Name: Creamy Mushroom Soup Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 tablespoons olive oil; 3 tablespoons butter; 1 large onion (chopped, about 2 cups); 4 cloves garlic (minced); 24 ounces mushrooms (cleaned and sliced 1/2 inch thick); Salt and pepper to taste; 1-2 pinches cayenne pepper (optional); 1/4 cup flour; 1/4 cup dry white wine; 4 cups low sodium vegetable broth (or chicken broth); 1 tablespoon low sodium soy sauce; 1 tablespoon fresh thyme

There's something incredibly soothing about the warm, earthy flavors in this Creamy Mushroom Soup Recipe. It’s a dish that feels fancy without fuss, perfect for cozy nights or when you just need a comforting hug in a bowl.

A bowl of creamy mushroom soup sits on a white marbled surface, filled with a smooth light beige liquid with small chunks of mushrooms and black pepper sprinkled on top, garnished with small green herb leaves scattered across the surface; a silver spoon with a black handle rests inside the bowl on the right side; a slice of rustic bread with holes lies behind the bowl next to a small sprig of green herbs; the bowl is placed on a blue and white dish towel with a tan woven cloth nearby photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Mushroom Soup Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Creamy Mushroom Soup Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Creamy Mushroom Soup Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I genuinely love this recipe because it takes simple ingredients and transforms them into a soup that's creamy and rich, without anything heavy like cream. It’s easy enough for weeknights, but special enough to serve guests.

Simplicity: The soup comes together quickly with pantry staples you likely already have.
Rich Flavor: Sauteing the mushrooms to develop deep, earthy notes makes every spoonful comforting.
Velvety Texture: Blending part of the soup creates a naturally creamy feel without heavy cream.
Customizable: You can adjust the spices or add fresh herbs to make it your own.

A close-up view of a creamy mushroom soup in a white bowl with a smooth, light beige surface, dotted with small pieces of dark mushrooms and black pepper. A silver spoon lifts a scoop showing thick, rich texture and visible mushroom bits. Behind the bowl, there are two slices of rustic bread with crusty edges resting on a beige textured cloth. The scene is set on a white marbled surface with a sprig of fresh thyme resting partly on the bread, adding a touch of green to the warm, neutral tones. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this creamy mushroom soup recipe plays a role in building layers of flavor and texture. Knowing why we use each helps you appreciate the process and feel confident tweaking it.

Flat lay of fresh whole brown mushrooms sliced thickly, a large peeled and chopped white onion, four uncracked brown garlic bulbs, a small mound of coarse sea salt and black peppercorns on the side, a few fresh thyme sprigs with green leaves, a small white ceramic bowl of golden olive oil, a small white ceramic bowl with pale yellow butter chunks, a small white ceramic bowl of off-white all-purpose flour, a small white ceramic bowl of clear dry white wine, a small white ceramic bowl filled with light golden vegetable broth, a small white ceramic bowl containing dark low sodium soy sauce — each ingredient perfectly arranged in balanced symmetry, all on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Olive oil: Adds a fruity, slightly peppery base to sauté vegetables gently without burning.
Butter: Brings richness that balances the earthiness of mushrooms and adds silkiness.
Onion: Fresh, sweet, and aromatic, onions build sweetness and depth when caramelized lightly.
Garlic: A little garlic goes a long way, offering pungent warmth without overpowering.
Mushrooms: The star ingredient—clean and sliced to develop a meaty, umami flavor.
Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to elevate the taste and balance the earthiness.
Cayenne pepper (optional): Adds just a hint of heat to keep the flavors lively.
Flour: Acts as a thickening agent, giving the soup body without heaviness.
Dry white wine: Adds acidity and subtle complexity, helping to deglaze the pan and capture flavor.
Vegetable or chicken broth: The liquid base, light yet flavorful, keeps the soup comforting and nourishing.
Soy sauce: Provides an umami punch and balances the saltiness naturally.
Fresh thyme: Its floral, slightly minty aroma pairs beautifully with mushrooms for a classic taste.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love experimenting by swapping out herbs or adding veggies like leeks or celery for more dimension. You can easily tweak this soup based on what you have on hand or your mood—don’t hesitate to get creative!

Variation: Once, I tossed in a splash of sherry instead of white wine, which gave the soup a lovely nutty nuance that blew me away.
Dairy-free option: No cream needed here, so it's friendly for many diets just as it is.
Spice it up: If you like a little kick, try adding more cayenne or a pinch of smoked paprika.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Mushroom Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics to Build Flavor

Start by heating olive oil and butter over medium heat until melted and warm. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 5 minutes until soft and translucent—don't rush this step; it adds natural sweetness. Toss in the minced garlic and cook just 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to let it brown or burn.

Step 2: Cook the Mushrooms Until Tender and Golden

Add your sliced mushrooms straight into the pot with a pinch of salt and pepper (and cayenne if you're using it). Stir and sauté for about 10 minutes until the mushrooms shrink and develop a lovely golden color. This step creates that deep flavor I always look forward to.

Step 3: Thicken and Deglaze

Sprinkle the flour evenly over the mushrooms and stir to coat everything. This helps thicken the soup later. Then pour in the dry white wine and stir to combine, scraping any browned bits from the bottom to capture flavor. Let it cook for a minute or two to reduce slightly.

Step 4: Simmer to Develop Depth

Add the broth, soy sauce, and fresh thyme sprigs. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let it simmer gently for around 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and let those flavors mingle beautifully.

Step 5: Blend to Get That Creamy Texture

Carefully transfer about half of the soup into a blender or mini food processor and puree until smooth. Pour it back into the pot and stir to combine. This step creates the luscious creaminess without adding any dairy—pure mushroom magic!

Top Tip

Having made this creamy mushroom soup recipe dozens of times, I’ve learned some little tricks that really make the difference between good and unforgettable. Here’s what I always keep in mind to get it just right:

Don’t skip sautéing the mushrooms long enough: Letting those mushrooms brown properly creates that rich umami foundation you want.
Use the right flour: I prefer all-purpose flour—it blends smoothly and thickens without clumps.
Blend only part of the soup: Pureeing half and leaving the rest chunky gives you a balanced, satisfying texture.
Season carefully at the end: Taste before adding extra salt—the soy sauce already adds saltiness!

How to Serve Creamy Mushroom Soup Recipe

creamy mushroom soup - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

My favorite go-to garnishes are a drizzle of good-quality extra virgin olive oil, freshly cracked black pepper, and a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or chives. Sometimes I add a few crispy fried shallots for crunch. They bring freshness and texture that make each bowl feel like a treat.

Side Dishes

I often pair this soup with crusty toasted bread or a warm grilled cheese sandwich. For something lighter, a crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette complements the savory mushroom notes beautifully. It’s a no-fuss combo that feels satisfying and balanced.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like serving the soup in miniature pumpkin bowls or rustic bread bowls. Adding a swirl of herb-infused oil or a dollop of truffle cream on top elevates the experience too. It really turns a humble soup into something memorable for guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I let the soup cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. Stored in the fridge, it keeps well for up to 4 days and tastes even better the next day when the flavors settle.

Freezing

This creamy mushroom soup also freezes beautifully. Portion it out into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space for expansion. When thawed, give it a good stir and reheat gently on the stove to keep the texture smooth.

Reheating

Reheat your soup on low heat in a saucepan, stirring occasionally. If it thickens too much, just add a splash of broth or water to bring back a nice consistency. Avoid microwaving at high power, which can sometimes cause separation.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use different types of mushrooms in this soup?

Absolutely! I’ve tried cremini, shiitake, and even portobello mushrooms. Mixing varieties can add an interesting flavor depth as well.

Is it necessary to use white wine?

White wine is great for adding acidity and complexity, but you can substitute it with more broth or a splash of apple cider vinegar if you prefer.

Can I make this soup vegan?

Definitely! Just use olive oil instead of butter and make sure your broth is vegetable-based. The soy sauce adds plenty of umami to keep it flavorful.

Why don’t you add cream to make it creamy?

Blending part of the mushroom soup creates a fantastic naturally creamy texture without the extra calories or heaviness that cream brings—trust me, it works wonders!

Final Thoughts

This creamy mushroom soup recipe has become one of my favorite go-to comfort foods because it’s so cozy, flavorful, and straightforward. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do—and that it brings a little warmth to your kitchen and your soul.