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If you’ve ever longed for a comforting bowl of homemade mushroom soup without the fuss, then this Easy Cream of Mushroom Soup Recipe is just what you need. With its rich, velvety texture and deep, earthy flavors, this soup brings warmth and satisfaction to any meal. It’s simple enough for weeknight dinner and elegant enough for guests, truly showcasing how a few everyday ingredients can transform into something wonderfully comforting and indulgent.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Crafting this Easy Cream of Mushroom Soup Recipe is delightfully straightforward because it relies on wholesome, familiar ingredients that each play a crucial role in building flavor and texture. From the golden sautéed onions to the fresh thyme, every item adds a layer of character to create that perfect bowl of mushroom goodness.
- 4 tablespoons butter: Provides a rich base for sautéing and brings creamy depth to the soup’s flavor.
- ½ onion, diced (about 1 cup): Adds sweetness and a gentle aromatic bite when softened.
- 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced (about 4 cups): The star ingredient delivering earthy, umami-packed flavor and hearty texture.
- 2 cups vegetable broth, divided: Used to build the soup’s body and to scrape flavorful bits from the pan.
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour: Thickens the soup for that perfect, silky consistency.
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves: Brings a subtle herbal brightness that complements the mushrooms beautifully.
- 1 cup milk or heavy cream: Adds luscious creaminess for a dreamy finish.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Crucial for seasoning and balancing flavors perfectly.
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish: Adds a pop of color and a fresh contrast to the rich soup.
How to Make Easy Cream of Mushroom Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Onions and Mushrooms
Begin by melting the butter in a large pot over medium-high heat. Toss in the diced onions and sauté them until they become tender and translucent. Next, add the sliced mushrooms and cook until they soften and develop a lovely golden brown hue. This caramelization builds the deep, savory foundation that makes this soup irresistible.
Step 2: Deglaze and Add Thyme
Pour a splash of vegetable broth into the pot to deglaze, gently scraping up all those irresistible browned bits stuck to the bottom. These little morsels are flavor gold! Stir in the fresh thyme leaves to infuse the soup with a delicate, herby aroma that complements the mushrooms wonderfully.
Step 3: Whisk Flour and Broth
In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour with the remaining vegetable broth, whisking until smooth and lump-free. This mixture will serve as the thickening agent, transforming your soup into a luxurious cup of comfort.
Step 4: Combine and Simmer
Slowly pour the flour and broth mixture into your pot while stirring continuously to avoid any lumps. Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer for 10 to 15 minutes. This simmer allows the soup to thicken beautifully and for all the flavors to mingle and deepen.
Step 5: Stir in Cream and Season
Once thickened, stir in your choice of milk or heavy cream to add an indulgent silkiness. Season with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences — this final touch really lifts all the flavors to their peak.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Finish your Easy Cream of Mushroom Soup Recipe by sprinkling freshly chopped parsley over the top for a fresh burst of color and flavor. Serve it steaming hot and prepare for delight in every spoonful!
How to Serve Easy Cream of Mushroom Soup Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a vibrant touch and mild freshness to this creamy, earthy soup. For an extra indulgent twist, a drizzle of truffle oil or a handful of crispy croutons on top elevates the experience nicely.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs beautifully with crusty artisan bread or garlic toasted baguette slices, perfect for dipping into every luscious spoonful. A crisp green salad or a simple grilled cheese sandwich also complements the rich texture perfectly, making this soup the centerpiece of a cozy meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming presentation, serve your Easy Cream of Mushroom Soup Recipe in rustic bread bowls or portion it into elegant ramekins for a dinner party feel. Garnishing with a sprig of thyme or a swirl of cream can add that extra flair to impress guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover soup stores wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making your next serving even more delicious.
Freezing
This soup freezes beautifully, making it a perfect recipe to prep in advance. Allow it to cool completely before transferring into freezer-safe containers, where it will keep well for up to 3 months.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent scorching. You may want to add a splash of milk or broth if the soup has thickened too much in the fridge or freezer, ensuring it returns to that perfect creamy consistency.
FAQs
Can I use different types of mushrooms for this soup?
Absolutely! While button or cremini mushrooms are common, you can experiment with shiitake, portobello, or oyster mushrooms for varied textures and tastes. Each type brings its own unique flavor to the Easy Cream of Mushroom Soup Recipe.
Is it possible to make this soup vegan?
Yes! Swap the butter for olive oil or vegan margarine, use a plant-based milk like almond or oat, and ensure your broth is vegetable-based. This way, you still get all the comforting flavors in a vegan-friendly version.
Can I skip the flour for a gluten-free version?
You can replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free alternative like cornstarch or rice flour, but be sure to whisk it well and add it gradually to avoid lumps. This keeps the soup thick and creamy without gluten.
How long does the soup take to cook?
The entire cooking process takes about 30 minutes, with just 5 minutes of prep time. It’s a fantastic choice when you want a homemade soup fast without sacrificing any flavor.
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried thyme?
Using fresh thyme leaves is actually preferred for this recipe as they provide a brighter, more vibrant flavor, but if you only have dried thyme, reduce the quantity by half to avoid overpowering the soup.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly soothing about a bowl of homemade mushroom soup, and this Easy Cream of Mushroom Soup Recipe offers that cozy feeling in every spoonful without any hassle. Whether you’re serving it as a simple weeknight dinner or as a delicious starter, it’s bound to become a favorite in your kitchen. Go ahead, grab those mushrooms, and whip up this comforting classic — you won’t regret it!
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Easy Cream of Mushroom Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (4 cups)
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Cream of Mushroom Soup is a comforting, creamy, and flavorful soup made with fresh mushrooms, sautéed onions, and a touch of thyme. Perfect for a quick dinner or starter, it combines simple ingredients to create a rich and velvety texture that warms you up on any day.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 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
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Sauté Onions and Mushrooms: Heat butter in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the diced onions and sauté until they become tender and translucent. Next, add the sliced mushrooms and continue to sauté until they soften and develop a light brown color, enhancing their flavor.
- Deglaze and Add Thyme: Pour in a splash of vegetable broth to the pot and scrape the bottom to lift any flavorful browned bits stuck to the surface. Stir in the fresh thyme leaves to infuse the soup with herby notes.
- Prepare Flour Mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour with the remaining vegetable broth until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps. This mixture will act as a thickening agent for the soup.
- Cook and Thicken Soup: Pour the flour and broth mixture into the pot with the sautéed mushrooms and onions. Bring the soup to a boil while stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the soup thickens to your preferred consistency.
- Add Cream and Season: Stir in the milk or heavy cream to add richness and creaminess to the soup. Taste and season with salt and pepper accordingly to enhance all flavors.
- Garnish and Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls, garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness, and serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- You can substitute milk with heavy cream for a richer soup or use a plant-based milk to make it dairy-free.
- For a smoother texture, blend the soup partially before adding cream.
- Adjust the amount of vegetable broth to make the soup thinner or thicker as desired.
- Fresh thyme can be replaced with dried thyme, but use about one-third the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently on the stove.
