?
I prefer a mix of white button and cremini mushrooms for balanced flavor and texture. You can also add shiitake or portobello for an earthier taste, but try to keep a mix for the best results.
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Do I have to use white wine?
White wine adds acidity and brightness, but if you don’t have any on hand, you can substitute with a splash of lemon juice or extra broth. Just add it toward the end of cooking to avoid bitterness.
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How do I thicken the soup if it’s too thin?
If your soup seems watery, simmer it uncovered for a few more minutes to let it reduce naturally. Alternatively, you can blend a bit more of it and stir back in to build richness and body.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Mushroom Soup Recipe is genuinely one of those comforting dishes that I return to time and again. It’s simple enough for a weeknight but elegant enough to impress guests. I love how it balances creamy and earthy notes without any overpowering richness. Once you get the hang of sautéing your mushrooms just right and blending with care, you’ll have a new favorite comfort food to enjoy solo or share with friends and family. Give it a try—you’re going to love how cozy and satisfying this soup turns out!
PrintCreamy Mushroom Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Creamy Mushroom Soup is a comforting and savory dish made with a blend of white button and cremini mushrooms, simmered with aromatic herbs and finished with a touch of cream for richness. Perfect as a starter or light meal, it combines earthy mushroom flavors with the smooth texture of blended soup, garnished with fresh herbs and a drizzle of olive oil or cream.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil (plus more for serving)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Mushrooms
- 1 pound white button mushrooms, stemmed and sliced
- 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, stemmed and sliced
Flavorings and Liquids
- 2 garlic cloves, grated
- ¼ cup dry white wine
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon tamari
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (plus more for garnish)
Finishing Touches
- ½ cup heavy cream or creme fraîche (optional, plus more for serving)
- Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Sauté Onions and Mushrooms: Heat the olive oil and butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, sea salt, and several grinds of black pepper. Cook for about 2 minutes until the onion softens slightly. Add half of the sliced mushrooms and stir occasionally for 5 minutes until they soften. Then add the remaining mushrooms and cook for another 5 minutes.
- Add Garlic and Liquids: Stir in the grated garlic, then pour in the dry white wine, vegetable broth, tamari, and fresh thyme leaves. Cover the pot and let the mixture simmer gently for 15 minutes to develop the flavors.
- Blend the Soup: Allow the soup to cool for a few minutes. Transfer two-thirds of the soup to a blender and blend until smooth, creating a creamy base.
- Combine and Finish Cooking: Pour the blended soup back into the pot with the remaining chunky soup and stir to combine. If using, add the heavy cream and cook for an additional 2 minutes on low heat to warm the soup and cook off the raw cream taste. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve and Garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with a drizzle of extra olive oil and/or cream, chopped fresh parsley, and sprigs of thyme for a beautiful finish.
Notes
- This soup can be made with or without heavy cream depending on your preference for richness or intense mushroom flavor.
- Using tamari instead of soy sauce keeps the soup gluten-free and adds a savory depth.
- For a vegan version, replace butter with more olive oil and use a nondairy cream alternative.
- Leftover soup can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 1 month.
- For added texture, reserve some sautéed mushroom slices to garnish the top before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 1 cup)
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg