This Creamy Mushroom Soup is a celebration of earthy flavors and luxurious textures. Fresh mushrooms are sautéed until golden, then enveloped in a velvety broth thickened with a touch of cream, creating a soup that’s both hearty and elegant. The addition of fresh herbs like thyme and parsley enhances the natural umami of the mushrooms, making each spoonful a rich, comforting experience.
Perfect for cool evenings or when you’re craving something cozy yet sophisticated, this soup comes together quickly without sacrificing depth of flavor. Whether served as a starter or enjoyed with a crusty loaf of bread for a complete meal, it’s a dish that’s sure to warm both heart and soul. Simple, satisfying, and utterly delicious!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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2 tablespoons unsalted butter
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 onion, finely chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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16 oz (450g) mixed mushrooms, sliced
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1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
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1/4 cup all-purpose flour
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4 cups vegetable broth
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1 cup heavy cream
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Directions:
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In a large pot, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat.
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Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until fragrant and translucent, about 5 minutes.
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Stir in the mushrooms and thyme, cooking until the mushrooms are tender and browned, about 8-10 minutes.
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Sprinkle the flour over the mushrooms and stir well to coat.
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Gradually pour in the vegetable broth, stirring continuously to avoid lumps.
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Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
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Reduce the heat and stir in the heavy cream. Let it simmer for another 5 minutes.
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Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Kcal: 280 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Creamy Mushroom Soup
When the weather starts to cool or when you’re just in need of some soul-soothing comfort food, few dishes satisfy like a warm, hearty bowl of creamy mushroom soup. This timeless classic combines rich, earthy mushrooms with aromatic herbs, soft onions, and a velvety cream finish that brings everything together beautifully. Whether you’re seeking a light meal paired with crusty bread or a cozy starter to a bigger feast, this creamy mushroom soup promises to deliver flavor, warmth, and comfort with every spoonful.
Mushrooms are a star ingredient beloved across many cuisines for their deep umami flavor. In this recipe, we use a variety of mushrooms to build layers of taste, think cremini, shiitake, or even a few wild varieties if you can find them. Each type of mushroom brings a subtle difference in flavor and texture, making the final dish complex and satisfying. Plus, mushrooms are packed with nutrients: they are low in calories yet high in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals like selenium, potassium, and B vitamins, making this soup a healthful option as well.
What sets this particular creamy mushroom soup apart is the technique. We begin by slowly sautéing the mushrooms to develop a rich, roasted flavor. This slow cooking process intensifies the mushrooms’ natural savory notes and prevents the soup from becoming watery. A bit of flour helps thicken the broth naturally, and vegetable broth keeps it light while providing a savory backbone. Finally, the addition of heavy cream adds that essential silkiness that defines a good creamy soup.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Mushroom Soup
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Simple Ingredients: You probably already have most of the ingredients in your pantry or fridge.
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Quick Cooking Time: You can have this soup on the table in under 40 minutes.
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Nutrient-Rich: Mushrooms provide essential nutrients while keeping the dish light and healthy.
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Comfort Food: Its warm, creamy texture makes it perfect for cozy nights.
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Versatile: Easily make it vegetarian, vegan, or dairy-free with simple substitutions.
This soup is incredibly versatile and forgiving. You can blend it completely for a silky-smooth texture or leave it slightly chunky to enjoy the bites of sautéed mushrooms. Some like to add a splash of white wine during the sautéing process for an even more aromatic base, while others may throw in a sprinkle of parmesan cheese before serving for added richness.
Ingredient Breakdown
Let’s take a closer look at what makes each component of this soup special:
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Mushrooms: The heart and soul of the dish. Use a mixture for best flavor depth.
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Onion and Garlic: The aromatic base that builds flavor from the start.
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Fresh Thyme: Offers an earthy herbaceousness that complements the mushrooms beautifully.
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Vegetable Broth: Keeps it light and lets the mushroom flavor shine.
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Heavy Cream: Provides luxurious smoothness and balances the umami.
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Flour: A touch helps thicken the soup to a perfect consistency.
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Olive Oil and Butter: For sautéing and adding richness.
Optional add-ins could include a handful of fresh spinach for extra greens, a drizzle of truffle oil for a fancy finish, or a sprinkle of roasted pine nuts for a bit of crunch.
Best Mushrooms for Creamy Mushroom Soup
While any mushrooms will work, combining different types brings the most flavor:
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Cremini Mushrooms: Mild and meaty; a reliable base.
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Shiitake Mushrooms: Earthy and rich; adds complexity.
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Portobello Mushrooms: Deeply savory with a robust texture.
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Oyster Mushrooms: Delicate and slightly sweet.
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Wild Mushrooms: If you can find chanterelles or morels, they make the soup even more luxurious.
If you are limited to white button mushrooms, don’t worry, they still create a delicious soup when handled with care.
Tips for the Best Creamy Mushroom Soup
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Cook Mushrooms Thoroughly: Don’t rush this step. Mushrooms release water as they cook; allow it to evaporate to intensify flavor.
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Season Well: Mushrooms soak up salt and seasoning. Taste and adjust as you cook.
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Control the Texture: For a rustic feel, leave chunks of mushroom. For a smooth restaurant-style soup, blend it thoroughly.
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Use Good-Quality Cream: Full-fat cream gives the best luxurious mouthfeel.
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Garnish Thoughtfully: Fresh parsley, a sprinkle of cracked pepper, or a drizzle of cream make a beautiful finish.
How to Serve Creamy Mushroom Soup
This creamy mushroom soup pairs wonderfully with:
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A thick slice of toasted sourdough or baguette
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A side salad with crisp greens and vinaigrette
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Grilled cheese sandwiches for a heartier meal
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Roasted vegetables for a wholesome spread
It’s also a perfect starter for dinner parties or holiday gatherings, adding a touch of warmth and elegance to any meal.
If you’re meal-prepping, this soup stores beautifully. Keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It can be gently reheated on the stovetop over medium-low heat. If it thickens too much in the fridge, just add a splash of broth or cream while reheating.
Variations and Substitutions
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Vegan Option: Replace butter with plant-based butter and use coconut cream or cashew cream instead of heavy cream.
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Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch.
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Low-Calorie: Use half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream for a lighter version.
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Add Protein: Stir in shredded chicken or crumbled tofu for extra heartiness.
This soup can also be customized with different herbs such as rosemary, sage, or even a dash of nutmeg for a warming winter touch.
Conclusion
Creamy Mushroom Soup is one of those recipes that feels like a warm embrace in a bowl. It’s rich, earthy, and brimming with deep, savory flavors that can turn a simple meal into something truly special. With just a few basic ingredients and an easy cooking process, you can create a dish that’s nourishing, satisfying, and impressive enough to serve at a dinner party. Plus, its flexibility allows you to tweak the recipe to your preferences, making it a perfect addition to your regular meal rotation.
Whether you enjoy it on a cold winter night or as an elegant starter for a festive gathering, this Creamy Mushroom Soup is bound to be a favorite in your kitchen. So grab your soup pot, gather some fresh mushrooms, and let’s bring cozy, comforting flavors to life!