Cream of Mushroom Soup

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Creamy comfort food without relying solely on heavy cream
• Quick and easy, yet feels gourmet
• Diet flexible—vegetarian, dairy-free, or nut-free
• Great base for casseroles, pasta, or sauces

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 tbsp Olive oil
• 1/2 medium Onion, diced
• 20 oz Mushrooms (any kind), sliced
• 6 cloves Garlic, minced
• 2 cup Chicken broth, reduced sodium (or vegetable broth for vegetarian)
• 1 cup Heavy cream (or full‑fat coconut milk for dairy‑free)
• 1 cup Unsweetened almond milk (or regular milk or coconut milk beverage for nut‑free)
• 3/4 tsp Sea salt
• 1/4 tsp Black pepper

Directions

1. Sauté aromatics: Heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until softened (~5 min). Add garlic and cook ~1 min until fragrant.
2. Cook mushrooms: Increase heat to medium-high. Add sliced mushrooms, stirring frequently until they release moisture and begin browning (~8–10 min).
3. Simmer soup: Pour in chicken (or vegetable) broth. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for ~10 min.
4. Blend: Use an immersion blender to puree until smooth with some texture, or blend in batches in a countertop blender (vent lid and start slowly).
5. Add cream and milk: Return soup to pot if needed, then stir in heavy cream and almond (or substitute) milk. Season with salt and pepper. Heat gently—avoid boiling after dairy is added. Adjust seasoning to taste.
6. Serve: Ladle into bowls and enjoy warm. Garnish with fresh herbs like thyme or chives if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4–6 bowls (based on similar recipes)
• Prep time: ~10–15 minutes
• Cook time: ~30–40 minutes
• Total time: ~45–55 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian: Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
• Vegan/Dairy-free: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk and omit almond milk or use coconut milk beverage.
• Wild Mushroom Upgrade: Add shiitake, oyster, or dried porcini for deeper flavor.
• Herb enhancements: Try thyme, tarragon, or a dash of nutmeg.
• With wine: Add a splash of white wine or sherry for brightness.
• Chunky style: Reserve some sautéed mushrooms and stir them in after blending for texture.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4–5 days.
• Freeze: Freeze without cream; add it after reheating. Soup will keep up to 2 months.
• Reheat gently: Warm on the stove over low-medium heat, stirring frequently to avoid scorching. You can also reheat in a microwave in short intervals, stirring between each.

FAQs

How do I make it gluten-free?

Use a gluten-free flour blend or skip thickening if the broth is rich enough.

Can I make this in an Instant Pot?

Yes—sauté onions, garlic, and mushrooms in “Sauté” mode, then pressure cook with broth for 5 minutes before blending and adding cream.

Can I make it ahead?

Absolutely—make up to 3 days in advance (without dairy, then stir in at serving). Freeze as described above.

Will it separate if I freeze it?

If dairy is frozen with the soup, separation may occur. Best to freeze without cream and add fresh upon reheating.

Can I use canned mushrooms?

Fresh mushrooms are best, but you can use canned in a pinch—drain them well and skip sautéing longer to build flavor.

Is it safe to blend hot soup?

Yes—remove the center lid from the blender and cover with kitchen towel. Blend slowly. Or use an immersion blender.

Can I substitute milk for heavy cream?

Yes, but the soup will be thinner. Full-fat milk works better than skim.

Why do recipes sometimes add wine?

Wine adds acidity and depth, cutting through creaminess. Add before or after broth according to preference.

How to make it richer?

Use all heavy cream, add butter at the end, or blend in a potato or cauliflower for extra richness.

What side dishes go well?

Crusty bread, garlic toast, grilled cheese, or a fresh green salad all pair beautifully.

Conclusion

This Cream of Mushroom Soup is the ultimate comfort food: creamy, flavorful, and endlessly adaptable to your dietary needs or tastes. With just a handful of pantry ingredients and minimal effort, you get a restaurant-quality soup at home. Perfect for cozy nights, leftovers, or as a flavorful base to other dishes. Enjoy!

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