Cozy up with this creamy, homemade Cream of Mushroom Soup. Bursting with rich flavors from crimini and shiitake mushrooms, it’s the perfect dish for chilly evenings or a comforting lunch.
Table of Contents
Introduction to Cream of Mushroom Soup
This Cream of Mushroom Soup is a delightful classic that warms the soul. The combination of crimini and shiitake mushrooms creates a deep, earthy flavor. With a silky texture and a hint of thyme, each spoonful is a taste of comfort. Making it from scratch allows you to control the ingredients, ensuring every bite is fresh and flavorful. Serve this soup with a crusty bread or a sprinkle of parmesan crisps for an unforgettable experience.
How to Make Cream of Mushroom Soup
Ingredients Needed
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound crimini mushrooms, sliced
- 1 pound shiitake mushrooms, sliced
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 4 cloves garlic, pressed through garlic press
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves, divided use
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon white pepper
- ½ cup dry sherry (optional)
- 3 ounces all-purpose flour (about 10 tablespoons)
- 6 cups warm chicken broth/stock
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ teaspoon soy sauce
Step-by-Step Instructions
Begin by heating a large soup pot over high heat. Add about 3 tablespoons of olive oil. Sauté ⅔ of the sliced mushrooms with a pinch of salt and black pepper for about 8-10 minutes until they are nicely browned. Set these sautéed mushrooms aside. In the same pot, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and the butter. Add the diced onion and remaining sliced mushrooms, cooking for 6-8 minutes or until softened.
Next, stir in the pressed garlic, 1 teaspoon of thyme, Italian seasoning, and white pepper. Pour in the dry sherry, allowing it to simmer for 2 minutes. Then, mix in the flour and cook for an additional 30 seconds to ensure everything is combined. Gradually whisk in the warm chicken broth and let it simmer for 10 minutes until it has thickened.
Once thickened, puree the soup until smooth using an immersion blender or in batches with a regular blender. Stir in the heavy cream, reserved mushrooms, remaining thyme, and soy sauce. Serve hot in bowls, garnished with thyme leaves and optional parmesan crisps or bread on the side.
Tips & Variations for Cream of Mushroom Soup
Best Mushroom Varieties to Use
Using a mix of mushrooms, like crimini and shiitake, enhances the soup’s flavor profile. You might also consider adding portobello or oyster mushrooms for extra depth. Each type of mushroom brings unique characteristics, adding to the overall richness.
Broth and Cream Substitutions
If you’re looking for alternatives, beef or mushroom broth can provide a different taste. For a lighter option, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a dairy-free cream alternative. This keeps the soup creamy without the extra calories.
Making it Vegetarian or Vegan
To make this soup vegetarian, replace the unsalted butter and heavy cream with plant-based alternatives and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. This delicious version ensures everyone can enjoy a warm bowl of creamy goodness.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What’s in cream of mushroom soup?
Cream of mushroom soup typically includes mushrooms, cream, broth, butter, garlic, onion, and seasonings such as thyme and Italian seasoning.
How do I make creamy mushroom soup?
To make creamy mushroom soup, sauté mushrooms and onions, add garlic, broth, and cream, then blend until smooth.
How to make a simple mushroom soup?
For a simple mushroom soup, sauté mushrooms and onions, add broth, seasonings, and cream, then simmer and blend.
What can I use instead of cream of soup?
You can use milk, half-and-half, or a dairy-free alternative in place of cream in soup recipes.
Conclusion
This Cream of Mushroom Soup is a comforting dish you can easily make at home. With its rich flavor and silky texture, it’s sure to impress family and friends alike. Enjoy it as a cozy starter or a satisfying main dish paired with your favorite bread.
For more inspiration, visit my Pinterest ! page ,And explore more comforting soups in our Soup Recipes Collection.
Happy cooking! 🍲✨
Cream of Mushroom Soup: Best Made From Scratch
Equipment
- large soup pot or Dutch oven
Ingredients
- Olive oil
- 1 pound crimini mushrooms, sliced
- 1 pound shiitake mushrooms, sliced
- Salt
- Black pepper
- 4 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 4 cloves garlic, pressed through garlic press
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves, divided use
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon white pepper
- ½ cup dry sherry
- 3 ounces all-purpose flour (about 10 tablespoons)
- 6 cups warm chicken broth/stock
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ teaspoon soy sauce
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large soup pot and sauté ⅔ of the mushrooms with salt and pepper until browned, then set aside.
- Add more olive oil and butter, then cook the onion and remaining mushrooms until softened.
- Stir in garlic, thyme, Italian seasoning, and white pepper, then add sherry and simmer briefly.
- Mix in flour, cook briefly, then whisk in chicken broth and simmer until thickened.
- Puree the soup until smooth, then stir in cream, reserved mushrooms, thyme, and soy sauce.
- Serve in bowls garnished with thyme leaves and optional toppings.
