Name: Creamy Mushroom Soup Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Global
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for serving; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 medium yellow onion, chopped; ½ teaspoon sea salt; Freshly ground black pepper; 1 pound white button mushrooms, stemmed and sliced; 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, stemmed and sliced; 2 garlic cloves, grated; 3 cups vegetable broth; 1 tablespoon tamari; 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves, plus more for garnish; ½ cup heavy cream or creme fraîche, optional, plus more for serving; Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Jump to Recipe· 4.7 from 15 reviews

If you’re dreaming of a velvety bowl of comfort that’s both rich and earthy, look no further than Creamy Mushroom Soup. This soup is everything you want on a chilly evening: deeply savory, impossibly smooth, and brimming with the satisfying flavors of fresh mushrooms, a hint of garlic, and just the right touch of herbs and cream. It’s one of those recipes that feels both utterly cozy and a little bit gourmet, whether you’re making it for a quiet lunch or as a stunning start to a dinner party. Join me in the kitchen—you’re about to discover why this soup is such a beloved favorite!

Creamy Mushroom Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need a handful of ingredients to make this soup, but each one packs a punch. From a duo of mushrooms for that deep umami flavor to a drizzle of olive oil for silkiness, each item plays a key role in making Creamy Mushroom Soup a standout dish.

Extra-virgin olive oil: Adds depth and a luscious finish—swirl a bit more on top for serving.
Unsalted butter: Keeps the flavor balanced and helps onions and mushrooms caramelize beautifully.
Yellow onion: Gives a gentle sweetness and forms the aromatic base.
Sea salt: Absolutely essential to draw out and balance the flavors.
Freshly ground black pepper: Lends gentle heat and complexity, perfect for earthy mushrooms.
White button mushrooms: The classic, mild mushroom that brings body and creaminess.
Cremini mushrooms: Deeper flavor and a slightly firmer texture for contrast.
Garlic cloves: A punch of flavor that enhances every other ingredient.
Vegetable broth: The liquid backbone; choose a good-quality one for the best soup.
Tamari: Adds a subtle savory depth—you won’t taste soy, just deep, satisfying umami.
Fresh thyme leaves: Bring brightness and a floral note that pairs so beautifully with mushrooms.
Heavy cream or creme fraîche (optional): Makes the soup truly indulgent—add to taste, or skip for a lighter version.
Chopped fresh parsley: For garnish; brightens the dish and adds color right before serving.

How to Make Creamy Mushroom Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Base

Start by heating the olive oil and butter together in a large pot over medium heat. Once the butter foams, toss in the chopped onion, sprinkle on the sea salt, and add a few grinds of fresh black pepper. You want to let the onion soften and become just translucent, which takes about 2 minutes. This step sets up the base of flavor, so don’t rush—low and slow is the secret to unlocking all that savory sweetness.

Step 2: Build the Mushroom Flavor

Now, pile in half of your white button and cremini mushrooms. Give them about 5 minutes to cook down, stirring occasionally. Watch as they release their moisture and start to pick up a bit of golden color. Once they’ve softened, add the rest of the mushrooms and repeat for another 5 minutes. This two-phase mushroom cooking brings even deeper flavor and an irresistibly meaty texture to your Creamy Mushroom Soup.

Step 3: Add Garlic and Liquid

Grate in the garlic and stir just until fragrant—nothing compares to that aroma. Then stir in the vegetable broth, tamari, and fresh thyme. Immediately, the kitchen will start to smell incredible. Cover the pot, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer, and let everything bubble away for 15 minutes. This gives all those flavors time to cozy up together.

Step 4: Blend for Creamy Texture

Let the soup cool for a few minutes so it’s safe to handle. Scoop out about two-thirds of the soup and carefully transfer it to a blender. Blend until ultra-smooth, taking care with the hot liquid. Pour this creamy mixture back into the pot with the unblended portion, so you get the perfect balance of silky and chunky textures in every bite of Creamy Mushroom Soup.

Step 5: Finish with Cream and Seasoning

Now, it’s decision time: add in that heavy cream or crème fraîche if you want your soup extra rich, or leave it out for a lighter finish. Warm everything through for 2 more minutes, stirring to make sure the cream blends in and the flavors meld. Taste and adjust the seasoning—more salt, pepper, or even an extra splash of tamari if needed. Serve piping hot in bowls, garnished however you wish.

How to Serve Creamy Mushroom Soup

Garnishes

The finishing touches matter! A sprinkle of fresh parsley and thyme brings a pop of color and a hit of fresh aroma. For a beautiful restaurant-style look, drizzle a swirl of extra-virgin olive oil or cream over the bowl just before serving. Don’t be shy—you deserve a little flourish on your Creamy Mushroom Soup.

Side Dishes

Creamy Mushroom Soup pairs beautifully with a thick slice of sourdough or a crispy baguette, perfect for dunking into every last drop. If you’re serving a bigger meal, a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette provides lovely contrast and keeps things fresh and balanced. Even a simple plate of roasted vegetables can turn this soup into a nearly effortless dinner.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special touch, ladle Creamy Mushroom Soup into small mugs or espresso cups for a cozy appetizer or party starter. For dinner parties, serve in shallow bowls and top each portion with sautéed wild mushrooms or toasted pine nuts for extra texture. If you’re packing lunch, pour the soup into a thermos—it reheats like a dream and will make you feel utterly pampered at midday.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Creamy Mushroom Soup keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 days. After it cools completely, pour it into an airtight container. The flavors actually deepen with time, making it even better as leftovers. Just be sure to stir well when reheating, as the consistency can thicken after chilling.

Freezing

This soup is freezer-friendly—just leave out the cream or crème fraîche before freezing. Transfer cooled soup to freezer-safe containers, leaving a little space for expansion, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight, then finish with cream as you reheat for the most luxurious results.

Reheating

To reheat, simply pour your Creamy Mushroom Soup into a pot and warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until steaming. If it has thickened too much, add a splash of vegetable broth or water to bring it back to its perfect consistency. Microwave reheating also works in a pinch—just be sure to cover the bowl to prevent splatters and stir halfway through.

FAQs

Can I use other types of mushrooms for this recipe?

Absolutely! While white button and cremini mushrooms are classic, feel free to mix in shiitake, portobello, or even a small handful of wild mushrooms for extra complexity and a woodsy flavor.

Is this Creamy Mushroom Soup gluten-free?

Yes, as long as your tamari and broth are certified gluten-free, this soup is naturally gluten-free. Always double-check your labels just to be safe if you’re serving someone with sensitivity.

Can I make it dairy-free or vegan?

Definitely! Use all olive oil instead of butter, and skip the cream or replace it with your favorite non-dairy cream or coconut milk. The soup is still lusciously creamy and rich, just with its own unique twist.

Do I have to blend the soup?

Blending most of the soup gives you that classic creamy texture, but if you prefer a chunkier style, just blend half or even skip blending altogether—the flavor still shines through. It’s totally up to your taste!

How can I make the soup thicker?

If you prefer a thicker Creamy Mushroom Soup, use a bit less broth, or simmer the blended soup uncovered for a few more minutes to reduce and concentrate the flavors. A splash of extra cream at the end can also add richness and body.

Final Thoughts

If you love cozy comfort food with real depth of flavor, you can’t go wrong with Creamy Mushroom Soup. Every spoonful is a little hug, and it’s so rewarding to prepare and share. I can’t wait for you to bring this soup into your kitchen—your taste buds are in for a treat!

Creamy Mushroom Soup Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need