There is something deeply comforting and utterly satisfying about a bowl of homemade Creamy Mushroom Soup Recipe. This velvety, earthy soup captures the rich flavors of fresh mushrooms combined with a hint of thyme and a touch of cream, creating a beautifully balanced dish that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. It’s an elegant yet simple recipe that can easily become a family favorite, perfect for cozy dinners or impressive enough for guests. Once you try this, you will understand why it’s a go-to comfort food that deserves a special place in your recipe collection.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this recipe is refreshingly simple, yet each one plays a crucial role in building that luxurious texture and unforgettable flavor. From the earthy mushrooms to the bright splash of white wine and the cream for that silky finish, every ingredient adds its unique character.
- Extra-virgin olive oil: Provides a delicate fruitiness and helps sauté the vegetables without overpowering the mushroom flavor.
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps create a smooth base for the soup.
- Medium yellow onion: Brings a subtle sweetness and depth when softened.
- Sea salt: Enhances all the natural flavors throughout the cooking process.
- Freshly ground black pepper: Offers a gentle heat that complements the earthiness of mushrooms.
- White button mushrooms: Provide a mild, tender foundation essential for a balanced soup.
- Cremini mushrooms: Add a deeper, earthier richness that contrasts beautifully with the button mushrooms.
- Garlic cloves: Infuse aromatic warmth when grated into the soup.
- Dry white wine: Lifts the flavor profile with a hint of acidity and complexity.
- Vegetable broth: Creates the flavorful liquid base, making the soup hearty and nourishing.
- Tamari: Introduces savory umami notes that intensify the mushroom taste.
- Fresh thyme leaves: Brighten the earthy mushrooms with their herbal freshness.
- Heavy cream or crème fraîche (optional): Adds a luxurious creaminess that makes the soup irresistibly smooth.
- Chopped fresh parsley: For garnish, offering a fresh, vibrant finish to each serving.
How to Make Creamy Mushroom Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Onions and Mushrooms
Start by heating your olive oil and butter in a large pot over medium heat—it’s this combination that creates a velvety foundation for the soup. Adding the chopped onion along with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper develops a soft, fragrant base. Once the onions have softened just slightly, slowly introduce the mushrooms in two batches. This helps them cook evenly and develop their natural juices. Stir occasionally and let the mushrooms become tender and full of flavor, stirring in all those beautiful brown bits that add richness.
Step 2: Add Garlic, Wine, and Broth
Next, stir in the grated garlic, which will release a punch of aromatic flavor without overpowering the mushrooms. Pour in the dry white wine, and while it sizzles, you’ll notice the intoxicating scent of mushrooms mingling with that crisp, subtle acidity of the wine. Follow up with the vegetable broth, tamari for that splash of umami, and the fresh thyme leaves. Cover your pot and let the soup simmer gently for 15 minutes, allowing all those flavors to deepen and marry beautifully.
Step 3: Blend the Soup
After simmering, let your soup cool just enough to handle safely, then transfer about two-thirds of it into a blender. This step is all about creating the perfect creamy texture without losing the satisfying chunks of mushroom in the mix. Blend until completely smooth, then pour it back into the pot with the remaining chunky portion.
Step 4: Add Cream and Season
If you’re aiming for the ultimate Creamy Mushroom Soup Recipe experience, stir in the heavy cream or crème fraîche at this point. Let it cook together for an additional couple of minutes to ensure the creamy element integrates flawlessly with the mushrooms. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed; sometimes a bit more salt or pepper can elevate the whole dish even further.
Step 5: Serve with Fresh Garnishes
Ladle the soup into warm bowls and dress it up with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or an extra swirl of cream. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley and a few thyme leaves on top to add a pop of color and fresh aroma that invites you in for that first delicious spoonful.
How to Serve Creamy Mushroom Soup Recipe
Garnishes
A simple drizzle of olive oil or a dollop of cream can elevate each bowl with extra richness, while fresh parsley and thyme not only brighten the appearance but add a lovely herbal contrast to the earthiness of the mushrooms. Toasted nuts or crispy mushrooms on top add a delightful crunch and visual appeal if you’re feeling adventurous. Small details like these take this Creamy Mushroom Soup Recipe from good to absolutely memorable.
Side Dishes
This rich yet light soup pairs wonderfully with crusty artisan bread or garlic toasted baguette slices—you’ll want something perfect for dipping and soaking up every last drop. A crisp green salad with a lemony vinaigrette complements the creaminess beautifully, balancing the meal with freshness. For a heartier option, serve alongside warm grilled cheese sandwiches or roasted vegetables to round out a cozy meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, consider serving the Creamy Mushroom Soup Recipe in mini cups for a sophisticated appetizer or in hollowed-out bread bowls for a rustic, charming presentation. Garnish thoughtfully with edible flowers or a sprinkle of truffle oil for an elegant twist that impresses. No matter how you present it, the warmth and flavor will always steal the show.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This soup keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it perfect for meal prep or quick lunches. Store in an airtight container to preserve its vibrant flavor and creamy texture. Before serving leftovers, give it a gentle stir to recombine any ingredients that may have settled.
Freezing
Creamy Mushroom Soup Recipe freezes well, making it a great make-ahead option. Freeze in individual portions for convenient future meals. When freezing, leave out the cream and add it fresh when reheating to keep the texture silky and fresh.
Reheating
Reheat the soup gently over low heat on the stove, stirring occasionally to avoid scorching and to restore that smooth texture. If needed, add a splash of broth or cream to loosen it up to your desired consistency. Avoid boiling the soup once cream has been added—it helps keep that rich, velvety finish intact.
FAQs
Can I use other types of mushrooms in this Creamy Mushroom Soup Recipe?
Absolutely! While white button and cremini mushrooms offer a wonderful balance of flavor and texture, feel free to experiment with shiitake, portobello, or oyster mushrooms for a deeper or more complex taste.
Is the cream necessary for this soup?
The cream is optional but recommended if you want that iconic silky texture and richness. However, the soup is fantastic without it for a lighter version, especially if you prefer to keep it dairy-free or lower fat.
How can I make this soup vegan?
To make a vegan Creamy Mushroom Soup Recipe, substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative, use olive oil in place of any dairy fats, and replace the heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream. Make sure the broth is vegetable-based and tamari or soy sauce is used.
Can I prepare this soup ahead of time for a dinner party?
Yes! This soup can be made a day or two in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Reheat gently before serving and add fresh cream or garnishes right before bringing it to the table for the best presentation and taste.
What if I don’t have tamari, can I substitute it?
Yes, soy sauce works as a good substitute if tamari isn’t on hand. Just be mindful of the saltiness and adjust accordingly. You can also try using miso paste diluted with a bit of water for a unique umami boost.
Final Thoughts
I wholeheartedly encourage you to give this Creamy Mushroom Soup Recipe a try. It’s genuinely a little bowl of magic—combining simplicity with stunning flavor and texture in a way that comforts and delights every time. Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned pro, this recipe is approachable, versatile, and downright delicious. Warm up your kitchen and your heart with this marvelous soup—you won’t regret it!
Print
Creamy 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: Vegetarian
Description
This Creamy Mushroom Soup is a rich and comforting dish made with a blend of white button and cremini mushrooms, simmered with garlic, white wine, and fresh thyme, then blended to a smooth and velvety texture. Finished with a touch of heavy cream and garnished with fresh herbs and olive oil, it offers an elegant, flavorful appetizer or light meal perfect for any season.
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
Flavoring Ingredients
- 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 Ingredients
- ½ cup heavy cream or crème fraîche (optional, plus more for serving)
- Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics and Mushrooms: Heat the olive oil and butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper, and cook for about 2 minutes until the onion softens slightly. Add half of the sliced mushrooms and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes until softened. Then add the remaining mushrooms and cook for another 5 minutes until all are tender and fragrant.
- Add Garlic, Wine, Broth, and Herbs: 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 allow the flavors to meld.
- Blend Soup: Remove the pot from heat and let the soup cool slightly. Transfer about two-thirds of the soup to a blender and puree until smooth and creamy, then return the blended soup to the pot with the remaining chunky mushroom mixture.
- Incorporate Cream and Warm Through: If desired, stir in the heavy cream or crème fraîche and cook over low heat for an additional 2 minutes to heat through and mellow the creaminess. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve and Garnish: Ladle the creamy mushroom soup into bowls and garnish with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or additional cream, fresh parsley, and thyme leaves for a fresh herbal touch.
Notes
- This soup can be made fully vegan by omitting the butter and cream or substituting with plant-based alternatives.
- Using a mix of mushrooms adds depth of flavor and texture contrast.
- For a thicker soup, reduce the amount of broth slightly.
- The soup can be prepared in advance and reheated gently on the stovetop.
- White wine can be substituted with a splash of dry sherry or additional broth if desired.
