Creamy Homemade Mushroom Soup for Cozy Weeknight Dinners

There's nothing quite like a bowl of creamy homemade mushroom soup for cozy weeknight dinners. I remember the first time my son, Jake, tasted this soup; he couldn't stop raving about it and even asked for seconds. This creamy mushroom soup is perfect for chilly nights and is a delightful addition to your collection of cream soup recipes.

Why You’ll Love It

  • It’s rich and creamy, making it a comforting choice for any meal.
  • You can whip it up in under an hour, perfect for busy evenings.
  • It’s a great way to sneak in some veggies for the family.
  • Pair it with a sandwich for a complete and satisfying dinner.

Pure Comfort

This creamy mushroom soup is pure comfort in a bowl. The earthy flavors of mushrooms combined with the creamy base create a warm hug for your taste buds.

What You Need

  • 2 tbsp 2 tbsp unsalted butter – You can substitute with olive oil for a dairy-free version.
  • 1 1 large yellow onion, diced
  • 2 cloves 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 16 oz 16 oz mushrooms, sliced – Any variety works, but cremini or button mushrooms are great.
  • 4 cups 4 cups vegetable broth – Chicken broth can be used for a non-vegetarian option.
  • 1 cup 1 cup heavy cream – You can use half-and-half for a lighter version.
  • 1 tsp 1 tsp thyme, dried
  • to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Time to Cook

Prep: 10 minutes | Cook: 30 minutes | Total: 40 minutes | Difficulty: Easy | Make-Ahead: Yes, you can make it a day in advance.

Steps to Make It

  1. Start by melting the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Once it’s melted, add the diced onion and sauté until it’s translucent, about 5 minutes. The aroma will fill your kitchen, making everyone curious about dinner.
  2. Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute. You’ll want to be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter. The mixture should smell fragrant and inviting.
  3. Add the sliced mushrooms to the pot and cook until they’re soft and browned, about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking. The mushrooms will release their moisture and become beautifully caramelized.
  4. Pour in the vegetable broth and add the dried thyme. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to meld together for about 10 minutes. You’ll notice the broth turning a lovely earthy color.
  5. Reduce the heat and stir in the heavy cream. Allow the soup to heat through but do not let it boil. The soup should be creamy and smooth, perfect for a cozy dinner.
  6. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Give it a final stir and check the seasoning. You can always add more if you like it a bit spicier.
  7. Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired. It pairs wonderfully with a crusty bread or a grilled cheese sandwich.

Make It Perfect

  • For a thicker soup, blend a portion of it with an immersion blender.
  • Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots or celery for extra flavor.
  • If you want a little kick, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes.

Mix It Up

  • Try adding cooked chicken for a heartier soup.
  • Swap out the heavy cream for coconut milk for a dairy-free option.
  • Add some spinach or kale for an extra nutrient boost.

Perfect Partners

  • Grilled cheese sandwiches make a perfect pairing.
  • Serve with a fresh garden salad for a light meal.
  • Crusty bread is great for dipping.

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FAQs

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can make it a day in advance and reheat it when you’re ready to serve.

How should I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Can I freeze this soup?

Yes, it freezes well! Just be sure to leave out the cream before freezing, and add it when you reheat.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half or even coconut milk for a lighter or dairy-free option.

What mushrooms work best for this recipe?

Cremini and button mushrooms are both excellent choices, but feel free to mix it up with shiitake or portobello.

Conclusion

This creamy homemade mushroom soup is sure to become a staple in your home. It's easy to make, delicious, and perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner. Give it a try and enjoy the warmth it brings to your table.

Creamy homemade mushroom soup in white bowl with mushrooms visible

Creamy Homemade Mushroom Soup for Cozy Weeknight Dinners

A rich and creamy mushroom soup that combines earthy mushrooms with a smooth, comforting base. Perfect for chilly nights and quick to prepare under an hour, it is a delightful and hearty addition to any dinner.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course: Dinner, Soup
Cuisine: American

Ingredients
  

Main
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter You can substitute with olive oil for a dairy-free version.
  • 1 large yellow onion diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 16 oz mushrooms sliced – Any variety works, but cremini or button mushrooms are great.
  • 4 cups vegetable broth Chicken broth can be used for a non-vegetarian option.
  • 1 cup heavy cream You can use half-and-half for a lighter version.
  • 1 tsp thyme dried
  • to taste salt and pepper

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Stove

Method
 

  1. Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat.
  2. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
  3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for one minute without burning it.
  4. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until soft and browned, about 8 to 10 minutes.
  5. Pour in the vegetable broth and add the dried thyme; bring to a gentle simmer for about 10 minutes.
  6. Reduce heat and stir in the heavy cream; heat through without boiling.
  7. Season with salt and pepper to taste and stir well.
  8. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired, and pair with crusty bread or grilled cheese.

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