Name: Easy Creamy Hungarian Mushroom Soup Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Hungarian
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons butter; 1 medium onion, finely chopped; 1 pound cremini or white mushrooms, sliced; 2 teaspoons fresh dill or 1 teaspoon dried dill; 1 ¼ tablespoons Hungarian paprika; 1 tablespoon soy sauce (optional); 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth; 1 cup whole milk; 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 1 cup sour cream; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 tablespoons fresh dill or parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 49 reviews

If you crave a rich, comforting bowl of goodness that brings a touch of Eastern European soul to your table, this Easy Creamy Hungarian Mushroom Soup Recipe will become your new best friend. Combining the earthiness of mushrooms with a luscious paprika-spiced creaminess, this soup is both elegant and incredibly cozy. It’s a wonderful way to warm up any day while enjoying a depth of flavor that’s surprisingly simple to achieve in your own kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows seven containers with ingredients arranged neatly on a white marbled surface. From the top left, there's a small white bowl filled with a white liquid, next to it a light blue bowl with grated light yellow garlic. On the right is a large white bowl filled with a clear brown broth. Below the broth is a small clear glass bowl with finely chopped green herbs, next to it another small clear bowl with reddish brown powder. Below the garlic and white liquid bowls, there is a medium white bowl with whole brown mushrooms, next to it a medium white bowl filled with chopped white onions. At the bottom right, there's a small white bowl filled with creamy white sour cream or yogurt. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This soup truly shines because of its straightforward ingredients, each playing a distinct role to create that perfect balance of flavor, texture, and aroma. From butter enriching every bite to dill adding freshness and paprika delivering authentic warmth, these essentials make cooking this soup a joyful experience.

Butter: Provides a rich base for sautéing and deepens the flavor of the mushrooms and onions.
Onion: Adds sweetness and a savory foundation when softened gently.
Cremini or white mushrooms: The star ingredient, delivering earthy, meaty texture and flavor.
Fresh or dried dill: Gives a bright, herbaceous note that balances the creaminess.
Hungarian paprika: Imparts that signature smoky, sweet warmth that defines this classic soup.
Soy sauce (optional): Enhances umami depth without overpowering the delicate flavors.
Chicken or vegetable broth: Forms the flavorful liquid base, carrying all tastes together.
Whole milk: Creates the creamy texture and mellows the spices.
All-purpose flour: Acts as a natural thickener for a silky finish.
Sour cream: Adds tanginess and richness to round out the soup perfectly.
Lemon juice: Brightens and lifts the dish with a subtle citrus zing.
Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings that bring every flavor into harmony.
Fresh dill or parsley for garnish: Provides a final fresh touch and appealing appearance.

How to Make Easy Creamy Hungarian Mushroom Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Onions and Mushrooms

Begin by melting butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add finely chopped onions and cook them until they turn soft and translucent, releasing their natural sweetness. Then add sliced mushrooms and let them cook gently until they shrink and start to brown, unlocking their deep, savory flavor. This step builds the hearty base of our soup.

Step 2: Season and Simmer

Pour in chicken or vegetable broth and bring everything to a hard simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let it all intermingle for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. At this point, sprinkle in salt and pepper to taste. Next, stir in Hungarian paprika and soy sauce if you’re using it, along with dried dill. A quick cook here releases the aroma of spices, setting the stage for creamy magic.

Step 3: Make the Cream Base

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and whole milk until smooth, ensuring no lumps. Gradually add this mixture to your pot while whisking constantly, which prevents clumping and starts thickening the soup. Keep stirring as you cook the soup for another 10 minutes so that raw flour taste cooks out and you achieve that perfect velvety texture.

Step 4: Finish the Soup

Turn down the heat and stir in the sour cream and lemon juice carefully. Gentle warming here is key—avoid boiling to prevent curdling. If you have fresh dill, add it now to brighten the flavors just before serving. Taste again and adjust seasonings with salt and pepper as needed.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle your steaming soup into bowls and sprinkle with fresh parsley for color and extra freshness. This Easy Creamy Hungarian Mushroom Soup Recipe is heavenly served with crusty bread to soak up every luscious spoonful.

How to Serve Easy Creamy Hungarian Mushroom Soup Recipe

Inside a large metal pan, there is a single layer of browned sliced mushrooms. The mushrooms are light tan and brown with a slightly shiny texture from cooking. The pan has a browned, seasoned surface that adds a rustic look. The pan rests on a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of chopped fresh dill or parsley enhances this soup’s visual appeal and adds a light herbal note that complements the creamy, smoky broth. A small dollop of sour cream on top is also a lovely touch if you want a little extra richness.

Side Dishes

Crusty bread, warm rye, or toasted baguette slices are ideal for dipping. For a more substantial meal, pair the soup with a fresh green salad or simple roasted potatoes. These sides highlight the soup’s creamy texture while adding variety to the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the soup in small, elegant bowls as an appetizer for a dinner party or in large rustic mugs for a comforting weeknight supper. Garnish with edible flowers or a drizzle of good-quality paprika oil for a restaurant-worthy presentation that’s sure to impress.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This Easy Creamy Hungarian Mushroom Soup Recipe keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container. The flavors meld further over time, making your next meal even tastier.

Freezing

You can freeze leftovers for up to 2 months. However, sour cream may separate upon thawing, so consider freezing the soup before adding sour cream and stirring it in fresh when reheating.

Reheating

Gently reheat the soup on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently to maintain the creamy texture. If it seems too thick, add a splash of broth or milk to loosen it up. Avoid the microwave when possible to keep the flavors and texture intact.

FAQs

Can I use other types of mushrooms for this soup?

Absolutely! While cremini or white mushrooms provide a nice balance of flavor and texture, you can use shiitake, portobello, or even a wild mushroom mix to add a more robust or earthy character.

Is this soup vegetarian-friendly?

To keep it vegetarian, just use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The soy sauce is optional but adds a wonderful umami boost that keeps the soup rich and satisfying.

Can I make this soup dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and use plant-based milk and sour cream substitutes. The soup will still be creamy, though the traditional tang of sour cream will be milder.

How spicy is this soup?

Hungarian paprika lends warmth and mild sweetness rather than heat. If you enjoy a little kick, you can add a pinch of smoked or hot paprika, but the classic recipe is gentle and comforting.

What is the key to preventing the soup from curdling when adding sour cream?

The key is to lower the heat and stir the sour cream in gently without letting the soup boil afterward. High heat causes sour cream to separate and curdle, so keep it low and gentle for a silky finish.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like the feeling of cozying up with a bowl of this Easy Creamy Hungarian Mushroom Soup Recipe. It’s a testament to how simple ingredients and a little patience can create something deeply satisfying and full of character. I hope when you try this recipe, it becomes a staple in your cooking repertoire, warming your heart and table for years to come.

Easy Creamy Hungarian Mushroom Soup Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need