How to Make the Best Cream of Mushroom Soup from Scratch

Cream of mushroom soup recipe is a classic comfort food that’s rich, creamy, and bursting with fresh mushroom flavor. Unlike store-bought versions, this homemade recipe is made from scratch using fresh mushrooms, butter, garlic, broth, and cream, creating a velvety texture and deep, savory taste.

Whether you enjoy it as a warming bowl of soup or use it as a base for casseroles and sauces, this easy-to-make recipe is far superior to canned alternatives. Plus, it’s completely customizable—make it vegetarian, dairy-free, or gluten-free with just a few simple swaps.

Follow this step-by-step guide to make the best cream of mushroom soup recipe at home in under 30 minutes!

Why You’ll Love This Cream of Mushroom Soup Recipe

Better Than Store-Bought

When it comes to cream of mushroom soup, nothing compares to the depth of flavor and freshness of a homemade version. Store-bought soups may be convenient, but they often contain preservatives, artificial flavors, and high sodium levels, which can mask the natural taste of mushrooms and other ingredients.

The Downsides of Canned Soup

Most commercial cream of mushroom soups rely on processed additives to enhance texture and extend shelf life. Common ingredients include monosodium glutamate (MSG), modified food starch, hydrogenated oils, and artificial thickeners. These not only compromise the nutritional value but also result in a soup that lacks the authentic, earthy flavor of real mushrooms. Additionally, canned soups often have a gelatinous or overly thick texture, which can feel artificial compared to the smooth, creamy consistency of a homemade recipe.

Why Homemade is the Better Choice

Making cream of mushroom soup from scratch allows for complete control over the ingredients, ensuring a fresh and natural dish free from additives. Instead of relying on preservatives or processed thickeners, this homemade recipe achieves a rich, velvety texture using real mushrooms, butter, cream, and flavorful broth.

Fresh, Natural Ingredients Enhance the Flavor

By preparing the soup at home, you can select high-quality mushrooms, such as cremini, shiitake, or portobello, for a deeper, more robust flavor. Freshly sautéed garlic and onions add aromatic complexity, while real herbs like thyme and parsley elevate the taste in a way that store-bought soups simply cannot replicate.

In the end, a homemade cream of mushroom soup recipe delivers a healthier, more flavorful, and preservative-free alternative that is well worth the effort. Once you taste the difference, you’ll never go back to canned soup.

Quick & Easy to Make

This cream of mushroom soup recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy days. The process is simple, using basic cooking techniques like sautéing mushrooms and aromatics, simmering with broth and cream, and optional blending for a smooth texture.

With minimal ingredients—fresh mushrooms, broth, cream, and seasonings—you get maximum flavor without artificial additives. This quick, effortless recipe delivers a homemade soup that’s far superior to store-bought versions.

Versatile & Customizable

This cream of mushroom soup recipe can be enjoyed on its own or used as a rich base for casseroles, pasta sauces, and stews. Its thick, creamy texture makes it a perfect substitute for canned condensed soup in various dishes.

Easily adaptable, it can be made vegetarian by using vegetable broth, dairy-free with coconut milk or cashew cream, and gluten-free by swapping flour for cornstarch or blended cashews. Customize the flavor with different mushroom varieties, white wine, or parmesan for a richer taste. This flexible recipe suits any diet or preference.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Homemade Mushroom Soup

Ingredients

Mushrooms

Choosing the right mushrooms enhances the depth and richness of cream of mushroom soup. The best options include cremini for an earthy taste, button for mild flavor, shiitake for a strong umami kick, and portobello for a hearty, smoky touch.

Both fresh and dried mushrooms can be used. Fresh mushrooms provide a delicate texture, while dried mushrooms offer concentrated umami flavor. For the best results, a combination of both creates a rich, well-balanced soup with deep, complex flavors.

Dairy & Cream

The choice of dairy or dairy-free alternatives affects the richness and texture of your cream of mushroom soup.

• Heavy cream provides the richest, thickest texture, while half-and-half offers a lighter creaminess, and whole milk results in a thinner consistency.
• For dairy-free options, coconut milk adds a rich, nutty flavor, cashew cream offers a silky texture, and oat milk provides a lighter, naturally sweet alternative.

Each option allows you to adjust the soup to your desired level of creaminess and flavor.

Broth & Seasonings

The choice of broth and seasonings shapes the flavor of your cream of mushroom soup.

• Chicken broth provides a rich, savory depth, while vegetable broth offers a lighter, plant-based alternative.
• Key herbs like thyme bring earthiness, garlic adds savory fragrance, black pepper balances the richness, and parsley finishes with a fresh, bright touch.

Together, the right combination of broth and seasonings ensures a well-balanced, flavorful soup that complements the mushrooms’ natural taste.

Thickening Agents

Thickening agents are key to achieving the creamy texture of cream of mushroom soup.

• Flour creates a rich, hearty base when used in a roux, while cornstarch offers a lighter, glossy texture and is gluten-free.
• Gluten-free alternatives like arrowroot provide a smooth, clear finish without altering flavor, and blended cashews add a creamy, nutty texture perfect for dairy-free soups.

The right thickener depends on your texture preference and dietary needs, ensuring a velvety, satisfying soup.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Cream of Mushroom Soup

Sauté the Mushrooms

Sautéing the mushrooms enhances their flavor and texture in the soup.

• Butter adds a rich, creamy taste and deepens the flavor, while olive oil offers a lighter, neutral profile.
• Cook the mushrooms in butter or olive oil until they release their moisture and turn golden brown, which deepens their umami and improves the soup’s texture. Ensure not to overcrowd the pan for even browning.

This step is essential for creating a flavor-packed, creamy soup.

Add Aromatics & Flour

Sautéing onions and garlic creates a savory, aromatic base for the soup, enhancing the mushrooms’ earthy flavor and adding depth.

• Onions release natural sweetness when cooked, while garlic infuses the fat with a fragrant richness.
• After sautéing, add flour (or cornstarch) to create a smooth, creamy base. Flour creates a roux to thicken the soup, while cornstarch offers a gluten-free option.

This step ensures a rich, creamy texture and a well-balanced, flavorful soup.

Simmer with Broth & Cream

Simmering the soup with broth and cream ensures a smooth, creamy texture and allows the flavors to meld.

• Slowly pour in the broth, stirring continuously to avoid lumps and achieve a smooth consistency.
• After the broth is fully incorporated, add the cream slowly, stirring to create a rich, velvety finish.
• Let the soup simmer gently for 10–15 minutes until it thickens and becomes perfectly creamy.

This process results in a luxurious, well-balanced soup with a deep, comforting flavor.

Blend for Smoothness (Optional)

Blending your cream of mushroom soup allows you to customize the texture.

• Use an immersion blender for a silky smooth soup, blending until the desired consistency is achieved.
• For a chunkier version, reserve some sautéed mushrooms and blend only part of the soup, or skip blending entirely to maintain some texture.

This step offers flexibility to create a soup that’s either smooth and creamy or hearty and rustic with visible mushroom pieces.

Tips & Variations for the Best Mushroom Soup

Choosing the Right Mushrooms

The mushrooms you choose significantly impact your soup’s flavor and texture.

• White button mushrooms have a mild, neutral flavor, making them a versatile and affordable choice for a lighter, cream-based soup.
• Cremini or portobello mushrooms offer a deeper, earthier taste with rich, savory notes, perfect for a more complex, bold soup.
• Combining different mushroom varieties, like white button, cremini, and portobello, creates a well-rounded, flavorful soup with both texture and depth.

Choosing the right mushrooms allows you to customize your soup’s flavor to suit your preference.

Making It Healthier

You can easily make your cream of mushroom soup healthier with a few simple substitutions:

• Low-fat milk can replace heavy cream for a creamy texture with fewer calories and fat. You can also use coconut or almond milk for a dairy-free version.
• Greek yogurt can replace some or all of the cream, adding extra protein and a slight tanginess while keeping the soup creamy.
• Additional tips include adding more vegetables for extra fiber and using low-sodium broth or whole grain flour for a healthier soup.

These swaps make your soup more nutritious without sacrificing flavor or texture.

Enhancing the Flavor

To elevate the flavor of your cream of mushroom soup, consider these simple yet impactful additions:

• White wine or lemon juice adds depth and brightness, balancing the richness of the soup. White wine introduces a slight tang, while lemon juice provides a refreshing contrast.
• Parmesan cheese or truffle oil adds a gourmet touch, enriching the soup with umami and luxurious flavors. Parmesan offers a nutty, savory taste, while truffle oil enhances the earthy mushrooms with its refined aroma.
• Additional flavor boosters like garlic, shallots, herbs (thyme, rosemary), and smoked paprika further deepen and refine the soup’s taste.

These ingredients add complexity and sophistication, transforming your soup into a gourmet dish.

Storing & Reheating

• Store your soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze it for up to 3 months.
• Reheat gently on the stove over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup is too thick, add a splash of broth or milk to reach your desired consistency.
• Avoid microwaving for even heating, and don’t overheat to prevent the cream from separating. For frozen soup, portion into individual servings for easy reheating.

Serving Suggestions & Final Thoughts

What to Serve with Mushroom Soup

• Light Sides:
  • Crusty bread or garlic toast adds a crunchy contrast to the creamy soup.
  • A fresh salad with mixed greens and a light vinaigrette offers a refreshing balance.
• Heartier Pairings:
  • Grilled cheese is a classic, with melted cheese and buttery toast complementing the soup’s richness.
  • Roasted vegetables like carrots, sweet potatoes, and brussels sprouts add sweetness and depth.

Additional ideas: cheese and crackers, pickled vegetables, or crispy bacon for extra flavor and variety. These pairings enhance and complement the creamy mushroom soup, turning it into a satisfying meal.

Using It in Other Recipes

• Casseroles: Use as a base for chicken, broccoli, or vegetable casseroles, adding creaminess and depth to the dish.
• Pasta Sauces: Substitute for traditional cream-based sauces to make a rich, creamy pasta dish.
• Pot Pies: Perfect for creamy, flavorful fillings in pot pies, adding richness and moisture to the dish.

Green Bean Casserole: Combine green beans, mushroom soup, and fried onions for a classic, comforting holiday dish.

Other uses: Stir into rice, quinoa, meatloaf, meatballs, or vegetable stews for added moisture, flavor, and richness. Cream of mushroom soup enhances a variety of dishes with its creamy texture and savory taste.

Final Thoughts

I encourage you to try this cream of mushroom soup recipe and experience the delicious, homemade comfort it brings. Once you’ve made it, leave a comment and share your thoughts! Feel free to share any variations or creative twists you’ve added to the recipe—whether it’s different mushrooms, a dairy-free option, or new seasonings. Your personal touch can inspire others to get creative in the kitchen. Enjoy the process, and happy cooking!

FAQs

Can I use dried mushrooms instead of fresh ones?

Yes! Dried mushrooms can be used in this recipe, though you’ll need to rehydrate them first. Simply soak the dried mushrooms in warm water for about 20-30 minutes, then drain and chop them before adding them to the soup. This can enhance the flavor and add an earthy depth to the soup.

How can I make this recipe dairy-free?

To make this soup dairy-free, substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk, oat milk, or cashew cream. You can also use dairy-free butter for sautéing. These alternatives will maintain the creaminess without the dairy.

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can make this soup ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, just warm it gently on the stove with a splash of broth if it’s too thick.

What’s the best mushroom for this recipe?

Cremini, button, and shiitake mushrooms are all great choices, each adding a different layer of flavor. Cremini mushrooms offer a richer, earthier taste, while shiitake mushrooms bring a savory, meaty flavor. Feel free to try out other types to see what suits your preferences.

Can I freeze cream of mushroom soup?

Yes, you can freeze this soup! Allow it to cool fully before putting it in freezer bags or an airtight container. For up to three months, it can be kept in the freezer. When reheating, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight and gently reheat on the stove. You may need to add a bit of broth to thin it out.

Conclusion

Making your own cream of mushroom soup from scratch is a truly satisfying experience. You can make a thick, creamy soup that is far superior than anything you can buy at the supermarket by using simple methods and fresh ingredients. Whether you enjoy it on its own, use it as a base for casseroles or sauces, or share it with loved ones, this recipe brings warmth and flavor to any meal. It’s easily customizable to fit your dietary preferences, and it can be made in less than 30 minutes.

Collect your ingredients and give this recipe a go. I’m sure it will become a staple in your kitchen. Enjoy the comforting flavors of homemade cream of mushroom soup, and feel free to get creative with your variations. Happy cooking!