This delicious cream of mushroom soup recipe is absolutely easy to make and tastes so much better than the canned version. The creamy goodness is perfect for those times when you need a little extra comfort. I also like to make extra to add to other dinners like this chicken noodle casserole later in the week.

It only takes a few minutes to have soup that the whole family will love. After you make this soup, you’ll see—or taste—what I’m talking about. The ingredients work together so well to bring out the earthy flavors of the mushrooms.

And it’s so easy to make! The first time, I admit, I was slightly intimidated. But it came out just like I wanted it. So now I know there’s nothing the least bit intimidating about it.

Creamy Mushroom Soup

This creamy mushroom soup recipe delivers an earthy flavor that’s also very comforting with its creamy texture. I made a small amount of soup this time. When I make a larger amount, I use a dutch oven that keeps the soup hot and is attractive enough to put it on the table … on a trivet, of course.

Or you can use a large saucepan that’s big enough for the amount you’re making. All of my creamy soup recipes are delicious. Since I have a gluten sensitivity, I make gluten-free cream of mushroom soup. there are some companies that make a gluten-free version, but they’re very pricey and not as good. 

Another creamy soup you might like is this Cheese Soup. Enjoy it as a soup or serve it for dipping chips, bread, crackers, or veggies! You can add broccoli or any other favorite vegetable or protein to it if you want.

Some people only eat soup in the fall and winter. But to me, any time of year is soup season. I just enjoy it so much that I have it whenever the mood strikes.

Ingredients

I love the fact that you can find all of the ingredients in most grocery stores. Here are the items this recipe calls for: 

• 16 ounces fresh mushrooms, sliced (button mushrooms, baby Bellas, or white mushrooms are good, but you can use any kind of mushrooms you want, including canned)
• 2 tablespoons butter (or olive oil)
• 1/2 cup chicken broth (or vegetable stock if you prefer)
• 1-1/2 cup heavy cream (or coconut milk)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (or seasoned salt)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground or fresh thyme (optional)
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional for thickening)
• 1/2 cup water (optional to add to cornstarch for thickening)
• 1/2 cup sour cream (optional)
• 1 bay leaf (optional)

I placed a printable recipe card at the bottom of this post for your convenience.

When I have fresh herbs, I use those. This time I didn’t, so I used dried thyme. Please keep in mind that dried herbs often have a stronger flavor, so adjust according to your personal taste.

And please use the herbs before they expire. Although older spices and herbs probably won’t hurt you, they’re just not as good.

How to Make Easy Homemade Cream of Mushroom Soup

Although this is a multi-step process, it’s super easy. First, melt the butter in the bottom of a saucepan over medium-high heat.

Keep a close eye on the butter because you don’t want to scorch it. Add the sliced mushrooms. Sauté them until they turn a light golden brown.

Slowly add the chicken broth. Stir and bring it to a light boil. If you don’t want to use chicken broth, you can use beef or vegetable broth.

Now add the garlic powder, onion powder, and seasoned salt to the mushroom mixture. If you want to add thyme or a bay leave, add it now. Turn the heat down to medium. Carefully pour the cream into the pot, being careful not to splatter. Stir the mixture. If you want sour cream, add it now and stir again.

I like a thicker soup, so I make a slurry by whisking cornstarch and water in a separate bowl. Then I slowly pour it into the soup.

As the soup heats up, the cornstarch will cause it to thicken. Once the soup is hot, ladle it into serving bowls. Now you can enjoy a delicious warm bowl of soup.

Note: If you’re a mushroom lover, you can leave the mushrooms large. However, if you don’t care for the texture of mushrooms, you can chop them up into tiny pieces.

Dietary Flexibility

If you have dietary restrictions, you can still make this delicious soup. For example, if you’re vegan, use olive oil instead of butter, vegetable broth instead of chicken stock, and coconut milk instead of cream. You don’t have to sacrifice flavor with these vegan options.

I love the fact that it has some flexibility built in I use cornstarch to thicken it, but if you don’t have a gluten issue, you can us all purpose flour. You can use fresh mushrooms of any variety, including cremini mushrooms, wild mushrooms, white mushrooms, button mushrooms, or baby bella mushrooms. 

Or you can use canned mushrooms if that’s all you have. I’ve use canned, fresh, and a combination of both. And I honestly can’t tell much difference.

Anyone who wants to add protein can stir in either beef or chicken that’s been shredded or cut into bite-size pieces. Or you can add your favorite seafood. I like it with shrimp. I haven’t tried other types of seafood, but I’m sure it will be good.

What to Do with Leftover Cream of Mushroom Soup

If you plan to eat the soup the next day, put it in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator. It should actually be good for a couple of days. When you plan to have the soup later than that, store it in a freezer bag in the freezer for up to a month.

All you have to do is reheat it in a saucepan that can accommodate the amount of soup on medium heat, stirring frequently. It should taste as good as the day it was made.

Tips for Making the Best Cream of Mushroom Soup

Making the best cream of mushroom soup is all about keeping it simple and using the best ingredients you can afford.

Here are some tips:

• Use a variety of fresh mushrooms for even more depth of flavor. Some you may want to try are button, cremini, and shiitaki.
• You can use either fresh or dried herbs. When using dried, please keep in mind that the flavors are more concentrated.
• After adding the cream or cream substitute, allow the simmering process to happen slowly. This enables the flavors to come together without scorching the base.
• Adding a splash of white wine to give it a more sophisticated flavor. It doesn’t take much, so if you do this, do so sparingly.

What to Serve with Cream of Mushroom Soup

My favorite foods to serve with cream of mushroom soup are salad and bread. This time I served a simple lettuce and tomato salad and some crackers with the soup. I typically don’t eat a sandwich with cream soups because I want lighter sides.

Here are some of my favorite salads:

Coleslaw – This is an easy recipe, and it goes with everything! So I make enough to enjoy for a few days. My husband likes it with any kind of barbecue.

Secret Ingredient Fruit Salad – You’ll love the delicious sweetness of this salad from Southern Bite.

Zesty Rotini Pasta – The zesty flavor of this salad balances out the creaminess of the soup. This pasta salad balances the creaminess with its own tart flavors.

Breads that go with cream of mushroom soup:

2-Ingredient Biscuits – These are super easy to make, either regular or gluten-free.

Jalapeño Corn Muffins – There’s just enough heat to get your attention, and they pair so well with creamy soups.

Basic Chaffles – Make some delicious basic chafes in a mini waffle maker and enjoy them in place of bread. They’re so delicious and fun to eat!

Comforting Family Dinner

Any time you need a comforting family dinner, this cream of mushroom soup is perfect. With its creaminess and delicious flavors, it’s the perfect choice for bringing the family to the table at the end of a long day.

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