There’s just something so comforting about a warm bowl of homemade cream of mushroom soup. It’s rich, creamy, and packed with flavor—perfect for cozy evenings, a quick lunch, or even as a base for other dishes. I mean, who doesn’t love a soup that feels like a warm hug? Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll never want to go back to the canned stuff. It’s super versatile too! You can enjoy it on its own, use it as a sauce for pasta, or even mix it into casseroles for that extra oomph. Plus, making it from scratch is easier than you might think! Let’s dive right into the magic of crafting your very own cream of mushroom soup homemade.
Ingredients for Cream of Mushroom Soup Homemade
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making a delicious homemade cream of mushroom soup! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 pound fresh mushrooms, sliced: I love using a mix of cremini and button mushrooms for depth of flavor, but feel free to use your favorite varieties!
- 1 medium onion, chopped: This adds sweetness and a lovely base to your soup. Don’t worry about chopping it perfectly; it’ll all get blended in the end if you choose to do so!
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic is a must! It brings a fragrant aroma and enhances the overall taste.
- 4 tablespoons butter: Butter is what gives this soup that rich, creamy texture. Trust me, don’t skimp on it!
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour: This is our thickening agent. It helps create that luxurious, creamy consistency we all crave in a good soup.
- 4 cups vegetable broth: Use a high-quality broth for the best flavor. If you want to make it heartier, chicken broth works too!
- 1 cup heavy cream: This is where the magic happens! Heavy cream adds richness, but you can substitute with half-and-half if you want a lighter version.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Seasoning is everything! Start with a little, and adjust as you go. You can always add more, but you can’t take it out!
How to Prepare Cream of Mushroom Soup Homemade
Making homemade cream of mushroom soup is a delightful process that fills your kitchen with wonderful aromas. Follow these steps to create a rich and creamy bowl of goodness that you’ll want to savor!
Step 1: Sauté Onions and Garlic
First things first, let’s melt that butter! In a large pot over medium heat, add the 4 tablespoons of butter. Once it’s melted and bubbly, toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them for about 5 minutes until the onions are translucent and everything smells heavenly. You want them to soften nicely, but don’t let them brown just yet! You’re setting the flavor foundation here.
Step 2: Cook the Mushrooms
Now it’s time to bring in the star of the show—those sliced mushrooms! Add them to the pot and stir gently. You’ll notice they start to release their moisture after about 6-8 minutes. This is good! You want them to get nice and tender. Keep stirring until they’ve shrunk down a bit and all that lovely liquid has been released. It’s going to give your soup that rich, earthy flavor!
Step 3: Incorporate Flour
Next, sprinkle in the 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour and stir it into the mushroom mixture. Cook it for about a minute—this helps to eliminate that raw flour taste and gives your soup a lovely thick consistency. You’ll notice it starts to clump together, and that’s exactly what you want!
Step 4: Add Vegetable Broth
Alright, here’s where the magic starts to happen! Gradually pour in the 4 cups of vegetable broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Keep stirring until it comes to a gentle boil. Once it’s bubbling away, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. This allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Step 5: Finish with Cream
Finally, it’s time to make this soup ultra-creamy! Stir in the 1 cup of heavy cream and season with salt and pepper to taste. If you like a smoother texture, you can blend the soup with an immersion blender until it’s silky and velvety. But honestly, it’s delicious either way! Serve it warm and enjoy every spoonful of this homemade comfort food.
Tips for Success
Now that you’re ready to make the most delicious homemade cream of mushroom soup, here are some of my favorite tips to ensure you get it just right every time!
- Don’t rush the sautéing: Taking your time to properly sauté the onions and garlic will lay a solid flavor foundation. If you rush it, you might miss out on that sweet, caramelized goodness!
- Use fresh mushrooms: While you can use dried mushrooms for a more intense flavor, nothing beats the freshness of good-quality mushrooms. They provide that lovely texture and flavor that makes the soup sing!
- Adjust the thickness: If you prefer a thicker soup, feel free to add a bit more flour when you incorporate it. For a thinner consistency, add a splash more broth or cream to get it to your liking.
- Season gradually: Season your soup with salt and pepper as you go. It’s easier to adjust seasoning little by little than to fix an overly salty soup later!
- Texture matters: If you’re blending the soup, do it carefully! If using a regular blender, allow the soup to cool slightly before blending, and blend in batches if needed. Safety first—hot soup can splatter!
- Let it simmer: Allowing the soup to simmer for the full 15 minutes really helps the flavors to deepen and develop. Patience is key here!
- Experiment with herbs: Feel free to add fresh herbs like thyme or parsley for an extra pop of flavor! Just toss them in during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Store properly: If you have leftovers, make sure to store them in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll keep for about 3-4 days, and the flavors will continue to meld even more!
By keeping these tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to creating a creamy, comforting bowl of mushroom soup that everyone will love. Happy cooking!
Variations of Cream of Mushroom Soup Homemade
One of the best things about homemade cream of mushroom soup is how versatile it is! You can easily tweak the recipe to suit your taste or what you have on hand. Here are some delicious variations to consider:
- Herbed Delight: Add fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley to elevate the flavor. Toss them in during the last few minutes of cooking for a fresh burst of taste!
- Earthy Depth: For a richer mushroom flavor, mix in some dried mushrooms along with the fresh ones. Just soak them in warm water for about 30 minutes before adding them to the pot.
- Nutty Twist: Stir in some roasted nuts, like chopped walnuts or hazelnuts, before serving. They add a delightful crunch and a nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the creaminess of the soup.
- Spicy Kick: If you’re feeling adventurous, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to spice things up! It brings a nice warmth that complements the earthy mushrooms.
- Vegan Version: Swap the heavy cream for coconut milk or cashew cream, and use vegetable broth. You can still achieve that creamy texture without the dairy!
- Cheesy Goodness: Mix in some grated parmesan or cheddar cheese just before serving for a cheesy twist. Let it melt in for that extra richness!
- Asian Flair: Add a splash of soy sauce or sesame oil and finish with green onions for a fun, Asian-inspired take on this classic soup!
Feel free to experiment with these variations or create your own! The beauty of this recipe is that it’s all about what flavors make you happy. Enjoy the process and have fun in the kitchen!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to enjoying a delicious bowl of homemade cream of mushroom soup, it’s always nice to know what you’re putting into your body! Here are the typical nutritional values for a serving of this creamy goodness:
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you choose to use. Whether you’re enjoying it as a comforting meal or using it as a base for other dishes, you can feel good about savoring this homemade delight!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve whipped up a delicious pot of homemade cream of mushroom soup, let’s talk about what to serve alongside it to create a truly delightful meal experience. Trust me, the right accompaniments can elevate your soup from wonderful to absolutely unforgettable!
- Crusty Bread: A warm, crusty loaf of bread is the perfect match! Think of a fresh baguette or some hearty sourdough. You can dip it right into the soup or use it to wipe the bowl clean—no judgment here!
- Grilled Cheese: Is there anything better than a classic grilled cheese sandwich with your soup? The gooey, melted cheese paired with the creamy soup is pure comfort food bliss!
- Salad: A light, refreshing salad adds a nice contrast to the richness of the soup. Try a simple mixed greens salad with a tangy vinaigrette to brighten up the meal!
- Roasted Vegetables: For a heartier option, serve your soup with a side of roasted vegetables. They add color and a delicious caramelized flavor that pairs beautifully with the mushrooms.
- Herbed Croutons: Sprinkle some homemade or store-bought croutons on top of your soup for an extra crunch. You can even season them with herbs to complement the flavors of the soup!
- Cheese Topping: If you’re feeling indulgent, top your soup with a sprinkle of grated parmesan or a dollop of crème fraîche. It adds a lovely creaminess and an extra layer of flavor!
- Wine Pairing: To really enhance the experience, consider a glass of crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light red like Pinot Noir. It complements the earthy flavors of the mushrooms beautifully.
These serving suggestions not only enhance the flavors of your homemade cream of mushroom soup but also make for a cozy, comforting meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy every last drop and happy eating!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Now that you have a delightful pot of homemade cream of mushroom soup, you might be wondering how to store those tasty leftovers. Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Proper storage and reheating are key to keeping that rich flavor and creamy texture intact.
First, let the soup cool to room temperature before putting it in the fridge. This helps prevent condensation from forming inside the container. Once cooled, transfer your soup to an airtight container. I like to use glass containers because they don’t retain odors and are great for reheating. Your delicious soup will keep well in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days.
If you want to save some for later, you can freeze the soup too! Just make sure to leave a little space at the top of the container, as the soup will expand when frozen. It can last in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge.
When it comes time to reheat, there are a couple of options. For the best flavor and texture, I recommend reheating on the stovetop. Pour the soup into a pot and warm it over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. This allows it to heat evenly without scorching. If the soup seems a little too thick after being refrigerated or frozen, just stir in a splash of vegetable broth or cream until you reach your desired consistency.
If you’re in a hurry or prefer the microwave, that works too! Transfer the soup to a microwave-safe bowl, cover it loosely (to prevent splatters), and heat on high in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until it’s hot all the way through. Just be cautious with the temperature—soups can get quite hot!
And there you have it! With these simple storage and reheating tips, you can enjoy your homemade cream of mushroom soup multiple times without losing any of that deliciousness. Happy eating!
Print
Cream of Mushroom Soup Homemade: 7 Cozy Secrets Unveiled
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Homemade cream of mushroom soup is a rich and creamy dish perfect for any meal.
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh mushrooms, sliced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add onions and garlic, and sauté until softened.
- Add sliced mushrooms and cook until they release moisture.
- Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute.
- Gradually add vegetable broth, stirring constantly.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Stir in heavy cream and season with salt and pepper.
- Blend the soup for a smoother texture, if desired.
- Serve warm.
Notes
- You can use dried mushrooms for a stronger flavor.
- For a vegan version, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: cream of mushroom soup homemade
