Cream of Mushroom Soup: Comforting & Creamy Recipe

Name: Cream of Mushroom Soup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb fresh cremini mushrooms, sliced; 2 tbsp unsalted butter; 1 medium yellow onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 2 tsp fresh thyme (or 1 tsp dried thyme); Salt and pepper to taste

Published: January 15, 2026

by Aria

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This cream of mushroom soup is incredibly easy to prepare, leaving you more time to enjoy good company
Its rich flavor profile balances earthy mushrooms with creamy goodness
The beautiful presentation makes it an eye-catching dish for any table setting
Versatile enough to be paired with bread or served as a starter, this soup adapts to any occasion

The first time I made this soup for my friends, their delighted faces were priceless as they savored every drop.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Mushrooms: Fresh or dried varieties work well; I prefer cremini mushrooms for their robust flavor.
Butter: Unsalted butter adds richness and depth; feel free to use olive oil if you prefer.
Onions: Use yellow onions for sweetness; they caramelize beautifully when cooked down.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic amplifies the flavor—don’t skimp on it!
Vegetable Broth: Use low-sodium broth to control the saltiness while keeping the flavor intact.
Cream: Heavy cream brings that luscious texture; half-and-half works too if you’re looking to lighten it up.
Thyme: Fresh thyme adds an aromatic touch; dried thyme can be used in a pinch.
Pepper and Salt: Essential seasonings that elevate all the flavors—adjust to taste.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Recipe preparation for cream of mushroom soup

How to Make cream of mushroom soup

Create Flavorful Base: Start by melting butter over medium heat in a large pot. Add diced onions and sauté until they turn translucent and sweet-smelling—about 5 minutes.

Add Garlic and Mushrooms: Toss in minced garlic and sliced mushrooms into the pot. Let them cook until the mushrooms soften and release their juices, stirring occasionally—approximately 8 minutes.

Pour in Broth: Slowly pour vegetable broth into the pot while stirring to combine all ingredients. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and allow it to bubble away for 10 minutes, letting those flavors meld together beautifully.

Add Cream and Season: Stir in heavy cream along with fresh thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 5 minutes until heated through but not boiling—this helps retain that creamy texture without curdling.

Blend Until Smooth: Using an immersion blender (or carefully transferring batches to a blender), blend until smooth. If you like some texture, reserve some mushroom pieces before blending—they add visual appeal!

Strong: Serve hot garnished with fresh thyme or croutons if desired! Enjoy with crusty bread or alone as a soothing comfort food.

This cream of mushroom soup is not just any old recipe; it’s an experience filled with warmth and flavor that will surely become your go-to favorite!

You Must Know

Cream of mushroom soup can be a fantastic base for other dishes, providing depth and richness
The earthy aroma fills your kitchen, making everyone curious about what’s cooking
Plus, it’s easy to make ahead for a quick meal later on

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by sautéing onions and garlic until fragrant, then add mushrooms to caramelize before stirring in the broth.

Add Your Touch

Consider swapping out regular cream for coconut milk for a dairy-free version or adding herbs like thyme for extra flavor.

Storing & Reheating

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat gently on the stove to maintain texture.

Chef's Helpful Tips

Use fresh mushrooms for maximum flavor; dried mushrooms can work too but need soaking first
Always season gradually; taste as you go for perfect seasoning balance
If using canned mushrooms, rinse well to reduce sodium content and enhance taste

Sharing my first attempt at making cream of mushroom soup was hilarious—my friend took one sip and was like, “Are you sure this isn’t just mushroom-flavored water?”

FAQ

Can I use frozen mushrooms in cream of mushroom soup?

Yes, frozen mushrooms work well; just sauté them thoroughly to enhance flavor.

How can I thicken my cream of mushroom soup?

For thickness, blend a portion of the soup or add cornstarch mixed with water.

Is cream of mushroom soup gluten-free?

It can be gluten-free if you use gluten-free broth and thickeners like cornstarch.

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📖 Recipe Card