This creamy mushroom soup is one of my favorite comfort foods. It’s earthy, rich, and velvety, with the perfect balance of flavors from sautéed mushrooms, garlic, onions, and a touch of cream. I love serving it with crusty bread or crackers, and it’s the kind of dish that feels both rustic and elegant at the same time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I like this recipe because it’s versatile and can be made with any combination of mushrooms I have on hand. It’s simple to prepare yet tastes like something from a cozy café. The soup is hearty enough for a main course, but also works beautifully as a starter. By blending part of the soup and leaving chunks of mushrooms, I get the perfect creamy texture while still enjoying some bite.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
500 g mushrooms, sliced (button, cremini, oyster, shiitake, or a mix)
1 onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons butter
2–3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Directions
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I melt butter in a large pot over medium heat, then sauté the onion and garlic until translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
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I add the sliced mushrooms, stirring well to coat. I let them cook for 8–10 minutes, until tender and golden, stirring occasionally.
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I sprinkle the flour over the mushrooms, stirring constantly to coat and cook off the raw taste for 2 minutes.
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I slowly pour in the broth while stirring, then bring the soup to a gentle simmer. I let it cook for 15–20 minutes so the flavors meld.
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I stir in the heavy cream, season with salt and pepper, and let it simmer for another 5 minutes.
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If I want extra creaminess, I blend half the soup until smooth, then return it to the pot for a velvety yet chunky texture.
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I ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with parsley, and serve hot with bread or crackers.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 4 servings. The prep time is about 10 minutes, cook time is 30 minutes, and total time is about 40 minutes.
Variations
Sometimes I deglaze the mushrooms with a splash of white wine or sherry for extra depth. For more umami, I add a dash of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce. I’ve also swapped the cream for coconut milk to make a dairy-free version. When I want a richer soup, I use porcini mushrooms or add truffle oil just before serving.
Storage/reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm it gently on the stove over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth if it’s too thick. It can also be frozen for up to 2 months, though I add the cream after reheating for the best texture.
FAQs
What are the best mushrooms to use for soup?
I like a mix—button mushrooms for creaminess, cremini for depth, and shiitake for a rich umami flavor. Dried porcini also add a lot of intensity.
Can I make this soup without cream?
Yes, I replace the cream with milk, half-and-half, or coconut milk for a lighter or dairy-free option.
Why did my mushrooms turn soggy?
That usually happens if the pan is overcrowded. I sauté mushrooms in batches to let them brown instead of steam.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Can I blend the whole soup for a smooth texture?
Absolutely, I sometimes blend it completely for a velvety, restaurant-style soup.
Conclusion
This creamy mushroom soup is a warm, comforting dish that I love making all year round. The combination of earthy mushrooms, aromatic garlic and onion, and rich cream makes every spoonful satisfying. With a few simple tricks like using mixed mushrooms or adding a splash of wine, I can elevate it even further. It’s the kind of soup I always want to serve with a thick slice of crusty bread and enjoy slowly.
Print
Creamy Mushroom Soup
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Hearty, Earthy Mushroom Soup with Velvety Cream and a Touch of Garlic for a Comforting Bowl of Goodness
Ingredients
500g mushrooms, sliced (button, oyster, cremini, or shiitake)
1 onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter. Add chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until translucent (about 5 minutes).
Add the sliced mushrooms, stir to coat with the butter mixture, and cook for 8–10 minutes until tender and caramelized.
Sprinkle the flour over the mushrooms and stir continuously for 2 minutes to cook off the raw flour taste.
Slowly pour in the broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Bring to a gentle simmer.
Simmer for 15–20 minutes, allowing the soup to thicken and flavors to meld.
Stir in the heavy cream, season with salt and pepper, and simmer for another 5 minutes.
Remove from heat. Ladle into bowls and garnish with chopped parsley.
Serve hot with crusty bread or crackers.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Soup