Few things feel as comforting as a warm bowl of homemade mushroom soup. Whether you’re looking for a cozy starter, a light lunch, or a satisfying meal on its own, mushroom soup checks all the boxes. With its earthy aroma, velvety texture, and rich flavor, this simple dish transforms humble ingredients into something special.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to make the perfect mushroom soup, what ingredients you really need, why it’s surprisingly good for you, and a few expert tricks to make it even better.
Why You’ll Love Homemade Mushroom Soup
Mushroom soup has stood the test of time because it’s:
- Easy to make: Only a few ingredients are needed.
- Incredibly flavorful: Thanks to the natural umami of mushrooms.
- Customizable: Easily make it vegetarian, dairy-free, or keto.
- Nutritious: Packed with antioxidants, fiber, and low in calories.
Unlike canned versions, homemade mushroom soup lets you control the salt, creaminess, and richness — ensuring a fresher, healthier option every time.
What Are the 5 Essential Ingredients in Mushroom Soup?
If you’re wondering what makes a truly great mushroom soup, it comes down to just five simple ingredients:
Mushrooms: The Star of the Show
Mushrooms are obviously the heart of mushroom soup.
Best options include:
- Button mushrooms: Mild and widely available.
- Cremini mushrooms: Richer flavor (baby bellas).
- Shiitake mushrooms: Earthy and meaty.
- Portobello mushrooms: Bold and hearty.
Tip: Always clean mushrooms gently with a damp cloth — avoid soaking them in water, or they’ll absorb it and lose flavor.
Onions or Shallots
A base of sautéed onions or shallots adds sweetness and depth. Shallots offer a milder, more delicate flavor compared to regular onions.
Garlic
A little garlic enhances the earthy mushroom flavor, providing warmth and complexity to the soup.
Broth or Stock
Vegetable broth keeps it vegetarian, but chicken broth can add extra richness if desired. Choose low-sodium broth to control the salt level.
Cream (Optional)
Adding cream turns your simple mushroom soup into a luscious, silky masterpiece. For dairy-free versions, coconut milk or oat cream are great substitutes.
How to Make a Simple Mushroom Soup Step-by-Step
Making mushroom soup at home couldn’t be easier. Here’s the basic process:
1. Sauté Mushrooms and Aromatics
Heat butter or oil in a large pot.
Add onions (or shallots) and garlic. Cook until soft and fragrant.
Toss in the mushrooms and cook until they release their juices and start browning. Browning is key—it intensifies the umami flavor!
Pro Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan. If needed, sauté mushrooms in batches to ensure they brown rather than steam.
2. Add Broth and Simmer
Pour in your broth. Scrape the bottom of the pot to release all that flavorful goodness.
Bring the soup to a simmer and cook for about 20 minutes, letting the flavors meld.
3. Blend or Leave Chunky
Decide how you like your mushroom soup:
- For a rustic texture, leave it chunky.
- For a silky, elegant soup, use an immersion blender or regular blender to puree until smooth.
4. Add Cream (Optional)
If using, stir in cream at the end for extra richness.
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or a splash of lemon juice to brighten the flavors.
And that’s it! Comfort in a bowl.
Love simple, cozy recipes? Then you’ll also enjoy our Peanut Butter Coffee Cake Recipe.
Is Mushroom Soup Good or Bad for You?
Homemade mushroom soup is definitely good for you, offering plenty of health benefits:
- Low in Calories: Ideal for lighter meals.
- Rich in Antioxidants: Mushrooms contain selenium and ergothioneine that fight oxidative stress.
- Boosts Immunity: Thanks to natural compounds that support the immune system.
- High in Fiber: Helps with digestion and gut health.
When is it less healthy?
Store-bought canned mushroom soups can be packed with sodium, preservatives, and unnecessary fats.
By making it yourself, you’re creating a soup that’s clean, simple, and nourishing.
How to Thicken Mushroom Soup Naturally
Looking for ways to make your mushroom soup thick and creamy without heavy ingredients? Here are natural methods:
Flour or Cornstarch Slurry
Whisk a tablespoon of flour or cornstarch with a bit of cold water, then stir it into your simmering soup.
Heavy Cream or Coconut Milk
A few splashes can add body without making it too rich.
Pureeing Part of the Soup
Blend half the soup and leave the rest chunky for a creamy yet textured result.
Adding Cooked Potatoes or Cashews
Potatoes add a velvety thickness, while soaked cashews blended in create a dairy-free creamy texture.
Each method gives you flexibility depending on how hearty you want your mushroom soup to be.
❓ FAQs About Mushroom Soup
What are the 5 ingredients in mushroom soup?
Mushrooms, onions (or shallots), garlic, broth (vegetable or chicken), and optional cream.
How to make a simple mushroom soup?
Sauté onions and garlic, add mushrooms and brown them, pour in broth, simmer, blend if desired, and finish with cream if using.
Is mushroom soup good or bad for you?
Homemade mushroom soup is healthy—low in calories, high in fiber, and packed with antioxidants. Canned versions can be high in sodium.
What is a good thickener for mushroom soup?
You can thicken mushroom soup naturally with flour, cornstarch, cream, pureed soup, or cooked potatoes.
✅ Conclusion
There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of mushroom soup on a chilly day. It’s rich, savory, and surprisingly easy to make at home with just a few simple ingredients. Plus, it’s endlessly customizable — keep it dairy-free, make it chunky or silky, load it up with fresh herbs, or sprinkle on some crispy croutons.
Whether you’re new to homemade soups or a seasoned kitchen pro, mushroom soup deserves a spot in your weekly meal rotation.
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PrintMushroom Soup – 5 Easy Steps to the Best Creamy Comfort Food
This creamy, comforting mushroom soup comes together with just five basic ingredients. A cozy, easy meal perfect for any time of the year.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Soups
- Method: Sauté and Simmer
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
1 lb fresh mushrooms (button or cremini), sliced
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 cups vegetable or chicken broth
½ cup heavy cream (optional)
2 tbsp butter or olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
In a large pot, heat butter or oil over medium heat. Add onions and garlic; sauté until fragrant.
Add sliced mushrooms and cook until browned and tender.
Pour in broth, scraping the pot bottom. Bring to a simmer for 15–20 minutes.
Blend all or part of the soup for desired texture.
Stir in cream if using. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot.
Notes
Use a mix of mushroom varieties for deeper flavor.
For dairy-free, substitute coconut milk for cream.
Add thyme, rosemary, or a bay leaf for extra herbal depth.
Nutrition
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 5g
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Protein: 7g
Keywords: Mushroom Soup, creamy mushroom soup, easy soup recipe, homemade soup