The beauty of this Creamy Homemade Mushroom Soup lies in its simplicity and richness. Made with cremini mushrooms, aromatic herbs, and a touch of cream, it brings out the earthy depth and comfort that mushrooms are known for. It’s the kind of soup that wraps you in warmth with each spoonful.
Whether you’re cozying up on a chilly evening or serving a comforting starter at a dinner party, this velvety mushroom soup is a winner. Blending the hearty flavors of fresh garlic, thyme, and slow-sautéed mushrooms into a smooth base makes it an easy yet impressive dish. Serve it with crusty artisan bread for a full and satisfying meal.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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1 tablespoon unsalted butter
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1 medium onion, finely chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1½ pounds cremini mushrooms, sliced
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1 teaspoon salt
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½ teaspoon black pepper
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1 tablespoon flour
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4 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
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1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ tsp dried)
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½ cup heavy cream
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¼ cup chopped parsley (for garnish)
Directions:
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In a large pot, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat.
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Add onion and sauté for about 3 minutes, until softened.
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Stir in garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, until fragrant.
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Add the sliced mushrooms and season with salt and pepper. Cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are deeply browned and tender.
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Sprinkle in the flour and stir to coat the mushrooms. Cook for 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
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Gradually add the broth while stirring, making sure there are no lumps.
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Stir in the thyme and bring the soup to a simmer. Cook uncovered for 15 minutes.
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Remove the pot from heat. Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth, or blend in batches in a countertop blender (be careful of steam).
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Return to heat and stir in the cream. Simmer for another 5 minutes until heated through.
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Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley and an extra swirl of cream if desired.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 35 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes
Kcal: 210 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
A Cozy Classic: Creamy Homemade Mushroom Soup
When the days turn colder and the nights grow longer, there’s one dish that never fails to warm both the body and the soul—Creamy Homemade Mushroom Soup. Rich, velvety, and full of deep umami flavor, this dish has become a staple in comfort cooking around the world. While canned versions of this soup exist in nearly every grocery store aisle, there’s simply no comparison to the luxurious texture and earthy complexity that comes from making it fresh from scratch.
Creamy mushroom soup is timeless and versatile. Whether enjoyed on its own, served with a crusty slice of artisan bread, or used as a base for casseroles and sauces, it’s a recipe that fits into any kitchen, any season, and any culinary skill level. But beyond just being a bowl of warm comfort, this dish also carries an impressive balance of nutrition and indulgence, tradition and adaptability.
The Mushroom Magic: Why Mushrooms Make This Soup Special
Mushrooms are the heart and soul of this soup. Their unique, savory flavor—often described as “umami”—brings a meaty richness without the need for actual meat. Cremini mushrooms, which are simply more mature versions of white button mushrooms, are typically used for their deeper flavor and firmer texture. You can, however, experiment with a variety of mushrooms such as shiitake, oyster, or portobello to add complexity.
Beyond their taste, mushrooms are rich in antioxidants, B-vitamins, selenium, and fiber. They’re also naturally low in calories and fat, making this soup not only a comfort food favorite but a health-conscious one too. In vegetarian or flexitarian diets, mushrooms are often used as a meat substitute due to their texture and depth of flavor.
A Lesson in Layers: Building Flavors Slowly
The soul-satisfying taste of this soup doesn’t come from shortcuts. It comes from slow, deliberate cooking that allows each ingredient to shine. It begins with the gentle sautéing of onions and garlic in a combination of olive oil and butter—this is where the aromatic base is formed. Then the mushrooms are added, releasing their juices and developing a caramelized, umami-packed layer that is fundamental to the depth of the soup.
Adding flour to the mix creates a light roux that thickens the soup just enough to achieve that luxurious texture without becoming overly heavy. The broth, whether chicken or vegetable, lifts the richness and balances it with a clean finish. And then comes the cream, stirred in at the end, bringing it all together in smooth harmony.
A Flexible Foundation: Adaptable to Dietary Needs
One of the best things about homemade mushroom soup is how adaptable it is. While the classic recipe includes butter and cream, it can easily be made vegan or dairy-free with simple substitutions. Plant-based butters or oils and alternatives like oat milk, almond milk, or coconut cream can be used to achieve a similar texture and richness.
Gluten-free versions are also easy to create by using gluten-free flour or thickening agents like cornstarch. The result remains just as satisfying and comforting, allowing people with dietary restrictions to still enjoy this dish without compromise.
Serving Suggestions: From Starter to Star
This soup is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. As a starter, it can elevate a holiday meal or dinner party with its elegant simplicity. Its creamy consistency and rich flavor make it a sophisticated first course that pairs beautifully with wine or a salad.
As a main course, it holds its own. Serve it with a warm baguette, cheesy garlic bread, or a rustic grilled cheese sandwich, and you have a filling meal that’s as satisfying as it is wholesome. You can also add protein like shredded chicken or cooked lentils for extra heartiness.
Another clever use for homemade cream of mushroom soup is as a base for sauces or casseroles. It can replace canned versions in recipes like green bean casserole, creamy chicken bakes, or stroganoff, providing a fresher, healthier alternative with greater flavor.
Tips for Elevating Your Soup
To take this soup to the next level, there are several small touches that make a big difference. A splash of white wine or sherry before adding the broth can introduce a bright acidity that balances the richness. Fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley add layers of aroma and freshness. For a deeper earthy tone, incorporating a handful of dried mushrooms (soaked and rehydrated) into the mix can intensify the flavor profile.
Don’t forget presentation, either. A swirl of cream on top, a sprinkle of chopped parsley, or a few sautéed mushroom slices make the dish restaurant-worthy in appearance. Using high-quality broth and fresh, organic mushrooms whenever possible will also significantly enhance the final result.
Mushroom Soup Through Cultures and Time
Though this particular recipe is rooted in Western cuisine, creamy mushroom soup has variations across many cultures. In Hungary and parts of Eastern Europe, mushroom soups are often enriched with paprika and sour cream. In France, mushrooms feature heavily in veloutés and bisques—luxurious soups traditionally served in elegant settings. Even in parts of Asia, mushrooms are used in broths and soups, though typically with a clearer base and umami-forward ingredients like soy and miso.
Cream of mushroom soup, as we know it today, gained popularity in the United States in the early 20th century, especially after canned versions became a kitchen staple. However, modern cooks are increasingly returning to homemade versions for the superior taste and nutritional benefits. The rise of farm-to-table and scratch cooking movements have helped revive interest in preparing this beloved soup the way it was always meant to be enjoyed—fresh, hearty, and full of flavor.
The Nutritional Profile: Comfort Without the Guilt
Unlike many comfort foods that rely heavily on fats, sugars, or processed ingredients, homemade mushroom soup offers a nourishing option that doesn’t compromise on taste. Mushrooms provide fiber, immune-boosting nutrients, and antioxidants. Garlic and onions offer anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial benefits, and fresh herbs bring in essential oils that aid digestion.
Even with the addition of cream, the total calorie count remains modest, especially when portioned correctly. Using light cream or plant-based alternatives can reduce the fat content even further, making it suitable for a wider range of dietary needs and lifestyles.
Perfect for Any Occasion
One of the beauties of this recipe is its year-round appeal. It’s perfect in autumn and winter, when we crave warm, hearty dishes. But it’s also light enough to enjoy in the spring, especially when garnished with seasonal herbs or paired with a fresh green salad. It can be made ahead of time and stored for several days, making it a great option for weekly meal planning or hosting.
Whether you’re serving it as a comfort dish on a quiet night in or presenting it as a gourmet appetizer at a dinner party, it never fails to impress. It’s the kind of dish that reminds us why cooking from scratch is worth every moment spent in the kitchen.
Conclusion
Creamy Homemade Mushroom Soup is more than just a recipe—it’s a culinary experience that connects flavor, memory, and nourishment. It’s a dish that allows you to slow down, savor the process, and appreciate the honest beauty of real ingredients. With its earthy aroma, velvety texture, and complex yet comforting taste, it’s no wonder this soup has stood the test of time.
Whether you’re looking to warm up on a cold night, impress your guests, or simply make something delicious and wholesome, this soup delivers. With each spoonful, you’re not just tasting mushrooms, garlic, and cream—you’re tasting comfort, care, and a little touch of magic from the kitchen.