If you’re a fan of creamy soups that have a little twist, then Brie and Mushroom Soup is a recipe you need to try! Picture this: the deep umami flavor of mushrooms combined with the smooth, velvety richness of Brie cheese. It’s a match made in culinary heaven! This soup isn’t just comfort food; it’s an experience, one that elevates your taste buds and makes you feel like you’re dining at a cozy French bistro. It’s a warm, hearty dish that’s perfect for chilly days or any time you want to treat yourself to something a little indulgent but also full of flavor.
What’s amazing about this Brie and Mushroom Soup is its balance of earthy, savory, and creamy notes. The mushrooms bring in that deep, slightly woodsy flavor, while the Brie adds an indulgent, creamy texture that makes every spoonful feel like a warm hug. Whether you’re looking for a sophisticated starter for dinner or a satisfying lunch, this recipe will definitely hit the mark. Plus, it’s not too complicated to make! So, let’s dive into how you can bring this incredible dish to life in your own kitchen.
Brie And Mushroom Soup Recipe
This recipe is designed to bring out the best in two simple ingredients: Brie cheese and mushrooms. The beauty of the dish is how these ingredients come together to create a creamy, luscious, and savory soup that will make your taste buds dance.
Ingredients Needed
For this recipe, you’ll need just a handful of ingredients. Here’s everything you’ll need to get started:
- Mushrooms (fresh) – About 16 oz (preferably cremini or button mushrooms, but you can mix varieties like shiitake or portobello for more depth).
- Brie cheese – Around 6 oz. Brie is mild and creamy, and you want a nice creamy wedge (feel free to remove the rind if you prefer).
- Butter – 2 tablespoons. This gives the soup a rich, silky base.
- Onion – 1 small, finely chopped. Onion will add a slightly sweet and savory base to the soup.
- Garlic – 3 cloves, minced. Garlic provides that aromatic depth.
- Vegetable broth – 4 cups. This is the liquid foundation of your soup, and it helps bring all the flavors together.
- Heavy cream – ½ cup. For the velvety smooth texture that you want in this soup.
- Fresh thyme – 1 teaspoon. Adds an herbaceous note that complements the mushrooms beautifully.
- Salt & pepper – To taste. Don’t forget to season well!
- Olive oil – 1 tablespoon, for sautéing.
Cooking Instructions
Creating this soup is surprisingly easy, and it comes together in less than an hour. Let’s break it down:
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Sauté The Vegetables
- Heat a large soup pot over medium heat and add the olive oil and butter.
- Once the butter is melted, add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 4-5 minutes, until they soften and become translucent.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, just until fragrant. You don’t want to burn the garlic, so be careful here!
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Cook The Mushrooms
- Now, add the sliced mushrooms to the pot and stir everything together. Let the mushrooms cook down for 7-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want them to release their moisture and become golden brown.
- The mushrooms will shrink and darken in color, which is exactly what you’re looking for. This adds that rich depth of flavor.
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Simmer The Soup
- Pour in the vegetable broth and stir to combine. Let the soup come to a simmer, and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes. This allows the mushrooms to absorb the broth and infuse the entire soup with their earthy flavor.
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Add The Cream And Thyme
- Stir in the heavy cream and fresh thyme, and continue to cook for another 5 minutes. This will help create that luscious, creamy texture you’re after.
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Blend The Soup
- For that silky smooth finish, use an immersion blender (or a regular blender) to purée the soup until it’s velvety and smooth. If you prefer some texture, you can blend just half of it, leaving some chunks of mushrooms.
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Add The Brie
- Cut the Brie into small chunks and stir it into the soup. Let it melt completely, giving the soup that rich, creamy finish. Keep stirring to make sure it incorporates smoothly.
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Season And Serve
- Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt, pepper, or thyme as needed. Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot.
Ingredient Insights
- Mushrooms: Mushrooms are the backbone of this recipe. They are naturally rich in umami, the savory flavor that adds depth and complexity. You can use any variety you like, but cremini mushrooms are a great all-around choice. They have a mild flavor but a firm texture that holds up well in the soup. Mixing in shiitakes or portobello mushrooms can bring more earthy and meaty undertones to the soup.
- Brie Cheese: Brie is a soft cheese that melts beautifully and adds a creamy, slightly tangy flavor to the soup. Its texture makes the soup luxuriously smooth, and it’s mild enough not to overpower the mushrooms. If you don’t have Brie on hand, you can substitute with a similar creamy cheese like camembert or even a mild goat cheese, but Brie is definitely the best choice for this dish.
- Heavy Cream: This is what gives the soup its rich, velvety texture. If you’re looking to make the soup lighter, you could substitute with half-and-half or even whole milk, but the richness of the heavy cream is what makes this soup so indulgent.
Expert Tips
- Make it smoother: If you prefer a super smooth soup, blend it for longer. The immersion blender will give you more control, but a high-powered blender can take it to an even creamier level.
- Balance the flavors: If the soup tastes a bit too rich, squeeze in a little lemon juice or a dash of white wine to brighten it up. A splash of acidity will really balance out the creaminess and enhance the mushroom flavor.
- Add a crispy topping: For a bit of crunch, top the soup with some crispy fried onions or toasted breadcrumbs. This adds a textural contrast to the creamy soup and looks great too!
- Don’t overcook the mushrooms: Make sure you let the mushrooms cook down but avoid burning them. The golden brown bits that form at the bottom of the pot are flavor gold, so be sure to stir occasionally to get that caramelization without letting them burn.
Recipe Variations
- Add some protein: For a heartier meal, consider adding some shredded chicken, crumbled bacon, or even a handful of cooked lentils to make the soup more substantial.
- Spice it up: If you like a little heat, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes when you sauté the onions and garlic. It’ll give the soup a nice kick without overpowering the other flavors.
- Vegan option: You can easily make this recipe vegan by swapping the Brie for a plant-based cheese and using coconut cream or cashew cream instead of the heavy cream. Vegetable broth is already vegan, so you’re good to go!
- Herb variations: While thyme is a classic, you could also experiment with rosemary or sage for a different herbal flavor. Just be sure not to overpower the delicate flavors of the mushrooms and Brie.
Final Words
This Brie and Mushroom Soup is the epitome of cozy comfort food, with the kind of richness that makes you want to dive in with a big spoon and never stop. It’s the perfect balance of savory and creamy, with just enough depth from the mushrooms to keep things interesting. Whether you’re enjoying it on a cold winter’s day or serving it as a special starter for a dinner party, this soup is bound to impress. The best part? It’s easy to make and doesn’t require a lot of fancy ingredients, yet it feels like a luxurious dish.