Cream of Mushroom Soup Recipe

Hearty Cream of Mushroom Soup Recipe: A Bowl of Pure Comfort

Hearty soups warm the soul on chilly evenings, and this cream of mushroom soup recipe brings comfort straight to your table.

Robust, earthy mushrooms dance through a silky broth that transforms simple ingredients into pure culinary magic.

Chefs and home cooks alike treasure this classic recipe for its deep, rich flavors.

Tender mushrooms meld seamlessly with creamy textures, creating a luxurious experience in every spoonful.

The aroma alone will draw hungry diners to the kitchen, promising a delightful meal.

Seasonal mushrooms elevate this soup from ordinary to extraordinary.

Grab a ladle and savor every delicious moment of this soul-satisfying soup that’s sure to become a family favorite.

Mushroom Soup Ingredient Rundown

Fats and Oils:
  • Olive Oil: Provides a base for sautĂ©ing and enhances the overall flavor of the soup.
  • Butter: Adds richness and depth to the cooking process.
Mushrooms:
  • Mixed Mushrooms: Create the primary flavor profile and texture of the soup.
  • Reserved Mushrooms: Provide additional texture and visual interest when added back to the final soup.
Aromatics and Seasonings:
  • Shallots, Garlic: Contribute a delicate, savory base flavor to the soup.
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Enhance and balance the overall taste of the dish.
  • Tarragon: Adds a subtle herbal note that complements the mushroom flavor.
Liquid and Finishing Ingredients:
  • Stock: Forms the liquid base of the soup and provides depth of flavor.
  • Heavy Cream: Adds a luxurious, smooth texture and rich taste to the final soup.

Kitchen Gear for Creamy Mushroom Soup

  • Large heavy-bottomed pot: essential for even heating and sautĂ©ing ingredients.
  • Immersion blender or standard blender: crucial for creating smooth soup texture.
  • Cutting board: needed for chopping mushrooms, shallots, and garlic.
  • Sharp knife: required for precise ingredient preparation.
  • Wooden spoon or spatula: perfect for stirring and cooking mushrooms.
  • Measuring cups: helpful for accurate stock and cream measurements.
  • Whisk: ideal for smoothly incorporating cream and seasoning.

Directions for Luscious Cream of Mushroom Soup

Step 1: Sizzle Mushroom Base

Heat olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat.

Swirl in butter until it melts completely, creating a golden, fragrant foundation for your soup.

Step 2: Develop Mushroom Flavor

Add all mushrooms to the pot.

Cook for approximately 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Watch as the mushrooms brown lightly and release their natural moisture, intensifying the soup’s rich flavor.

Step 3: Prepare Garnish Portion

Set aside one cup of cooked mushrooms.

These will be used later to add texture and visual appeal to the finished soup.

Step 4: Build Aromatic Layer

Lower the heat to medium.

Introduce shallots and garlic to the pot.

Sauté for about one minute until they become wonderfully fragrant, releasing their sweet and pungent notes.

Step 5: Create Liquid Foundation

Pour in stock, then sprinkle salt and tarragon.

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it bubble uncovered for 10 minutes, allowing flavors to meld together beautifully.

Step 6: Transform Texture

Carefully remove the pot from heat.

Use an immersion blender or standard blender to transform the mixture into a silky smooth consistency.

Step 7: Fine-Tune Consistency

If using a standard blender, return the soup to the pot.

Adjust the thickness by adding extra stock as needed, creating the perfect pour-able texture.

Step 8: Enrich With Cream

Whisk heavy cream and black pepper into the soup.

Gently fold the reserved mushrooms back into the mixture, adding delightful chunks of texture.

Step 9: Perfect The Flavor

Taste the soup and make final seasoning adjustments.

Add salt and pepper until the flavor profile reaches delicious perfection.

Serve hot and enjoy!

Mushroom Soup Pro Tips for Flavor

  • Choose a mix of fresh mushrooms like cremini, shiitake, and porcini for deeper, more complex flavor profiles.
  • Pat mushrooms dry before cooking to ensure proper caramelization and prevent steaming instead of browning.
  • Allow soup to cool slightly before blending to prevent hot liquid splashing and potential burns.
  • Add cream off the heat to prevent separation and maintain a smooth, silky texture.
  • Enhance soup with a splash of white wine or a sprinkle of fresh thyme for extra depth and aroma.

Fun Twists for Mushroom Soup Bowls

  • Vegan Mushroom Soup: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream, and use vegetable stock instead of traditional stock for a plant-based version.
  • Gluten-Free Mushroom Soup: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free, and use cornstarch instead of flour for thickening if needed.
  • Low-Carb Mushroom Soup: Swap out shallots for celery, use cauliflower cream as a replacement for heavy cream, and increase mushroom variety for added depth.
  • Wild Mushroom Variation: Incorporate a mix of exotic mushrooms like shiitake, porcini, and chanterelles to enhance the flavor profile and nutritional complexity.

How to Serve Mushroom Soup Comfort Style

  • Rustic Bread Companion: Slice a crusty baguette or sourdough bread, toasting edges until golden and crisp, perfect for dunking into the creamy soup.
  • Herbal Garnish Delight: Sprinkle fresh chopped chives, parsley, or thyme on top to add bright color and enhance the earthy mushroom flavor with a pop of freshness.
  • Crispy Mushroom Topping: Create a crunchy texture by quickly pan-frying some extra sliced mushrooms in butter until deeply golden and scattering them over each serving for added depth and texture.
  • Wine Pairing Magic: Serve alongside a glass of crisp white wine like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc, which complements the soup's rich and creamy profile while cutting through its velvety texture.

Storing Cream of Mushroom Soup at Home

  • Store leftovers in airtight container for 3-4 days, keeping soup flat and covered to prevent contamination.
  • Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving 1-inch space for expansion, storing up to 2 months with minimal texture loss.
  • Transfer desired portion to microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, heat at 50% power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly.
  • Warm soup in saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, adding splash of stock or cream to restore original consistency if soup thickens during storage.

FAQs

  • What types of mushrooms work best for this soup?

Cremini, shiitake, and white button mushrooms offer the most robust and balanced flavor profile. Each type brings a unique texture and depth to the soup.

  • Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes, simply replace chicken stock with vegetable stock. The recipe remains the same, maintaining its rich and creamy consistency.

  • Is an immersion blender necessary?

No, a standard blender works perfectly. Just be careful when blending hot liquids and blend in batches if needed. Always remove the center lid cap and cover with a towel to prevent splattering.

  • How can I enhance the soup's flavor?

Add a splash of white wine while cooking mushrooms or sprinkle fresh herbs like thyme or parsley before serving. These simple additions can elevate the soup’s overall taste and aroma.

Cream of Mushroom Soup Why It’s a Classic

  • Dive into a rich, velvety soup that wraps you in warmth and satisfies deep hunger with every spoonful.
  • Easy-to-follow steps let home cooks confidently create a restaurant-quality dish without intimidating techniques.
  • Transform everyday mushrooms and basic pantry staples into a luxurious, creamy soup that impresses family and guests.
  • Flexible recipe allows personal touches like different mushroom varieties or herb substitutions to match your taste preferences.
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Cream of Mushroom Soup Recipe

Cream of Mushroom Soup Recipe


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4.9 from 15 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Homemade cream of mushroom soup delivers rich, earthy flavors that comfort and nourish. French culinary traditions inspire this creamy classic, which provides warmth and satisfaction with each spoonful.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 pounds cremini mushrooms, chopped
  • 1 handful shiitake mushrooms, chopped
  • 4 cups chicken stock
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream

Aromatics and Seasonings:

  • 3/4 cup minced shallots
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 3/4 teaspoon dried tarragon
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Cooking Fats:

  • 4 tablespoons (59 milliliters) olive oil
  • 4 tablespoons (57 grams) butter

Instructions

  1. In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, heat olive oil over medium-high temperature, then incorporate butter until fully melted and bubbling.
  2. Add all mushrooms and sauté for approximately 10 minutes, stirring periodically, until they develop a light golden color and release their natural moisture.
  3. Carefully set aside one cup of the cooked mushrooms for later garnishing.
  4. Reduce heat to medium and introduce finely chopped shallots and minced garlic, cooking for 60 seconds until aromatic.
  5. Pour in stock, sprinkle salt, and add tarragon, allowing the mixture to simmer uncovered for 10 minutes to develop complex flavors.
  6. Carefully remove pot from heat and transform the mixture into a silky consistency using an immersion blender or standard blender.
  7. If using a standard blender, return soup to pot and adjust liquid volume with additional stock to achieve desired texture.
  8. Incorporate heavy cream and freshly ground black pepper, then gently fold the reserved mushrooms back into the soup.
  9. Conduct a final seasoning assessment, adding salt and pepper as necessary to elevate the overall flavor profile before serving.

Notes

  • Mushroom Variety Matters Choose a mix of wild and cultivated mushrooms like shiitake, cremini, and porcini for deeper, more complex flavor profiles.
  • Enhance Umami Depth SautĂ© mushrooms at high heat to develop rich caramelization and maximize their natural savory characteristics.
  • Dietary Adaptations Swap heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream for dairy-free versions, maintaining creamy texture and richness.
  • Texture Control Blend soup partially for rustic texture, leaving some mushroom chunks for added interest and mouthfeel.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: French

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 180
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 500mg
  • Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 10g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg
Clara Thompson

Clara Thompson

Recipe Developer & Food Educator

Expertise

Plant-based and vegetarian recipe development, Nutritional analysis and meal planning, Culinary education and workshop facilitation, Content writing with a focus on healthy living​

Education

Diploma in Culinary Arts, Mt. San Jacinto College, CA
Focus: Comprehensive culinary training with an emphasis on sustainable cooking practices.

Certificate in Nutrition and Healthy Living, Cornell University (Online Program)
Focus: Understanding the principles of nutrition to create balanced and health-conscious recipes.


Clara lives where fresh ideas and fresh ingredients meet. She pairs her culinary know-how with her passion for healthy, planet-friendly cooking.
For Clara, good food should taste great, nourish your body, and feel easy to make. Her recipes highlight whole foods, colorful produce, and a deep respect for seasonal eating.

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