How Do You Make Mushroom Soup

You make mushroom soup by first sautéing aromatics and mushrooms until golden, then simmering them in broth and cream before blending to a silky finish.
 
Whether you’re craving a cozy weeknight dinner or a fancy starter, learning how to make mushroom soup from scratch is easier than you think.
 
In this post, I’ll walk you through every step of making mushroom soup, including the best mushroom varieties, the secret to deep flavor, and how to make mushroom soup creamy without heavy cream.
 
Let’s dive into the pot.
 

Why You’ll Love This Way To Make Mushroom Soup

The best way to make mushroom soup is all about building layers of umami.
 
When you make mushroom soup at home, you control the salt, the creaminess, and the texture, which means you can make mushroom soup that’s far better than any canned version.
 
This method for how to make mushroom soup uses simple pantry staples, yet the result tastes like it came from a restaurant kitchen.
 
Let’s break down the key elements that make this homemade mushroom soup recipe shine.
 

1. Choosing the Right Mushrooms to Make Mushroom Soup

To make mushroom soup with maximum flavor, you need a mix of mushrooms.
 
Cremini mushrooms are my go-to base because they’re affordable and meaty.
 
Add a handful of shiitake or portobello mushrooms to make mushroom soup even deeper and earthier.
 
You can even throw in some dried porcini mushrooms, rehydrated in warm water, to make mushroom soup taste incredibly luxurious.
 
The soaking liquid from dried mushrooms is liquid gold, so don’t toss it, strain it and add it to your pot.
 

2. The Browning Secret for Making Mushroom Soup

If you want to know how to make mushroom soup taste amazing, the secret is browning the mushrooms properly.
 
Mushrooms are full of water, so if you crowd the pan, they’ll steam instead of sear.
 
To make mushroom soup with rich flavor, cook the mushrooms in batches over medium-high heat.
 
Let them sit undisturbed for a few minutes so they get a golden-brown crust.
 
That browning, called the Maillard reaction, is what makes mushroom soup taste so savory and satisfying.
 

Step-By-Step Guide To Making Mushroom Soup

Now that you know the basics, let’s get into the actual process of how to make mushroom soup from start to finish.
 
Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a steaming bowl of comfort ready in under 30 minutes.
 

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Before you make mushroom soup, gather your aromatics: one yellow onion, two garlic cloves, and a stalk of celery.
 
Finely chop the onion and celery, and mince the garlic.
 
Slice about one pound of mixed mushrooms thinly, so they cook evenly.
 
If you want to make mushroom soup extra silky, have some heavy cream, milk, or coconut milk on hand.
 
And don’t forget the broth, chicken or vegetable both work beautifully when you make mushroom soup.
 

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat a large pot over medium heat and add two tablespoons of butter or olive oil.
 
Once the fat shimmers, add the onion, celery, and a pinch of salt.
 
Cook for about five minutes until the vegetables soften and turn translucent.
 
Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
 
This aromatic base is the flavor foundation for making mushroom soup.
 

Step 3: Cook the Mushrooms

Add your sliced mushrooms to the pot, but don’t stir them right away.
 
Let them sit for a few minutes to brown, then stir and cook for another five to seven minutes.
 
You’ll notice the mushrooms release liquid, then that liquid evaporates, and then they start to brown.
 
This is the key moment when you make mushroom soup, so be patient here.
 
Season with a teaspoon of fresh thyme leaves and a splash of sherry or white wine, if you like.
 
The alcohol cooks off, leaving behind a nutty complexity that really elevates homemade mushroom soup.
 

Step 4: Simmer the Soup

Sprinkle two tablespoons of all-purpose flour over the mushrooms and stir to coat everything evenly.
 
The flour will help thicken the soup and give it a velvety body.
 
Now pour in four cups of broth, scraping the bottom of the pot to release any browned bits.
 
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
 
Let it cook for ten minutes so the flavors meld together beautifully.
 
This simmering step is essential when you make mushroom soup because it gives the broth time to absorb all that mushroom goodness.
 

Step 5: Blend and Finish

Now comes the fun part of making mushroom soup: blending.
 
You can use an immersion blender directly in the pot for a smooth puree.
 
Or, carefully transfer the soup in batches to a countertop blender, always venting the lid to let steam escape.
 
If you like a little texture, blend only half the soup and leave the rest chunky.
 
Once blended, return the pot to low heat and stir in half a cup of cream.
 
Taste it, and add salt and black pepper as needed.
 
If the soup is too thick, add more broth; if it’s too thin, simmer a few extra minutes.
 
That’s how you make mushroom soup that’s perfectly balanced every single time.
 

How To Make Mushroom Soup Creamy Without Heavy Cream

Maybe you’re wondering how to make mushroom soup creamy while keeping it dairy-free or light.
 
No problem at all, there are several clever swaps.
 
Here are my favorite ways to still make mushroom soup luscious without a drop of heavy cream.
 

1. Use Coconut Milk

Full-fat coconut milk adds a rich, silky texture to mushroom soup.
 
It also brings a subtle sweetness that pairs wonderfully with earthy mushrooms.
 
Just whisk it in at the end, and you’ve made mushroom soup that’s vegan and indulgent.
 

2. Blend in Cooked Potato

Another trick is to add a small boiled potato to the pot before blending.
 
Potatoes are packed with starch, so they naturally thicken and make mushroom soup creamy.
 
Your mushroom soup will taste velvety without any dairy at all.
 

3. Stir in Greek Yogurt or Cream Cheese

If you want tang and creaminess, stir in a few spoonfuls of Greek yogurt or cream cheese off the heat.
 
Just make sure the soup has cooled slightly so the dairy doesn’t curdle.
 
This is a fantastic way to make mushroom soup feel indulgent while adding a little protein.
 

So, How Do You Make Mushroom Soup?

You make mushroom soup by sautéing mushrooms and aromatics, simmering them in broth, blending until smooth, and finishing with cream.
 
It’s a simple process that rewards you with deep, earthy, and comforting flavors.
 
Whether you make mushroom soup for a quick lunch or a fancy dinner party, this recipe will never let you down.
 
So grab your mushrooms, get your pot hot, and make mushroom soup that your whole family will adore.
 
Happy cooking.