There’s something truly special about a warm bowl of Cream of Mushroom Soup. Its rich, velvety texture wraps you in a cozy embrace, while the earthy aroma of sautéed mushrooms fills your kitchen with an inviting warmth. Each spoonful is a delightful blend of flavors—savory, slightly sweet, and oh-so-indulgent! Whenever I feel the chill of the season or need a little comfort, I find myself reaching for this timeless recipe.
This Cream of Mushroom Soup comes together surprisingly fast, which is a breath of fresh air in our busy lives. It’s perfect for a lazy weekend lunch, a fancy appetizer for a dinner party, or a tranquil evening at home. And the leftovers? They taste even better the next day, making them a treat to look forward to!
WHY I LOVE CREAM OF MUSHROOM SOUP
I absolutely love Cream of Mushroom Soup! It’s a true winner at my table, hitting that sweet spot between homey and elegant. The ease of preparation combined with its deeply satisfying flavor profile makes it incredibly easy and undeniably delicious. Plus, you can serve it in a range of settings, from casual family dinners to more refined gatherings.
CREAM OF MUSHROOM SOUP INGREDIENTS
The magic of this Cream of Mushroom Soup truly lies in its simplicity and the harmony of its ingredients. Don’t worry about exact measurements just yet; those are all in the recipe card for you!
Essential Components
- FRESH SHIITAKE MUSHROOMS: These little gems pack a mighty punch with their meaty texture and robust flavor, giving our soup a delightful umami richness.
- FRESH CRIMINI MUSHROOMS: Known for their mild and slightly nutty taste, crimini mushrooms add a lovely depth to the soup without overshadowing the shiitake.
- SHERRY: A splash of sherry elevates the flavors, adding a touch of sweetness and a hint of complexity.
- CREAM: This is the star that rounds out the soup, providing a luscious mouthfeel and a comforting richness that makes my heart sing.
- FRESH THYME: These aromatic herbs give a wonderful freshness and aromatic quality, perfectly complementing our mushrooms.
- ONION: Sautéed onions create a sweet foundation that forms the backbone of flavor in this soup.
- GARLIC: Because everything is better with garlic! It adds a fragrant punch that enhances the overall taste of the soup.
- BUTTER: The buttery base helps everything sauté beautifully and adds a touch of indulgence.
- VEGETABLE OR CHICKEN BROTH: This is our liquid gold! Broth is essential for building the soup’s comforting body.
- SALT & PEPPER: The finishing touches that bring all the flavors to life, they brighten the dish and balance the richness.
SUBSTITUTIONS AND TIPS
Need a swap? If you’re looking to switch things up a bit, here are a few suggestions:
- Mushrooms: If shiitake or crimini aren’t available, button mushrooms work just fine. Though it won’t be quite as rich, it’ll still taste delicious!
- Sherry: You can substitute with white wine or even a splash of apple cider vinegar for acidity, just adjust the amount to fit your taste.
- Cream: For a lighter version, half and half works, or you can use coconut milk for a dairy-free option—this adds an interesting twist!
- Herbs: If you don’t have fresh thyme, dried thyme or even a bit of rosemary can offer a lovely substitute.
KITCHEN TOOLS YOU’LL NEED
- Large pot (at least 4-quarts)
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Blender (immersion blender recommended but a regular one works too)
HOW TO MAKE CREAM OF MUSHROOM SOUP
Let’s dive into creating this comforting Cream of Mushroom Soup. I’ve broken down the process into simple steps that you’ll find easy to follow. Follow along, and you’ll have a delicious meal in no time! We’re aiming for a creamy and flavorsome masterpiece.
Melt the Butter for a Flavorful Base
First, melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. The scent blooms into the air, setting the stage for our beautiful soup. Just be careful not to let it brown too much!
Sauté Aromatics for Richness
Next, toss in chopped onions and garlic, sautéing until they’re translucent. This step is key, as the savory sweetness of the onions and fragrant garlic will form the foundation of flavor for our soup.
Cook the Mushrooms to Build Depth
Now, add in the sliced shiitake and crimini mushrooms, cooking until softened. You want them to release their moisture and become tender—this will intensify the rich, earthy flavors we’re after.
Deglaze with Sherry for Complexity
Pour in the sherry and let it simmer briefly. This is where the magic happens! The sherry deglazes the pot, pulling up all those glorious browned bits that are packed with flavor.
Add Broth for Liquid Gold
Next, add the broth, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir gently, allowing everything to mingle, and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. This cozy warmth builds depth in the soup.
Simmer to Develop Flavor
Let it simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This blissful wait allows the flavors to deepen and blend beautifully—honestly, your kitchen will smell heavenly!
Finish Creamy and Luxurious
Stir in the cream and blend if desired for a silky texture. You can use an immersion blender for a smooth consistency or leave it a bit chunky if you love that rustic touch!
Adjust Seasoning and Serve Hot
Finally, taste and adjust your seasoning as needed. Make sure it’s perfectly seasoned, then grab a warm bowl and serve hot.
HOW TO STORE CREAM OF MUSHROOM SOUP
If you have any leftovers (which might be hard, trust me!), this soup holds up beautifully. You can store it at room temperature for a couple of hours. In the fridge, keep it in an airtight container for about 3-4 days. If you want to freeze it, it’ll be good for 2-3 months! Just thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or cream to bring back the luscious texture.
TIPS FOR SUCCESS
- Use fresh, high-quality mushrooms for the best flavor and texture.
- Don’t skip the simmering step; it’s when the magic happens!
- Adjust the amount of cream based on your preference for richness.
- Blend for a smooth finish, but remember, a bit of chunkiness adds a lovely rustic quality to the soup.
- Taste as you go! This ensures perfect seasoning and flavor balance.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
- Serve alongside crusty bread for dipping.
- Pair with a light salad to balance the richness.
- Top with a sprinkle of fresh herbs for a pop of color and flavor.
- Add a drizzle of truffle oil for a little gourmet touch.
- Enjoy with a glass of white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc, for a nice pairing.
There you have it, my cherished Cream of Mushroom Soup recipe! I can’t wait for you to experience the warmth and comfort it brings to your table. Happy cooking! 🍄💖
