Cream of Mushroom Soup: The Ultimate Homemade Recipe

There’s something magical about a steaming bowl of Cream of Mushroom Soup on a chilly evening. After a long day, when you’re craving something both comforting and sophisticated, this recipe delivers exactly what you need. The rich, earthy aroma fills your kitchen as it simmers, promising a velvety texture and deep umami flavor that store-bought varieties simply can’t match.

This Cream of Mushroom Soup transforms humble ingredients into a restaurant-quality dish that’s surprisingly simple to prepare at home. Whether you’re serving it as a starter for a dinner party or enjoying it as a hearty lunch with crusty bread, this homemade version elevates the classic comfort food to something truly special. With its perfect balance of cremini and shiitake mushrooms, aromatic herbs, and silky cream, this recipe proves that the best Cream of Mushroom Soup doesn’t come from a can—it comes from your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Cream of Mushroom Soup

Ingredients for Cream of Mushroom Soup

• 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 4 tablespoons butter (or use all olive oil for a lighter version)
• 2 pounds (900g) cremini (or button) mushrooms, cleaned and sliced 1/8-inch thick
• Small handful shiitake mushrooms, chopped (for deeper flavor)
• 3/4 cup minced shallots (6 ounces, 170g)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced (3 teaspoons)
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 3/4 teaspoon dried tarragon (or substitute thyme if preferred)
• 4 cups (1 liter) chicken stock (or vegetable stock for a vegetarian option)
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream (can substitute with coconut cream for a dairy-free version)
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (adjust to taste)

Additional optional ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon flour or cornstarch (for thickening, use cornstarch for gluten-free)
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (adds brightness)
• 2 tablespoons dry sherry or white wine (for depth of flavor)
• Fresh herbs for garnish (chives, parsley, or thyme)

How to Make Cream of Mushroom Soup – Step by Step

1. Clean the mushrooms with a damp paper towel or brush. Avoid soaking them as they absorb water.
2. Slice the cremini mushrooms about 1/8-inch thick and roughly chop the shiitakes.
3. Set aside a few sliced mushrooms for garnish if desired.
4. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter over medium-high heat.
5. Add half the mushrooms and cook without stirring for 2-3 minutes until they begin to brown.
6. Stir and continue cooking until golden brown, about 5 minutes total. Transfer to a bowl.
7. Repeat with remaining oil, butter, and mushrooms.
8. Return all mushrooms to the pot and add shallots and garlic. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
9. Add salt, tarragon, and pepper to the pot, stirring to combine with the mushroom mixture.
10. If using, sprinkle flour over the mixture and stir continuously for 1 minute to cook off the raw flavor.
11. Gradually add the chicken or vegetable stock while stirring to prevent lumps.
12. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and soup to slightly reduce.

Pro Tips for Making the Best Cream of Mushroom Soup

• Use a variety of mushrooms: While cremini mushrooms form the base, adding shiitake, oyster, or porcini mushrooms creates a more complex flavor profile for your Cream of Mushroom Soup.
• Brown the mushrooms properly: Don’t overcrowd the pan and resist the urge to stir too frequently. Proper browning creates the deep umami flavor that makes homemade Cream of Mushroom Soup special.
• Control the thickness: For thicker Cream of Mushroom Soup, either increase the amount of flour/cornstarch or reduce more liquid during simmering. For thinner soup, add more stock.
• Make it vegan: For a creamy vegan Cream of Mushroom Soup alternative, substitute butter with olive oil and heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or cashew cream.
• Enhance with dried mushrooms: For an even more intense flavor, add 1/4 cup dried porcini or shiitake mushrooms (rehydrated in hot water) to your Cream of Mushroom Soup. Use the strained soaking liquid as part of your stock.

Best Ways to Serve Cream of Mushroom Soup

This comforting Cream of Mushroom Soup can be served in numerous ways:

• As an elegant starter in small cups before a main course
• In a large bowl as a main dish, accompanied by crusty bread or a simple green salad
• Garnished with a swirl of cream, fresh herbs, sautéed mushroom slices, or crispy fried onions
• As a sauce for chicken, pork, or steak
• As a base for green bean casserole or other classic dishes that call for Cream of Mushroom Soup

Pair your Cream of Mushroom Soup with a glass of dry white wine like Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio for a perfect flavor combination. For a complete meal, serve alongside a grilled cheese sandwich on artisan bread.

Storage & Leftovers

Refrigerator: This homemade Cream of Mushroom Soup will keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze your Cream of Mushroom Soup before adding the cream. Store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. When ready to use, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, reheat, and add the cream fresh.

Reheating: Gently warm Cream of Mushroom Soup on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Avoid boiling as this can cause the cream to separate. If the soup thickens too much during storage, thin with a little stock or water.

Nutritional Information for Cream of Mushroom Soup

Per serving (approximately 1 cup):

• Calories: 230 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Protein: 5g
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Sodium: 650mg
• Fiber: 2g

For a healthy Cream of Mushroom Soup using low-fat milk instead of cream, the calorie count reduces to approximately 180 kcal per serving with 12g of fat.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I add to Cream of Mushroom Soup for more flavor?

To enhance your Cream of Mushroom Soup, try adding:

• A splash of sherry or white wine
• A teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce
• Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary
• A pinch of nutmeg
• Soy sauce or miso paste for umami depth
• Caramelized onions for sweetness

Is Cream of Mushroom Soup healthy?

Homemade Cream of Mushroom Soup can be quite nutritious because mushrooms are low in calories yet high in selenium, potassium, and B vitamins. To make a healthier version, use olive oil instead of butter, substitute half-and-half or milk for heavy cream, and use low-sodium broth. This creates a nutritious Cream of Mushroom Soup with less fat and sodium than commercial varieties.

How do you thicken Cream of Mushroom Soup naturally?

There are several ways to thicken Cream of Mushroom Soup without using flour:

• Purée more of the cooked mushrooms and vegetables
• Add a potato during cooking, then blend
• Use a cornstarch slurry (mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water)
• Add a little cashew cream or puréed white beans
• Simmer longer to reduce and naturally thicken the soup

Can you use Cream of Mushroom Soup as a base for other recipes?

Yes! Cream of Mushroom Soup is incredibly versatile as a cooking ingredient. Use it as:

• A sauce for pasta or protein dishes
• The creamy base for casseroles
• A flavor enhancer for rice dishes
• A braising liquid for slow-cooked meats
• The foundation for other soups by adding different ingredients

Conclusion

Making homemade Cream of Mushroom Soup is a simple yet rewarding culinary experience that delivers flavor far beyond what comes from a can. This versatile soup works beautifully as both a standalone dish and a cooking ingredient for countless other recipes. By following these steps and incorporating the pro tips, you’ll create a rich, creamy, and deeply satisfying Cream of Mushroom Soup that will become a staple in your cooking repertoire.

Whether you’re serving it with a crusty bread for dinner, using it as the secret ingredient in your holiday casseroles, or freezing batches for convenient meal prep, this Cream of Mushroom Soup recipe is worth adding to your collection. What variations will you try with your homemade Cream of Mushroom Soup? Share your experiences and favorite ways to enjoy this classic comfort food in the comments below!

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