When you think of indulgent, comforting restaurant dishes, the Cheesecake Factory Cream of Mushroom Soup likely tops the list for many food lovers. This rich, velvety soup is packed with deep, earthy flavors, perfectly balanced with a silky smooth texture. It’s no wonder it has earned such a loyal following. The creamy blend of mushrooms, herbs, and spices makes each spoonful a delightful experience. What’s even better? You don’t have to wait for your next trip to The Cheesecake Factory to savor this dish. With the right ingredients and a few simple steps, you can recreate this iconic soup in your own kitchen!
In this guide, I’m going to take you through the entire process of making the Cheesecake Factory’s famous Cream of Mushroom Soup at home, from gathering the ingredients to cooking it to perfection. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make it a staple in your cooking repertoire.
Cheesecake Factory Cream Of Mushroom Soup Recipe
Ingredients Needed
To make this delicious soup, you’ll need a combination of earthy, savory, and creamy ingredients. Here’s everything you’ll need:
- Mixed Mushrooms (8 cups): The star of the soup! A blend of mushrooms, such as cremini, button, and shiitake, will give depth of flavor and richness. They’ll be sautéed and pureed for that signature velvety texture.
- Unsalted Butter (1/2 cup): For sautéing the mushrooms and creating a rich base. It’s important to use unsalted butter so you can control the saltiness of the soup.
- Yellow Onion (1 medium): Provides sweetness and a mild, savory base to complement the mushrooms.
- Garlic Cloves (3-4): Adds a fragrant depth to the soup, intensifying the flavors of the mushrooms and the butter.
- All-Purpose Flour (1/4 cup): This will thicken the soup and give it that creamy consistency we all love.
- Chicken Broth (4 cups): The liquid base of the soup. Chicken broth gives a more complex, savory depth compared to vegetable broth, but you can substitute vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
- Heavy Cream (1 cup): For that luxurious, creamy finish. The heavy cream is what transforms this soup into something indulgent.
- Fresh Thyme (1-2 sprigs): A gentle herby note that pairs beautifully with the mushrooms.
- Salt and Pepper (to taste): To season and balance the flavors. The soup will need a bit of salt to bring out the umami of the mushrooms.
Cooking Instructions
Making the Cheesecake Factory Cream of Mushroom Soup at home is simple, though it does require some patience for the best results. Here’s a step-by-step guide to making this creamy masterpiece:
- Prepare the Mushrooms: Clean the mushrooms using a damp cloth (avoid washing them under water, as they absorb moisture). Slice them into thin pieces. The more finely you slice the mushrooms, the better the soup’s texture will be when pureed later.
- Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until soft and translucent. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Cook the Mushrooms: Add the sliced mushrooms to the pot. Stir frequently, allowing them to release their moisture and shrink down. This should take about 8-10 minutes. Let the mushrooms cook until they’re nicely browned and tender.
- Make the Roux: Sprinkle the flour over the mushroom mixture and stir well. This will help thicken the soup. Cook for about 2 minutes to get rid of the raw flour taste, but don’t let it brown too much.
- Add the Broth: Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Puree the Soup: Once the soup has simmered and thickened, remove it from the heat. Use an immersion blender (or transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender) to blend the soup until it’s smooth and creamy. Be sure to leave a few small chunks of mushrooms for texture.
- Add the Cream and Season: Return the soup to the stove over low heat and stir in the heavy cream. Add the fresh thyme, salt, and pepper to taste. Let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes, ensuring everything is well-combined and heated through.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with a sprig of thyme or a light drizzle of cream, and enjoy!
Ingredient Insights
- Mushrooms: Different mushrooms have distinct flavor profiles. For example, cremini mushrooms are rich and earthy, while shiitake mushrooms have a more intense umami flavor. Combining these varieties creates a soup with a more complex taste.
- Butter: Using unsalted butter is crucial here, as it allows you to control the seasoning, especially since the chicken broth and cream will already contribute a good amount of saltiness.
- Heavy Cream: This ingredient is essential for achieving that thick, silky, smooth texture that makes this soup feel luxurious. Don’t substitute with milk or half-and-half, as they won’t give the soup the same richness.
Expert Tips
- Sautéing the Mushrooms Well: Mushrooms have a lot of water content, so you want to cook them long enough to allow that moisture to evaporate, concentrating the flavor. If you rush this step, your soup will end up too watery and thin. Let them brown and develop that deep, earthy flavor before adding the flour.
- Strain for Extra Smoothness: If you want an ultra-smooth texture, you can strain the soup after blending to remove any tiny bits of mushroom or other impurities. This step is optional, but it can elevate the dish for a more refined finish.
- Finishing Touches: For an even more decadent flavor, sprinkle a bit of freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top when serving. It complements the creamy texture and adds a nice salty kick.
Recipe Variations
- Vegan Version: To make this recipe vegan, substitute the butter with olive oil or vegan butter, and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. You can also replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth.
- Mushroom Lovers’ Dream: For an even richer mushroom flavor, consider adding a small amount of dried porcini mushrooms. Soak them in warm water for 10 minutes, then chop and add them into the soup with the fresh mushrooms.
- Spicy Cream of Mushroom Soup: If you like a bit of heat, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the soup. It pairs surprisingly well with the creamy base and earthy mushrooms.
- Herb Variations: Feel free to experiment with herbs. A few sage leaves or a sprinkle of rosemary could bring new layers of flavor to the soup, though be cautious as both herbs are potent.
Final Words
This recipe captures the essence of The Cheesecake Factory’s Cream of Mushroom Soup, but with the added benefit of being able to enjoy it at home, anytime you like. The combination of fresh mushrooms, creamy broth, and aromatic seasonings creates a dish that feels both comforting and gourmet. Whether it’s a chilly evening or you’re craving a hearty starter to accompany your dinner, this soup never fails to impress.