If you’ve been hunting for a cozy, comforting dish that bursts with earthy, rich flavors, the Best Mushroom Soup with Fresh Cremini Mushrooms Recipe is exactly what you need. This soup combines tender, meaty cremini mushrooms with aromatic herbs and a velvety cream base, making every spoonful a celebration of warmth and depth. It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner yet elegant enough to impress guests, proving that sometimes the best dishes come from humble ingredients prepared with love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these straightforward but essential ingredients is the first step toward creating a soup that sings with flavor and has the perfect balance of texture and creaminess. Each element plays a specific role, from the earthy cremini mushrooms to the richness of butter and cream, bringing the full-bodied character of this recipe to life.
- Fresh cremini mushrooms (1 lb): The star ingredient lending a deep, savory flavor and meaty texture to the soup.
- Butter (3 tbsp): Adds richness and helps soften the onion and garlic for a flavorful base.
- Yellow onion, diced (1 medium): Provides sweetness and depth once softened, balancing the mushrooms.
- Garlic cloves, minced (3): Infuses the soup with a gentle pungency that enhances overall flavor.
- Dried thyme (1 tsp) or fresh (2 tsp): Offers subtle herbal notes that complement the earthiness of the mushrooms.
- Dried rosemary (1 tsp) or fresh (2 tsp): Adds a fragrant, slightly pine-like aroma perfect for mushroom dishes.
- All-purpose flour (2 tbsp): Thickens the soup, giving it a luscious, creamy texture without heaviness.
- Vegetable or chicken broth (4 cups): The flavorful liquid foundation that carries the mushrooms’ richness.
- Heavy cream (3/4 cup): Rounds out the soup with silky smoothness and a touch of indulgence.
- Salt (1 tsp, adjust to taste): Enhances all the flavors harmoniously.
- Black pepper (1/2 tsp): Provides gentle heat that wakes up the palate.
- Optional fresh parsley or rosemary: Perfect for a fresh garnish to brighten the dish visually and in taste.
- Optional toasted bread or garlic croutons: Adds satisfying crunch to accompany the creamy soup.
How to Make Best Mushroom Soup with Fresh Cremini Mushrooms Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Onions and Garlic
Begin by melting the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Once melted, toss in the diced yellow onion, cooking it gently until it becomes soft and translucent—this usually takes about 4 to 5 minutes. Then add the minced garlic, stirring and cooking for just 30 seconds until you smell that irresistible fragrant aroma fill your kitchen. This foundational step builds layers of flavor that will carry through the entire soup.
Step 2: Brown the Mushrooms
Next, add the sliced cremini mushrooms to the pot. Let them sauté for 8 to 10 minutes until they are beautifully browned and tender. This caramelization step is crucial; it intensifies their natural earthiness and brings out a deeper, almost meaty quality that makes this soup truly special.
Step 3: Season and Simmer
Sprinkle in your thyme, rosemary, salt, and black pepper, stirring so your herbs can mingle with the mushrooms. Let this fragrant mixture cook for another 1 to 2 minutes to fully release its herbal magic. Then, sprinkle the flour evenly over the mixture and stir continuously for about a minute. The flour will ensure a silky, thick texture without clumps.
Step 4: Add Broth and Simmer Gently
Slowly pour in the broth, scraping the bottom of the pot to lift all the caramelized bits stuck there—those bits are liquid gold for flavor! Bring the soup to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 10 to 15 minutes. This allows the soup to thicken gradually and all flavors to harmonize beautifully.
Step 5: Blend and Cream It Up
Here you have a choice: grab an immersion blender to blend the soup partially or fully for a luxuriously creamy texture, or leave it chunky and rustic to let those mushroom pieces shine. Once blended or left as is, lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream. Let the soup simmer a final 2 to 3 minutes, giving it that silky finish.
Step 6: Final Seasoning and Serve
Give your soup a taste and adjust the salt or pepper if needed. Ladle it into bowls and get ready for the best dining experience. This homemade Best Mushroom Soup with Fresh Cremini Mushrooms Recipe is all about savoring the simple, comforting flavors made extraordinary.
How to Serve Best Mushroom Soup with Fresh Cremini Mushrooms Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or rosemary adds a pop of color and freshness that perfectly complements the creamy, earthy soup. Don’t underestimate the power of a few fresh herbs; they make every spoonful feel a little more special and vibrant.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with toasted bread or garlic croutons, adding delightful crunch and making it a more filling meal. A crisp green salad or roasted vegetables can also round out your dinner beautifully, balancing the richness of the soup.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the soup in rustic bowls to emphasize its homey charm or use elegant white crockery for a dinner party. For a dramatic effect, drizzle a swirl of cream on top or add sautéed mushroom slices on the surface. The beauty of this Best Mushroom Soup with Fresh Cremini Mushrooms Recipe is that it’s as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your leftover soup will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container. Keeping it chilled will ensure the flavors remain fresh and the texture stays creamy without separation.
Freezing
This mushroom soup freezes beautifully, making it perfect for batch cooking. Cool it completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers or bags. It will stay delicious for up to 2 months. Just remember to leave some headspace as the soup expands when frozen.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking or scorching. If the soup thickens too much, add a splash of broth or cream to loosen it back up. Avoid microwaving directly if possible, so the texture remains smooth and even.
FAQs
Can I use other types of mushrooms for this soup?
Absolutely! While cremini mushrooms give this soup its characteristic flavor and texture, button, shiitake, or portobello mushrooms can also be delicious substitutes or additions, each bringing their own unique note to the dish.
Is there a way to make this soup vegan or dairy-free?
Yes! Replace the butter with olive oil or a plant-based margarine, use vegetable broth, and swap the heavy cream for a coconut cream or cashew cream alternative. The soup will still be rich, creamy, and packed with flavor.
How can I make the soup thicker or thinner?
To thicken the soup, let it simmer uncovered a bit longer to reduce the liquid or add a slurry of flour and water. To thin it out, simply add a little extra broth or water until your desired consistency is reached.
Can I prepare this soup in advance for a party?
Definitely! This soup can be made a day ahead, refrigerated, and reheated right before serving. The flavors even deepen with time, making it perfect for entertaining without last-minute stress.
What is the best way to blend the soup?
An immersion blender works best for an easy, smooth blend right in the pot, but you can also transfer the soup in batches to a countertop blender. Just be sure to let the soup cool slightly to avoid splatters and burns.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly comforting about a bowl of warm mushroom soup, especially when made with fresh cremini mushrooms that offer such rich, earthy goodness. The Best Mushroom Soup with Fresh Cremini Mushrooms Recipe is a personal favorite because it’s straightforward, satisfying, and endlessly adaptable. Whether you’re cozying up on a chilly evening or feeding friends and family, this soup delivers all the soul-warming magic you could wish for. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own!
Print
Best Mushroom Soup with Fresh Cremini Mushrooms Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Best Mushroom Soup recipe features fresh cremini mushrooms cooked to perfection in a rich and creamy broth, infused with garlic, thyme, and rosemary. Ready in just 35 minutes, this comforting soup can be enjoyed chunky or blended for a smooth texture, making it a versatile and flavorful starter or light meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb fresh cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 3 tbsp butter
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp dried thyme (or 2 tsp fresh)
- 1 tsp dried rosemary (or 2 tsp fresh)
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Optional Garnishes
- Chopped fresh parsley or rosemary for garnish
- Toasted bread or garlic croutons for serving
Instructions
- Sauté Onions: In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 4–5 minutes until soft and translucent, setting the flavor base for the soup.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant, enhancing the aroma and depth of the soup.
- Cook Mushrooms: Add the sliced cremini mushrooms and sauté for 8–10 minutes until browned and tender, releasing their earthy flavor.
- Season: Sprinkle in the thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Stir well and cook for 1–2 minutes to allow the herbs to infuse.
- Add Flour: Add the flour and stir continuously for 1 minute to evenly coat the mixture and create a slight thickening agent.
- Add Broth and Simmer: Slowly pour in the broth, scraping the bottom of the pot to deglaze and dissolve any browned bits. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10–15 minutes to meld flavors.
- Blend Soup (Optional): Use an immersion blender to blend partially or fully for a creamier texture, or leave chunky for a rustic feel.
- Add Cream: Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream. Let simmer for 2–3 more minutes to combine flavors and thicken the soup slightly.
- Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs and toasted bread or garlic croutons if desired.
Notes
- For a vegan version, substitute butter with olive oil and heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream.
- Sautéing the mushrooms until browned enhances their flavor significantly.
- Adjust the thickness by varying the amount of flour or cream.
- Fresh herbs can be used instead of dried for a brighter, fresher taste.
- This soup can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and freezes well for up to 2 months.
