Can Cream Of Mushroom Soup Recipe

Cream of Mushroom Soup is one of those timeless, comforting classics that has stood the test of time. Its creamy texture and savory depth make it the perfect addition to a cozy winter meal, or even as a base for other recipes like casseroles and sauces. This soup is simple yet rich, with layers of earthy mushroom flavor blended into a velvety smooth base. And the best part? Making it at home is surprisingly easy.

Sure, you can grab a can from the store, but homemade cream of mushroom soup is on another level. It offers better flavor, freshness, and a level of control over ingredients that canned versions just can’t match. Let’s dive into how to make this classic soup from scratch!

Can Cream Of Mushroom Soup Recipe

Making homemade cream of mushroom soup is easier than it sounds. You don’t need to be a professional chef to get that smooth, creamy consistency or to achieve that rich, earthy mushroom flavor. With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll have a bowl of soup that’s hearty enough to be a meal and comforting enough to transport you to a cozy cabin by the fire.

Ingredients Needed

Here’s everything you’ll need to create the perfect bowl of homemade cream of mushroom soup:

1. Mushrooms – Fresh, high-quality mushrooms are the star of this dish. You can go for white button mushrooms, cremini, or a mix of both for a deeper flavor. Around 2 cups of mushrooms should be just about perfect.
2. Butter – A good-quality unsalted butter (about 4 tablespoons) adds that rich, buttery flavor that makes this soup so indulgent.
3. Flour – A few tablespoons of all-purpose flour help thicken the soup to that perfect creamy consistency. It also helps to create a roux to base your soup on.
4. Garlic – 2 cloves of garlic, minced, provide a punch of savory flavor that complements the mushrooms perfectly.
5. Onion – One small onion, finely chopped, adds depth and sweetness to balance the earthy mushrooms.
6. Vegetable or Chicken Broth – About 3 cups. You can use either vegetable broth for a vegetarian option or chicken broth if you want a more robust flavor.
7. Heavy Cream – The key to the soup’s creamy texture. You’ll need around 1 cup. For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half, but full-fat cream gives the best results.
8. Salt and Pepper – To taste. Don’t be shy with these because they really bring out the flavors in the soup.
9. Fresh Thyme – A few sprigs of fresh thyme give an herby, aromatic flavor that elevates the soup. If you don’t have fresh thyme, dried works just fine too.

Cooking Instructions

Here’s a step-by-step guide to making your cream of mushroom soup:

1. Prepare The Ingredients

   • Clean and slice the mushrooms thinly. Dice the onion and mince the garlic.
   • If you’re using fresh thyme, strip the leaves from the stems.

2. Make The Roux

   • In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat.
   • Add the diced onion and cook until softened and translucent (about 5 minutes).
   • Add the garlic and cook for another minute, just until fragrant.
   • Stir in the flour and cook for 2-3 minutes. This helps eliminate the raw flour taste and gives the soup a smooth base.

3. Cook The Mushrooms

   • Add the sliced mushrooms to the pot, stirring them in with the roux. Cook for about 5 minutes, letting the mushrooms release their juices and begin to soften.

4. Add Broth

   • Gradually pour in the broth (vegetable or chicken), stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer, allowing it to thicken slightly.

5. Add The Cream

   • Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream. This is where the magic happens – the soup turns velvety and smooth. Simmer for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

6. Season To Taste

   • Add salt, pepper, and fresh thyme (if using) to taste. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

7. Blend (Optional)

   • If you prefer a smoother texture, you can blend the soup with an immersion blender or transfer it in batches to a regular blender. For a chunkier soup, skip this step!

8. Serve And Enjoy

   • Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with some extra thyme leaves or a swirl of cream, and enjoy!

Ingredient Insights

• Mushrooms: Mushrooms are the star of this dish, and you don’t want to skimp on quality. The best mushrooms for this recipe are those that have a deep, earthy flavor. If you want to get adventurous, you can even mix in some wild mushrooms like shiitake or oyster for a more gourmet taste.
• Butter vs. Oil: Butter gives this soup its signature richness, but if you’re looking to make it a bit lighter, you could substitute part of the butter with olive oil.
• Heavy Cream: Heavy cream is what gives the soup its luscious, silky texture. If you’re watching calories or fat, you could swap it for half-and-half or even whole milk, but the result won’t be as rich.
• Herbs and Seasonings: Thyme is the classic herb used in this recipe, but you can also experiment with rosemary or bay leaves for a different flavor profile.

Expert Tips

• For the best texture: Blend half of the soup and leave the other half chunky for a nice mix of creaminess and texture.
• Let the flavors meld: Like most soups, this cream of mushroom soup tastes even better after sitting for a few hours or overnight. If you have time, let it chill and reheat before serving for maximum flavor.
• Sauté the mushrooms properly: Don’t overcrowd the pan when cooking the mushrooms. Sauté them in batches if necessary. Overcrowding will cause them to steam instead of brown, which is key for developing that deep umami flavor.
• Adjust thickness: If your soup turns out too thick, simply add a little more broth or cream until you reach the desired consistency.

Recipe Variations

While the classic cream of mushroom soup is perfect on its own, there are plenty of ways to make it your own. Here are a few variations to consider:

1. Add Bacon – For a smoky, savory twist, fry some crispy bacon and crumble it on top of your soup before serving. You could even stir the bacon into the soup itself for added flavor.
2. Use Different Mushrooms – Experiment with different types of mushrooms, such as shiitake, portobello, or oyster mushrooms, for a richer, more complex flavor.
3. Spicy Version – Add a dash of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a little heat. Pair it with a dollop of sour cream for a creamy contrast.
4. Vegan Version – Skip the butter and heavy cream. Use olive oil and coconut milk or cashew cream as substitutes. Make sure to use vegetable broth to keep it plant-based.
5. Truffle Oil – For a luxurious touch, drizzle some truffle oil over the top of your soup before serving. This will elevate the flavor to a whole new level.

Final Words

Homemade cream of mushroom soup is truly one of those dishes that is both simple and deeply satisfying. From the earthy mushrooms to the velvety cream, every spoonful is like a hug in a bowl. Whether you’re looking for a cozy lunch, a hearty dinner, or a base for another recipe, this soup hits the mark every time. And with so many variations, you can make it your own and adapt it to whatever mood you’re in.