Rich, creamy, and full of earthy flavors, Old Fashioned Cream of Mushroom Soup is a classic comfort dish that never goes out of style. Perfect as a starter or a hearty meal on its own, this homemade soup is far superior to anything you’ll find in a can. Below, you’ll find a detailed recipe, tips for perfection, pairing suggestions, and storage advice to make the most of this timeless dish.
1. Old Fashioned Cream of Mushroom Soup Recipe (6 Servings)
This recipe is simple yet packed with umami goodness. It’s made with fresh ingredients that allow the natural flavors of mushrooms to shine.
Ingredients
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- 2 (16-ounce) packages sliced fresh mushrooms
- 1 pinch salt
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 1 ½ tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 6 sprigs fresh thyme, tied in a bundle with kitchen twine
- 2 cloves garlic, peeled
- 4 cups chicken broth, or more to taste
- 1 cup water, or more to taste
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves, for garnish
Instructions
Sauté the Mushrooms
Melt the butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
Add the sliced mushrooms and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms release their liquid and begin to brown (about 10-12 minutes).
Add Onions and Garlic
Toss the diced onion into the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
Add the whole garlic cloves and sauté for another minute for added depth of flavor.
Thicken the Base
Sprinkle the flour over the mushroom mixture and stir well. Cook for 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
Simmer with Broth and Herbs
Pour in the chicken broth and water. Add the bundle of thyme sprigs.
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat and cook for about 20 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Blend and Add Cream
Remove the thyme sprigs and garlic cloves from the pot.
Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth (or leave it slightly chunky for texture). Alternatively, transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender.
Stir in the heavy whipping cream and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Garnish & Serve
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh thyme leaves. Serve warm and enjoy!
2. Tips to Perfect Creamy Mushroom Soup
Use Fresh Mushrooms
Opt for fresh, high-quality mushrooms for the best flavor. A mix of white button, cremini, or even shiitake mushrooms can add depth.
Don’t Rush the Sautéing Process
Allow the mushrooms to brown and caramelize properly. This step enhances their natural umami flavors.
Balance the Consistency
Adjust the thickness of the soup by adding more chicken broth or water if it feels too thick.
Choose the Right Cream
Heavy whipping cream provides the richest texture. For a lighter version, half-and-half can be used, but the soup may lose some of its creamy indulgence.
Blend with Care
If blending the soup in a blender, allow it to cool slightly to avoid accidents with hot liquid. An immersion blender is more convenient and less messy.
3. What to Eat With Mushroom Soup
Mushroom soup is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of dishes. Here are some serving suggestions:
Crusty Bread or Dinner Rolls: Use bread to soak up every last bit of soup. Garlic bread or sourdough work especially well.
Salads: A crisp green salad with vinaigrette balances the richness of the soup. Consider an arugula salad with walnuts and Parmesan.
Grilled Cheese Sandwich: The creamy soup pairs beautifully with the gooey, cheesy goodness of a grilled cheese sandwich.
Roasted Vegetables: Serve alongside roasted carrots, Brussels sprouts, or asparagus for a hearty, healthy meal.
Simple Proteins: For a more filling dinner, add roasted chicken or pan-seared salmon on the side.
4. How to Store & Reheat Leftovers
Storing and reheating mushroom soup is easy if done properly:
Storage:
Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing:
Cream-based soups can be frozen, but the cream may separate upon thawing. To avoid this, freeze the soup without the cream and add it when reheating.
Use freezer-safe containers or resealable bags, leaving room for expansion. It can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating
For refrigerated soup, reheat gently in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to prevent scorching.
If frozen, thaw the soup overnight in the fridge, then reheat on the stovetop. Add a splash of broth or water if the soup is too thick.
Old Fashioned Cream of Mushroom Soup is a timeless classic that brings comfort to any table. With its rich flavor, creamy texture, and easy preparation, it’s sure to become a staple in your recipe collection. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or enjoying it solo, this soup is a true delight for mushroom lovers everywhere.