If you have been searching for a comforting and effortless way to delight your taste buds, this Easy Cream of Mushroom Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. Rich, velvety, and bursting with earthy mushroom flavor, this soup feels like a warm hug in a bowl. It’s the perfect recipe to make on a cozy day when you want something nourishing yet quick to prepare. The combination of tender sautéed mushrooms, fragrant thyme, and creamy broth creates a balanced and deeply satisfying dish that always feels a little special despite its simplicity.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients might be simple, but each one plays a crucial role in building flavor and texture for your soup. From butter that helps sauté the vegetables to the flour that thickens the broth, every element is essential to creating the perfect balance in this Easy Cream of Mushroom Soup Recipe.
- Butter: Provides a rich base for sautéing and adds a luxurious mouthfeel.
- Onion: Adds sweetness and depth when caramelized gently.
- Mushrooms: The star ingredient with an earthy, savory flavor and meaty texture.
- Vegetable broth: Offers a flavorful liquid component that keeps the soup light yet tasty.
- All-purpose flour: Acts as the thickening agent for a smooth, creamy consistency.
- Fresh thyme leaves: Bring a subtle herbal note that complements mushrooms beautifully.
- Milk or heavy cream: Adds creaminess and richness to round out the soup perfectly.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasoning to enhance and balance all the flavors.
- Fresh parsley: Brightens the dish when sprinkled on top as a garnish.
How to Make Easy Cream of Mushroom Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Vegetables
Begin by melting butter in a large pot over medium-high heat. Toss in the diced onions and sauté them until they turn tender and translucent, releasing their natural sweetness. Then, add the sliced mushrooms and cook until they soften and achieve a light golden brown color—this step is key to enhancing their earthy flavor.
Step 2: Deglaze and Season
Pour a splash of vegetable broth into the pot to deglaze it, scraping up all the flavorful browned bits that stick to the bottom. Those bits hold incredible depth and add richness to the soup. Once everything is mixed, stir in fresh thyme leaves to infuse the broth with subtle herbal undertones.
Step 3: Make Roux
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and the remaining vegetable broth until the mixture becomes perfectly smooth and lump-free. This mixture will be the base that thickens the soup, giving it that luscious creamy texture we all love.
Step 4: Thicken Soup
Slowly pour your roux mixture into the pot, stirring constantly to prevent lumps as it heats up. Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10 to 15 minutes. This simmering step allows the soup to thicken and the flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 5: Add Milk or Cream
Finally, stir in your choice of milk or heavy cream to introduce creaminess that transforms the soup into a comforting, silky masterpiece. Season generously with salt and pepper, tasting and adjusting as you go to make sure the flavors shine.
Step 6: Serve
Ladle the soup into bowls and finish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for a fresh, vibrant touch. Serve warm and savor every delightful spoonful of this easy-to-make classic.
How to Serve Easy Cream of Mushroom Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a perfect garnish for this soup, adding a pop of color and a gentle herbaceous note. For an extra special touch, consider a drizzle of truffle oil or a sprinkle of crispy fried shallots to boost the mushroom flavor.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a warm grilled cheese sandwich—both excellent for dipping. A light mixed green salad or roasted vegetables can make the meal more substantial without overpowering the delicate flavors of the cream of mushroom soup.
Creative Ways to Present
For a crowd-pleasing presentation, serve this soup on elegant soup spoons as an appetizer or in clear glass bowls to showcase its gorgeous creamy texture. You can also top it with a dollop of sour cream or crème fraîche and a sprig of thyme for a refined look.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, simply transfer the soup into an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep well for up to 3 days while maintaining its flavor and creaminess.
Freezing
This Easy Cream of Mushroom Soup Recipe freezes beautifully. Pour it into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little room for expansion. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results.
Reheating
When reheating, warm the soup gently on the stove over low heat, stirring often to prevent scorching. If the soup thickens too much during storage, add a splash of milk or broth to loosen the consistency back to that silky smoothness you love.
FAQs
Can I use other types of mushrooms for this soup?
Absolutely! While white button mushrooms are common, you can mix in cremini, shiitake, or portobello to add different flavors and textures that make the soup even more interesting.
Is it possible to make this soup dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute milk or cream with coconut milk, cashew cream, or any plant-based milk to keep things creamy without dairy, making it suitable for vegan diets as well.
How can I make this soup richer without cream?
Try adding a splash of browned butter or blending in some cooked potatoes for extra body and creaminess without relying solely on cream.
Can I use chicken broth instead of vegetable broth?
Definitely! Chicken broth adds a deeper savory layer if you’re not vegetarian or vegan. Just use what fits your preference and dietary needs.
What’s the best way to get a smooth texture?
Using the flour and broth roux and stirring continuously while it heats prevents lumps. For ultra-smooth soup, you can also blend it briefly with an immersion blender after thickening.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the comforting warmth and timeless flavor of this Easy Cream of Mushroom Soup Recipe. Whether you’re new to making soups from scratch or a seasoned cook looking for a dependable favorite, this recipe hits all the right notes of simplicity and deliciousness. So gather your ingredients and enjoy making this cozy, creamy soup your next go-to comfort food.
Print
Easy Cream of Mushroom Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This easy cream of mushroom soup is a comforting, flavorful, and creamy dish made by sautéing mushrooms and onions, then thickening the broth with a flour mixture to create a smooth, velvety texture. Perfect for a cozy meal, it features fresh thyme and is garnished with parsley.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons butter
- ½ onion, diced (about 1 cup)
- 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced (about 4 cups)
- 2 cups vegetable broth, divided
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1 cup milk or heavy cream
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat the butter in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the diced onions and sauté until they become tender and translucent. Then add sliced mushrooms and cook until they soften and develop a light brown color, enhancing their flavor.
- Deglaze and Season: Pour in a splash of vegetable broth to the pot and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom. This adds rich flavor to the soup. Stir in the fresh thyme leaves to infuse the soup with herbal aroma.
- Make Roux: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour with the remaining vegetable broth until you get a smooth, lump-free mixture. This will act as a thickening agent for the soup.
- Thicken Soup: Pour the flour and broth mixture into the pot with the sautéed vegetables. Bring the mixture to a boil while stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for 10 to 15 minutes until the soup thickens to your desired consistency.
- Add Milk or Cream: Stir in the milk or heavy cream to add creaminess and richness. Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve: Ladle the warm soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- You can substitute heavy cream with whole milk or a plant-based milk for a lighter or dairy-free option.
- For a gluten-free version, replace all-purpose flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend.
- For extra flavor, try adding garlic when sautéing the onions.
- Leftover soup keeps well refrigerated for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
