Cream of Mushroom Soup Recipe: A Classic Comfort Dish

Cream of mushroom soup is the ultimate cozy comfort food. Rich, creamy, and full of earthy flavors, it’s perfect as a stand-alone soup, a base for casseroles, or even an addition to your favorite sauces. Whether you’re looking for a comforting bowl on a chilly evening or seeking an ingredient to enhance your casseroles, this homemade cream of mushroom soup recipe has got you covered.

In this post, we’ll walk you through the process of making the perfect homemade cream of mushroom soup, along with helpful tips, storage advice, and nutritional breakdown. Let’s get started!

Ingredients for Homemade Cream of Mushroom Soup

To make this creamy mushroom soup from scratch, you’ll need a handful of simple ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 2 tablespoons of butter
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 16 oz (about 450g) fresh mushrooms, sliced (button or cremini work best)
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream (or use half-and-half for a lighter option)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional: A pinch of thyme or rosemary for extra flavor

Directions: How to Make Cream of Mushroom Soup

1. Cook the Aromatics: In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
2. Add the Mushrooms: Stir in the sliced mushrooms and cook for an additional 5-6 minutes, allowing the mushrooms to release their moisture and become tender.
3. Make the Roux: Sprinkle the flour over the mushroom mixture. Stir continuously to combine. This will help thicken the soup. Let the flour cook for about 2 minutes to get rid of the raw taste.
4. Add the Broth: Slowly pour in the broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Bring the soup to a simmer and cook for 10-12 minutes until it thickens slightly.
5. Finish with Cream: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Season with salt, pepper, and optional herbs like thyme or rosemary. Let the soup simmer on low heat for an additional 5 minutes, allowing all the flavors to meld together.
6. Blend (Optional): If you prefer a smooth soup, you can use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth. Alternatively, you can leave it chunky for a more rustic texture.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot. You can garnish with a drizzle of cream, fresh herbs, or croutons if desired.

Recipe Notes:

• Mushroom Variety: You can experiment with different types of mushrooms to create unique flavors. Cremini, shiitake, or portobello mushrooms work wonderfully.
• Vegan Option: Swap the butter with olive oil and use coconut milk or almond milk instead of heavy cream for a vegan version.
• Flavor Boost: A splash of white wine or sherry while cooking the mushrooms adds depth of flavor.
• Consistency: If you like your soup thicker, add more flour to the roux, or let it simmer longer to reduce.

Time and Serving

• Total Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25 minutes
• Servings: This recipe makes about 4 servings.

Storage Instructions

This cream of mushroom soup can be easily stored and enjoyed later! Here’s how to store it:

• Refrigeration: Store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: This soup freezes well. Pour cooled soup into a freezer-safe container and store it for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, reheat on the stove over low heat until warm.
• Reheating: To reheat, simply heat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. You may need to add a splash of milk or broth if it thickens too much.

Nutrition Breakdown (Per Serving)

Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for one serving (based on using heavy cream and vegetable broth):

Extra Tips to Make the Recipe Perfect

• Use Fresh Mushrooms: Fresh mushrooms provide the best flavor and texture. Avoid canned mushrooms for the best result.
• Don’t Rush: Let the mushrooms cook down and release their moisture. This adds to the rich, earthy flavor of the soup.
• Adjust the Thickness: If you prefer a thinner soup, add more broth or cream. If it’s too thin, cook it longer to reduce.

How to Serve Cream of Mushroom Soup

Cream of mushroom soup is delicious on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with other dishes. Here are a few ideas for serving:

• With a Side Salad: A light, fresh salad pairs perfectly with the richness of this creamy soup.
• On Toast: For a simple and satisfying meal, pour the soup over toasted bread or a grilled cheese sandwich.
• As a Casserole Base: Use the soup as a base for your favorite casseroles, like green bean casserole or chicken pot pie.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need:

• A large pot or Dutch oven for cooking the soup
• Wooden spoon or spatula to stir
• Immersion blender (optional, for a smooth texture)
• Measuring cups and spoons

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

Making homemade cream of mushroom soup is so much easier than it sounds. With just a few simple ingredients and a bit of patience, you can create a rich, comforting soup that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you enjoy it as a meal or use it as an ingredient in your favorite casseroles, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.