Cream of Mushroom Soup

Cream of Mushroom Soup is one of those dishes that simply warms your heart and soul. Perfect for chilly evenings or when you need a little comfort, this creamy, earthy soup can serve as a satisfying main event or a delightful side. With its rich flavors stemming from fresh shiitake and crimini mushrooms, a splash of sherry, and a hint of thyme, you’ll find it’s an embrace in a bowl.

Why you’ll love this dish

There are countless reasons to whip up this delicious Cream of Mushroom Soup. Not only is it remarkably quick and easy to create, but it also utilizes ingredients you might already have in your pantry. This family-friendly recipe is perfect for cozy weeknight dinners and can easily impress your guests during the holidays or potlucks.

"Absolutely the best cream of mushroom soup I’ve ever made! It’s now a staple in my home." – Happy Reader

Step-by-step overview

Making Cream of Mushroom Soup is as simple as it is delicious. You’ll sauté some fragrant onions and garlic, add in a delightful blend of fresh mushrooms, and finish it off with creamy goodness and aromatic thyme. This soup is not just a delight for your taste buds, but it also showcases the wholesome flavors of simple ingredients.

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What you’ll need

Gather these items for a wonderfully rich and creamy soup:

• Fresh shiitake mushrooms
• Fresh crimini mushrooms
• Sherry
• Cream
• Fresh thyme
• Onion
• Garlic
• Chicken or vegetable broth
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Olive oil or butter

If you’re in a pinch, feel free to swap the sherry with white wine or omit it altogether, and heavy cream can be replaced with half-and-half for a lighter version.

Step-by-step instructions

1. In a pot, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add diced onions and minced garlic, sauté until translucent.
2. Add sliced shiitake and crimini mushrooms, cooking until softened.
3. Pour in sherry, cook until evaporated.
4. Add broth and let simmer for 15-20 minutes.
5. Stir in cream and fresh thyme, season with salt and black pepper to taste.
6. Blend the soup until smooth if desired, then serve hot.

Throughout this process, the aroma will fill your kitchen, making it hard to resist grabbing a spoon right away!

Best ways to enjoy it

Cream of Mushroom Soup can be served hot in a comforting bowl as is, or you might want to get creative! Try topping your soup with freshly chopped chives, a sprinkle of paprika, or even some crispy croutons for added texture. Pair it with crusty bread, a fresh salad, or even grilled cheese sandwiches for a complete meal.

Storage and reheating tips

If you’ve got leftovers (which is rare, but can happen), allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. This creamy delight can last in the fridge for about three days and can also be frozen for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth if it has thickened too much.

Helpful cooking tips

For the best flavor, be sure to use fresh mushrooms; dried ones just won’t do this dish justice. When sautéing your onions and garlic, keep an eye on them to prevent burning, as they can quickly go from perfectly caramelized to burnt. If you prefer a chunkier soup, feel free to skip blending!

Recipe variations

Mix things up with various flavors and toppings! Add a splash of lemon juice for brightness, or throw in some spinach for extra nutrition. Love a little heat? A dash of cayenne or red pepper flakes will spice things up perfectly. You might even consider a sprinkle of grated parmesan for a cheesy touch!

Your questions answered

What is the prep time for this recipe?
Prep time is about 10 minutes, and cooking will take around 20-25 minutes.

Can I substitute the heavy cream?
Yes! You can use half-and-half or even unsweetened coconut milk for a dairy-free option.

How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days, or freeze for up to three months.

This Cream of Mushroom Soup is a timeless classic that transforms simple, everyday ingredients into a luxurious dish. So why not give it a try and wrap yourself in a bit of comforting flavor tonight? Your taste buds will thank you!

Cream of Mushroom Soup

A creamy and earthy soup made with fresh shiitake and crimini mushrooms, perfect for chilly evenings and comforting meals.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Appetizer, Soup

Cuisine: American

Calories: 190

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 2 cups Fresh shiitake mushrooms, sliced For the best flavor, use fresh mushrooms.
• 2 cups Fresh crimini mushrooms, sliced For a richer taste, mix with shiitake mushrooms.
• 1 cup Chicken or vegetable broth Use low-sodium for a healthier option.
• 1 cup Heavy cream Can be substituted with half-and-half or coconut milk.
• 1/2 cup Sherry Can be replaced with white wine or omitted.
• 1 medium Onion, diced Sauté until translucent.
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced Add to onions when sautéing.
• 1 teaspoon Fresh thyme Add more for an aromatic flavor.
• Salt to taste Season according to preference.
• Black pepper to taste Freshly ground adds a nice kick.
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil or butter For sautéing onions and garlic.

Method

 

Preparation

1. In a pot, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat.
2. Add diced onions and minced garlic, sauté until translucent.
3. Add sliced shiitake and crimini mushrooms, cooking until softened.

Cooking

1. Pour in sherry and cook until evaporated.
2. Add broth and let simmer for 15-20 minutes.
3. Stir in cream and fresh thyme, season with salt and black pepper to taste.
4. Blend the soup until smooth if desired, then serve hot.

Notes

For the best flavor, use fresh mushrooms. Consider adding toppings like chives, paprika, or croutons for added texture. Leftovers can be stored for three days in the fridge or frozen for three months.