If you’re craving a comforting bowl that feels like a warm hug in every spoonful, this Creamy Mushroom Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s the perfect blend of earthy baby bella mushrooms, fragrant garlic, and rich cream that comes together to create a luscious soup bursting with flavor. Whether you’re cozying up on a chilly day or looking for an elegant starter, this soup is simple yet impressive enough to please any crowd. Trust me, once you try this Creamy Mushroom Soup Recipe, it will quickly become your go-to for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but thoughtfully chosen to deliver that velvety texture and deep, savory flavor that defines a great mushroom soup. Each component plays a key role—mushrooms bring that meaty, umami goodness, while butter and cream ensure a silky finish.
- Baby bella mushrooms: They offer a rich, earthy flavor and meaty texture essential to the soup.
- Garlic cloves: Minced fresh garlic provides a warm, aromatic base without overpowering the dish.
- Olive oil: Perfect for sautéing mushrooms gently and adding a subtle fruitiness.
- Salt & pepper: Simple seasonings that enhance all the natural flavors at work.
- Butter: Creates a luscious, creamy texture and helps form the roux with flour.
- All-purpose flour: Thickens the soup to that ideal comforting consistency.
- Vegetable broth: Adds depth while keeping the soup light and flavorful.
- Soy sauce: Just a dash intensifies the umami without making it salty.
- Dried thyme: Adds a subtle earthy herbaceous note to complement the mushrooms.
- Heavy cream: Enriches and rounds out the flavor to create a perfectly creamy finish.
How to Make Creamy Mushroom Soup Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Mushrooms and Garlic
Start by washing the baby bella mushrooms thoroughly, then slice them evenly so they cook at the same rate. Mince the garlic finely, which ensures its flavor diffuses beautifully throughout the soup without any harsh bites.
Step 2: Sauté Mushrooms
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms along with a pinch of salt and pepper, stirring occasionally as they brown and shrink. This stage builds the rich, caramelized flavor that’s the backbone of the soup. After a few minutes, toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Make the Roux
Add the butter to the mushrooms, letting it melt completely. Sprinkle the flour over the mixture and stir constantly for a few minutes until it turns golden brown. This golden roux is what will thicken the soup and give it that velvety texture you’re aiming for.
Step 4: Add Broth and Seasonings
Pour in the vegetable broth slowly while stirring to avoid lumps. Then add the soy sauce and dried thyme. Bring the pot to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 10 minutes or until the soup thickens slightly, allowing all those flavors to marry together beautifully.
Step 5: Finish with Cream and Adjust Seasoning
Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream, which gives the soup that signature creamy richness. Take a moment to taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper if necessary. Serve it hot to enjoy the full depth of flavor and comforting texture.
How to Serve Creamy Mushroom Soup Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives adds a lovely pop of color and freshness to this indulgently creamy soup. For a bit of crunch, toasted bread crumbs or a drizzle of truffle oil will absolutely elevate the experience.
Side Dishes
Pair this soup with a crusty baguette, garlic bread, or a simple green salad. These sides complement the creaminess without overpowering the delicate mushroom flavor, creating a perfectly balanced meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Creamy Mushroom Soup Recipe in rustic bread bowls for a cozy, edible container that impresses guests. Alternatively, top it with sautéed mushroom slices or a swirl of cream and fresh herbs for an elegant touch worthy of any dinner party.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer your soup into an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making leftovers even more delicious.
Freezing
This soup freezes well, but because it contains cream, it’s best to freeze before adding the cream or freeze in small portions. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove, then stir in fresh cream at serving time.
Reheating
Reheat your soup in a saucepan over low-medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. Add a little extra cream or broth if it has thickened too much. Avoid microwaving if possible to preserve texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use other types of mushrooms for this recipe?
Absolutely! While baby bella mushrooms provide a fantastic earthy flavor, you can mix in cremini, shiitake, or even white button mushrooms depending on what’s available. Each adds a unique twist to the soup’s character.
Is this Creamy Mushroom Soup Recipe vegetarian or vegan?
This recipe as written is vegetarian but not vegan because it uses butter and heavy cream. To make it vegan, substitute vegan butter and plant-based cream alternatives to maintain that creamy texture and richness.
Can I make this soup gluten-free?
Yes! Simply replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch for thickening. Just be sure to mix cornstarch with a little cold water before adding it to avoid lumps.
What can I add for extra flavor?
Adding a splash of white wine during the mushroom sauté step or a teaspoon of sherry vinegar at the end can add lovely depth. Fresh thyme or rosemary also pairs wonderfully to boost the herbal profile.
How do I make this soup thicker or thinner?
If you want a thicker soup, simmer it a little longer uncovered or add a bit more roux. For a thinner consistency, stir in extra vegetable broth or cream just before serving until you reach your preferred texture.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly satisfying about a bowl of homemade soup crafted with care, and this Creamy Mushroom Soup Recipe hits all the right notes every time. Easy to make and endlessly comforting, it’s a recipe worth bookmarking and sharing with family and friends. So don’t wait—grab those mushrooms and start cooking your way to cozy deliciousness!
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Creamy 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 creamy mushroom soup is a comforting and flavorful dish made with sautéed baby bella mushrooms, garlic, and a rich roux base, finished with heavy cream for a velvety texture. Perfect for a cozy meal, it combines simple ingredients to create an elegant and satisfying soup.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb. baby bella mushrooms, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 pinch salt & pepper
- 4 Tbsp butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tsp soy sauce
- 1/8 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Prepare Mushrooms: Wash and slice the baby bella mushrooms and mince the garlic cloves carefully to ensure they release maximum flavor during cooking.
- Sauté Mushrooms: Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat, then add the sliced mushrooms along with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook until the mushrooms turn a deep golden brown, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute to release its aroma.
- Make Roux: Add the butter to the pot and allow it to melt completely. Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the mushrooms and butter, stirring continuously. Cook this mixture until it attains a golden brown color to develop a nutty flavor, ensuring the flour is well incorporated without lumps.
- Add Broth: Gradually pour in the vegetable broth while stirring to prevent lumps. Add the soy sauce and dried thyme. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing it to thicken slightly, which will give the soup its smooth consistency.
- Finish Soup: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream, blending it thoroughly into the soup. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve the soup hot, optionally accompanied by fresh bread for dipping.
Notes
- For a thicker soup, simmer it longer to reduce the liquid further.
- Use fresh herbs instead of dried thyme for a brighter flavor.
- To make it vegan, substitute butter with olive oil and heavy cream with coconut or cashew cream.
- The soy sauce adds umami; you can omit or replace with tamari for gluten-free.
- Serve with crusty bread or a light salad for a complete meal.
