Creamy Mushroom Soup – A Comforting and Flavorful Delight
There’s something truly special about a warm, creamy bowl of mushroom soup. This Creamy Mushroom Soup is rich, velvety, and packed with deep umami flavors, making it the perfect comfort food for chilly days or when you’re craving something indulgent yet wholesome.
The key to this soup’s incredible depth of flavor comes from a combination of dried porcini mushrooms and fresh mushrooms like cremini, portobello, shiitake, and button. The dried mushrooms add an intense, earthy aroma, while the fresh ones provide a meaty texture that makes every spoonful satisfying. Shallots, garlic, and dry sherry further enhance the taste, creating a beautiful balance between savory and slightly sweet notes.
To achieve the soup’s signature creamy consistency, we blend a portion of it, which thickens the base without needing too much cream. This technique ensures that the soup remains luscious but not overly heavy. The final touch of heavy cream adds a silky smoothness, making it irresistibly rich.
This soup is incredibly versatile—you can enjoy it as a cozy meal on its own, serve it as an elegant appetizer for a dinner party, or pair it with crusty bread for the perfect dip. Plus, it’s easy to adapt! If you want a lighter version, swap the heavy cream for milk or a dairy-free alternative. Want extra protein? Add shredded chicken or white beans.
Whether you’re a mushroom lover or just looking for a delicious, nourishing dish, this Creamy Mushroom Soup is sure to impress. It’s simple to make yet tastes like something you’d find in a gourmet restaurant. So grab a spoon and savor the rich, earthy goodness in every bite! 🍄🥣✨
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
🌿 Rich, Deep Umami Flavor – The combination of dried porcini mushrooms, fresh mushrooms, and dry sherry creates an incredibly savory and aromatic soup with layers of earthy goodness.
🥣 Luxuriously Creamy Yet Balanced – By blending part of the soup, you get a silky texture without needing excessive amounts of heavy cream. It’s rich, but not overly heavy!
⏳ Easy Hands-Off Cooking – This soup is made in a slow cooker, meaning you can set it and forget it while the flavors develop beautifully over time. No slow cooker? You can easily make it on the stovetop!
🍄 Loaded with Mushrooms – If you’re a mushroom lover, this soup is a dream come true! It’s packed with a variety of mushrooms, giving it a hearty, meaty texture without any actual meat.
🥖 Perfect for Any Occasion – Whether you’re looking for a cozy weeknight dinner, an elegant starter for a special meal, or a make-ahead dish for meal prep, this soup is a fantastic choice.
💡 Easily Customizable – Want a dairy-free option? Use coconut milk or cashew cream. Prefer extra protein? Add shredded chicken or white beans. You can even adjust the thickness to suit your preference!
With its creamy texture, deep umami flavor, and effortless preparation, this Creamy Mushroom Soup is a must-try recipe that you’ll want to make again and again! 🍄🥣✨
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving) for this Creamy Mushroom Soup
(based on approximately 6 servings):
- Calories: ~280 kcal
- Protein: ~6g
- Fat: ~19g
- Saturated Fat: ~9g
- Carbohydrates: ~20g
- Fiber: ~3g
- Sugar: ~5g
- Sodium: ~600mg
- Cholesterol: ~35mg
Nutritional Highlights:
✔ Rich in Antioxidants – Mushrooms contain selenium and ergothioneine, powerful antioxidants that support immune health.
✔ Good Source of Fiber – Helps with digestion and keeps you full longer.
✔ Lower in Carbs – A great option for those following a balanced or lower-carb diet.
✔ Customizable – Adjust cream, salt, or alternative ingredients to fit your dietary needs.
👉 For a lighter version: Use whole milk or a dairy-free alternative instead of heavy cream.
👉 For more protein: Add shredded chicken or white beans.
Creamy Mushroom Soup
Ingredients
Mushrooms & Broth:
- 2 cups dried porcini mushrooms about 1½ ounces
- 3 cups boiling water divided
Seasonings & Thickener:
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1¾ teaspoons salt
- 1½ teaspoons ground black pepper plus more for garnish
- 1½ teaspoons dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried tarragon
For Sautéing:
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 cups sliced shallots about 8 ounces
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped garlic
- ⅔ cup dry sherry
Mushrooms & Cream:
- 3 pounds assorted fresh mushrooms such as cremini, portobello, shiitake, and button, sliced
- 1½ cups heavy cream
Optional Garnish:
- Fresh thyme leaves
- Ground black pepper
Instructions
Rehydrate the Dried Porcini Mushrooms
- Place the dried porcini mushrooms in a heatproof bowl and pour 2 cups of boiling water over them.
- Let them soak for 20 minutes until fully softened.
- Drain the mushrooms through a fine-mesh strainer lined with cheesecloth, reserving the soaking liquid.
- Chop the rehydrated mushrooms into small pieces and set aside.
- 👉 Tip: The mushroom soaking liquid is packed with flavor—don’t throw it away!
Prepare the Broth Mixture
- In a large bowl, mix together the strained mushroom broth with the remaining 1 cup of boiling water.
- Stir in the cornstarch, salt, pepper, thyme, and tarragon until fully combined.
Sauté the Shallots & Garlic
- Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the shallots and garlic, stirring occasionally, and cook for 4-5 minutes until soft and fragrant.
- Pour in the dry sherry, bring to a boil, and let it cook for 30 seconds to reduce slightly.
- Remove from heat.
- 👉 Tip: Dry sherry enhances the umami depth of the soup, but you can substitute it with white wine or vegetable broth if needed.
Slow Cook the Soup
- In a 5-quart slow cooker, combine:Chopped porcini mushroomsPrepared broth mixtureShallot and garlic mixtureAll the fresh mushrooms (sliced)
- Cover and cook on HIGH for 4 hours until the mushrooms are tender and flavors are well blended.
Blend a Portion of the Soup
- Transfer 2 cups of the soup to a blender.
- Remove the center cap of the blender lid (to release steam), secure the lid, and cover the opening with a clean kitchen towel.
- Blend until smooth, about 10 seconds.
- Pour the puréed soup back into the slow cooker and stir well.
- Cook uncovered on HIGH for another 10 minutes to thicken.
- 👉 Tip: Blending a portion of the soup gives it a silky texture while still maintaining a hearty consistency.
Stir in the Cream & Serve
- Reduce the heat and gently stir in the heavy cream.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh thyme leaves and extra black pepper if desired.
- 🌟 Enjoy: Serve hot with crusty bread or as a luxurious appetizer!
Notes
- No slow cooker? Simmer on the stovetop for 1.5 to 2 hours over low heat.
- Want a lighter version? Swap heavy cream for whole milk or almond milk.
- Add protein? Stir in shredded chicken or white beans for extra nourishment.
What to Serve This Cream of Mushroom Soup With
This rich, creamy mushroom soup pairs perfectly with a variety of dishes, whether you’re looking for a light side or a more substantial meal. Here are some ideas to complement your soup:
1. Fresh Crusty Bread
- Why: The perfect dipper! A warm, crusty baguette, sourdough, or ciabatta is ideal for soaking up the creamy soup.
- Try: A rustic country loaf or garlic bread for an extra burst of flavor.
2. Grilled Cheese Sandwich
- Why: The classic pairing with any creamy soup! The gooey cheese and crispy bread provide a satisfying contrast to the smooth texture of the mushroom soup.
- Try: Add a twist with sharp cheddar or gruyère cheese, or even a bit of caramelized onion for extra flavor.
3. Light Salad
- Why: A fresh, crisp salad balances the richness of the soup, offering a refreshing contrast.
- Try: A simple mixed green salad with arugula, spinach, or frisée, dressed in a tangy vinaigrette. Add some walnuts, goat cheese, or sliced pears for a touch of elegance.
4. Roasted Vegetables
- Why: Roasted root vegetables or hearty greens make for a warm, earthy side that complements the umami flavors of the soup.
- Try: Roasted carrots, parsnips, or Brussels sprouts with a bit of olive oil, garlic, and thyme.
5. Chicken or Turkey
- Why: If you’re craving something more filling, a light roasted chicken or turkey breast pairs beautifully with mushroom soup.
- Try: Herb-roasted chicken with a lemony, garlic seasoning or even a simple chicken salad on the side.
6. Crostini or Bruschetta
- Why: These crispy, bite-sized appetizers add a little crunch and flavor contrast to the creamy soup.
- Try: Top crostini with fresh tomato, basil, and balsamic glaze, or a savory mixture of goat cheese and roasted red peppers.
7. Pasta or Tortellini
- Why: Pasta dishes, especially ones with light cream sauces or cheese-filled tortellini, make a hearty side dish.
- Try: Cheese tortellini or a simple pasta aglio e olio (with garlic, olive oil, and chili flakes).
8. Quiche or Savory Pie
- Why: A light, savory pie or quiche makes a satisfying side to your soup. The richness of quiche, with its creamy filling, complements the soup perfectly.
- Try: Spinach and cheese quiche or a leek and mushroom tart.
9. Apple Slices or Pears
- Why: For a refreshing contrast, serve with some thinly sliced apples or pears, which add a touch of sweetness to balance the soup’s savory notes.
- Try: Pair with a few slices of sharp cheese, like cheddar or blue cheese, for a more elegant combination.
With these pairings, you can transform your Cream of Mushroom Soup into a satisfying, well-rounded meal. Enjoy! 🍄🥣🍞