There’s something about autumn that calls for a bowl of warm, velvety soup. Picture the golden leaves falling outside, the air crisp with the scent of woodsmoke, and you curled up with a steaming mug of soup that feels like a hug from the inside out. That’s exactly what this Best Creamy Mushroom Soup Recipe delivers—a cozy, comforting dish that turns humble mushrooms into a flavorful masterpiece.
This recipe has become a reader favorite because it balances simplicity with richness. It’s easy enough for weeknights but special enough to serve at a dinner party. With earthy mushrooms, aromatic herbs, and a creamy base, it’s the perfect way to celebrate the flavors of fall.
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Best Creamy Mushroom Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Best Creamy Mushroom Soup Recipe is velvety, hearty, and deeply comforting. With earthy mushrooms, aromatic herbs, and a luscious creamy base, it’s the perfect cozy fall soup for weeknights or special occasions.
Ingredients
- 1 pound mushrooms (cremini, button, or shiitake)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2–3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1–2 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons flour (or cornstarch for gluten-free)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Clean and slice the mushrooms evenly.
- In a large pot, heat butter and olive oil. Add onion and cook 5 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and thyme.
- Add mushrooms and cook 8–10 minutes until browned and liquid evaporates.
- Stir in flour to coat mushrooms. Slowly pour in broth, whisking to avoid lumps. Simmer 15 minutes.
- Stir in heavy cream. Simmer 5 minutes until thickened. Season with salt and pepper.
- Ladle into bowls, garnish with parsley or thyme, and serve warm with crusty bread.
Notes
Don’t rush the mushrooms—let them brown for rich umami flavor. Use a mix of mushroom varieties for depth. For smooth soup, blend with an immersion blender before adding cream. Replace cream with coconut milk or plant cream for dairy-free. Use cornstarch instead of flour for gluten-free.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Comfort Food
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before you start, gather everything in one place to make cooking smooth and enjoyable. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Mushrooms (about 1 pound): A mix of cremini, button, or shiitake adds depth of flavor.
- Butter: For sautéing and richness.
- Olive oil: Keeps the butter from burning.
- Onion (1 medium, diced): Adds a sweet, savory base.
- Garlic cloves (2–3, minced): Brings out aromatic notes.
- Fresh thyme (1–2 sprigs) or ½ teaspoon dried thyme.
- Vegetable or chicken broth (4 cups): The base of the soup.
- Heavy cream (1 cup): For that luxurious texture.
- Salt and black pepper: To taste.
- Flour (2 tablespoons): Helps thicken the soup.
- Fresh parsley (optional): For garnish.
Tip: If you’re cooking gluten-free, replace flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free thickener.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these steps, and you’ll have a steaming bowl of mushroom soup ready in under an hour.
Step 1: Prep the mushrooms
- Wipe mushrooms with a damp cloth or paper towel.
- Slice them evenly so they cook at the same rate.
Step 2: Sauté the aromatics
- In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons butter with a drizzle of olive oil.
- Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in garlic and thyme, cooking until fragrant.
Step 3: Cook the mushrooms
- Add the mushrooms to the pot.
- Cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and their liquid has evaporated.
Step 4: Create the base
- Sprinkle in the flour and stir until mushrooms are coated.
- Slowly pour in the broth, whisking to avoid lumps.
- Bring to a gentle simmer and let cook for 15 minutes.
Step 5: Make it creamy
- Stir in the heavy cream.
- Simmer another 5 minutes, stirring often, until the soup is smooth and thickened.
- Season generously with salt and pepper.
Step 6: Serve and enjoy
- Ladle the soup into bowls.
- Garnish with parsley or extra thyme if desired.
- Serve warm with crusty bread for dipping.
Tips for Success
Here are a few chef-approved tips to make your Best Creamy Mushroom Soup Recipe turn out perfectly every time:
- Don’t rush the mushrooms. Letting them brown properly brings out their earthy, umami flavor.
- Use a mix of mushrooms. Combining different types makes the soup richer and more complex.
- Adjust creaminess. For a lighter version, use half-and-half or whole milk instead of cream.
- Blend for smoothness. If you prefer a velvety texture, blend the soup with an immersion blender before adding cream.
- Season in layers. Taste and adjust seasoning after adding broth, and again before serving.
Possible Variations
This soup is flexible and can be adapted to suit your preferences.
- Gluten-Free Option: Replace flour with cornstarch or arrowroot powder. Mix with a little cold broth before adding to prevent clumping.
- Dairy-Free Option: Swap heavy cream with coconut cream or a plant-based alternative.
- Extra Hearty: Add cooked rice, barley, or pasta for a filling meal.
- Herb Lovers: Mix in fresh rosemary, sage, or a sprinkle of nutmeg for a cozy twist.
- Lightened-Up: Reduce the cream and use more broth for a thinner, brothier soup.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
One of the best parts of this soup is how well it stores.
- Refrigerator: Keep in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth or milk to loosen.
- Freezer: Freeze in single portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat slowly.
- Meal Prep: This soup is great for making ahead. Prepare it up to the cream-adding stage, refrigerate, then stir in cream when reheating for best results.
Why You’ll Love This Best Creamy Mushroom Soup Recipe
What makes this recipe stand out is its balance of flavor, texture, and simplicity. You don’t need fancy ingredients—just everyday pantry staples and fresh mushrooms. Whether you’re serving it as a starter at a holiday dinner or enjoying a quiet night at home, it delivers comfort in every spoonful.
Warm, creamy, and deeply satisfying, this is the kind of recipe you’ll come back to all season long. Bookmark it, share it, and make it part of your cozy fall tradition.