Cream of Mushroom Soup Recipe

There’s something deeply comforting about a warm bowl of homemade soup, especially when it’s rich, creamy, and simple to make. This cream of mushroom soup recipe is one of those cozy staples that fits easily into everyday life. It’s smooth, earthy, and satisfying without feeling heavy or complicated. People love it because it comes together with basic ingredients and feels special enough for family dinners or quiet nights in. It works well for busy evenings, meal prep for the week, or cold nights when you want something soothing. I usually make it when I need something reliable that doesn’t demand much effort but still feels homemade.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

This soup is all about comfort without stress. The flavor is gentle but full, letting the mushrooms shine while the creamy base pulls everything together. It’s weeknight-friendly and doesn’t require constant attention, which makes it easy to fit into real schedules. You can make a pot and enjoy it over a few days, making it great for leftovers and meal prep. It’s also budget-conscious, using everyday ingredients that are easy to find. This cream of mushroom soup recipe freezes well, adapts easily to what’s in your fridge, and feels cozy enough to be worth saving for later. It’s the kind of recipe that quietly becomes part of your regular rotation.

Ingredients

Tip: Fresh button or cremini mushrooms give the best flavor and texture.

Mushrooms – 500 g, sliced
Butter – 2 tablespoons
Olive oil – 1 tablespoon
Onion – 1 medium, finely chopped
Garlic – 3 cloves, minced
All-purpose flour – 2 tablespoons
Milk – 2 cups
Vegetable or chicken stock – 1½ cups
Salt – 1 teaspoon (or to taste)
Black pepper – ½ teaspoon
Dried thyme – ½ teaspoon
Fresh cream – ½ cup

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Instructions

Step 1: Preparation
Clean the mushrooms with a damp cloth and slice them evenly. Chop the onion finely and mince the garlic. Having everything ready makes cooking calm and smooth, with no rushing once the pan is hot.

Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Heat butter and olive oil in a pot over medium heat. Add onion and cook until soft and lightly golden. Stir in garlic, then add mushrooms. Cook until they release moisture and the pan smells rich and earthy.

Step 3: Combining Ingredients
Sprinkle flour over the mushrooms and stir well. Slowly pour in the milk, stirring to avoid lumps. Add the stock, salt, pepper, and thyme. The soup will look thin at first but start to thicken gently.

Step 4: Finishing & Final Simmer
Lower the heat and let the soup simmer softly. Stir in the cream and cook until smooth and slightly thick. The surface should look silky, and the aroma should feel warm and comforting before turning off the heat.

Why This Recipe Works for Busy Days

This soup doesn’t ask for much time or energy. Most of the cooking happens in one pot, and it reheats beautifully, making it ideal for cooking ahead. You can portion it out for later, which is perfect for Pinterest users who save recipes for calm, planned cooking moments rather than rushed ones.

Tips & Tricks

Don’t rush the mushrooms: Letting mushrooms cook until their moisture evaporates builds deep flavor. Stirring too often can slow this process, so give them space and time to brown lightly for a richer-tasting soup.
Watch the flour step: Adding flour too quickly can cause clumps. Sprinkle it evenly and stir well before adding liquid. This helps create a smooth base instead of a grainy texture later.
Control thickness gently: If the soup feels too thick, add a small splash of warm stock or milk. Adding cold liquid all at once can dull the flavor and affect the creamy finish.
Season at the end: Mushrooms and stock vary in saltiness. Taste near the end of cooking and adjust slowly. Over-salting early can make the soup hard to fix later.

Variations

Meaty Version
Add small pieces of cooked chicken or turkey near the end of cooking. This turns the soup into a heartier meal while keeping the creamy base intact. It works well for dinner bowls served with bread on colder evenings.

Vegetarian Option
Use vegetable stock and swap cream for a plant-based alternative like oat or soy cream. The soup stays smooth and comforting while fitting a vegetarian lifestyle without losing its familiar mushroom flavor.

Ingredient Swap
Replace half the milk with extra stock for a lighter version. This keeps the soup flavorful but less rich, making it suitable for those who prefer a thinner, broth-forward texture.

Flavor or Herb Boost
Add a pinch of nutmeg or fresh parsley at the end. These small additions lift the flavor gently without overpowering the mushrooms, giving the soup a fresh, cozy finish.

Serving Suggestions

With Crusty Bread
Serve the soup with warm, crusty bread or toast. The creamy texture pairs beautifully with something crisp, making it perfect for relaxed family dinners or quiet lunches.
As a Starter
Pour into smaller bowls and serve before a simple main meal. It feels comforting but light enough to open the appetite without feeling heavy.
With a Side Salad
Pair with a simple green salad for balance. The freshness of the greens works nicely with the creamy soup, creating an easy but satisfying meal.
Cozy Presentation
Serve in deep bowls with a light swirl of cream on top. This small touch makes it feel special and very Pinterest-inspired without extra effort.

Storage Instructions

Fridge Storage
Let the soup cool completely before storing. Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavor often deepens overnight, making leftovers especially enjoyable.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring often. Avoid high heat, as it can cause separation. Add a splash of milk or stock if it thickens too much.
Freezing
Freeze without the cream for best results. Store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Add cream after reheating for a smoother texture.
Make-Ahead Tips
You can prepare the soup base a day ahead and finish with cream just before serving. This saves time and keeps the soup tasting fresh and balanced.

Recipe Timing

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Rest Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Nutrition Information

This soup contains roughly 180–220 calories per serving, depending on cream and milk used. Protein ranges between 6–9 grams per serving. It also provides calcium and small amounts of iron from mushrooms. Values are estimates and may vary based on ingredients and portion sizes.

FAQs

Yes, it tastes even better the next day.

Cooking mushrooms too quickly without letting moisture evaporate.

Yes, use milk or a plant-based alternative.

Add warm stock or milk slowly to adjust.

Up to 3 days in the fridge.

Conclusion

Homemade soup doesn’t need to be complicated to feel special. This cream of mushroom soup recipe is simple, comforting, and easy to adapt, which makes it perfect for everyday cooking. You can adjust the texture, play with herbs, or turn it into a fuller meal depending on your needs. It’s the kind of recipe you come back to when you want something familiar and cozy without thinking too hard. Make it once, save it, and let it become one of those quiet favorites that fits naturally into your routine.