If you are craving a comforting, rich, and deeply flavorful soup that truly celebrates the earthy goodness of mushrooms, you have to try the Best Mushroom Soup with Fresh Cremini Mushrooms Recipe. This luscious soup brings fresh cremini mushrooms front and center, enhanced by fragrant herbs, creamy textures, and a velvety broth that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. It’s the kind of soup that instantly elevates any day, whether you’re cozying up at home or serving guests something unforgettable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of the Best Mushroom Soup with Fresh Cremini Mushrooms Recipe really lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays an essential role in creating the perfect balance of flavors, textures, and aroma, turning everyday pantry staples into something extraordinary.
- 1 lb fresh cremini mushrooms: The star of the dish offering a deep, earthy taste and meaty texture.
- 3 tbsp butter: Adds a silky richness and helps soften the onions for that sweet base note.
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced: Provides subtle sweetness and depth to the broth.
- 3 garlic cloves, minced: Infuses the soup with a warm, inviting aroma and gentle kick.
- 1 tsp dried thyme (or 2 tsp fresh): Brings a fragrant herbal layer that complements the mushrooms beautifully.
- 1 tsp dried rosemary (or 2 tsp fresh): Adds a piney, slightly woody flavor that elevates the complexity.
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour: Helps thicken the soup for that perfect creamy consistency.
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth: Forms the comforting base that absorbs all the mushroom and herb flavors.
- 3/4 cup heavy cream: Provides a luscious creaminess that rounds out the savory notes.
- 1 tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors, adjusted to your taste.
- 1/2 tsp black pepper: Adds a subtle heat that balances the richness.
- Optional: chopped fresh parsley or rosemary for garnish: Brightens the presentation and adds freshness.
- Optional: toasted bread or garlic croutons for serving: Provides a satisfying crunch and perfect accompaniment.
How to Make Best Mushroom Soup with Fresh Cremini Mushrooms Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by melting the butter in a large pot over medium heat. As soon as it’s melted and shimmering, add the diced onion. Cook gently for about 4 to 5 minutes until the onion softens and turns translucent. This step is crucial because it creates a naturally sweet and savory foundation which will carry the soup’s flavor.
Step 2: Add the Garlic
Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook for just 30 seconds until its fragrance fills the kitchen. Garlic tends to burn quickly, so keep it moving in the pan for that perfect mellow burst without any bitterness.
Step 3: Brown the Cremini Mushrooms
Add all your sliced cremini mushrooms to the pot and let them sauté for 8 to 10 minutes. You’re looking for a beautiful golden-brown color and tender texture. This browning step not only softens the mushrooms but also intensifies their natural umami flavor — a key highlight of this recipe.
Step 4: Spice It Up
Sprinkle in the thyme, rosemary, salt, and black pepper. Give everything a good stir and let those herbs wake up with the warmth of the pan for 1 to 2 minutes. This quick step intensifies the herbal aromas and perfectly seasons the mushrooms.
Step 5: Create the Roux
Sprinkle the flour over the mushroom mixture and stir constantly for 1 minute. This will coat the mushrooms and vegetables evenly with flour, which helps thicken the soup once the broth is added. It’s the little secret to achieving that silky, comforting consistency.
Step 6: Add Broth and Simmer
Slowly pour in your vegetable or chicken broth while scraping the bottom of the pot to deglaze and lift all those flavorful bits. Bring the soup to a gentle simmer and let it cook uncovered for 10 to 15 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together and the broth to deepen in taste.
Step 7: Blend to Your Preferred Texture
Here’s where you can customize the soup to your liking. Using an immersion blender, pulse the soup partially or blend fully for a smooth, creamy texture. Alternatively, leave it chunky for a rustic experience where mushroom slices float happily throughout each spoonful.
Step 8: Stir in Heavy Cream and Finish
Turn the heat down and gently stir in the heavy cream. Let the soup simmer for 2 to 3 more minutes so everything comes together with a rich, velvety finish. This final touch transforms the soup into a truly indulgent treat.
Step 9: Final Seasoning
Before serving, taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed. These final tweaks ensure the soup is balanced perfectly to your palate and ready to delight your senses.
How to Serve Best Mushroom Soup with Fresh Cremini Mushrooms Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or rosemary immediately lifts the dish with a pop of green and herbal brightness. These simple garnishes not only make the soup look inviting but also add fresh flavor contrasts that complement the creamy richness.
Side Dishes
The Best Mushroom Soup with Fresh Cremini Mushrooms Recipe pairs beautifully with toasted bread or garlic croutons. Their crunch offers a lovely texture contrast and is perfect for dipping, soaking up every luscious drop of soup.
Creative Ways to Present
For an impressive touch, ladle the soup into shallow bowls and drizzle a little extra cream on top in a swirl pattern. Add some microgreens or edible flowers for a cafe-style flair that will wow family or guests. You might also serve it in mini bread bowls for a fun, rustic presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Before sealing, cool the soup to room temperature to maintain freshness and avoid condensation inside the container.
Freezing
This soup freezes well if you want to prepare ahead. Transfer cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving room for expansion. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Avoid freezing with fresh cream stirred in; add cream after thawing and reheating instead for best results.
Reheating
Reheat the soup gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent scorching. If frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge first. Add any cream back in during reheating to restore the soup’s silky texture and richness.
FAQs
Can I use other types of mushrooms instead of cremini?
Absolutely! While cremini mushrooms give a nice earthy flavor, you can use button mushrooms, shiitake, or even a wild mushroom mix for a more complex taste. Just adjust cooking time to ensure all mushrooms are tender.
Is this soup suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, as long as you use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The soup remains flavorful and satisfying without meat-based ingredients.
Can I make this soup dairy-free?
Definitely! Substitute the butter with olive oil and use coconut cream or cashew cream instead of heavy cream for a creamy dairy-free version without sacrificing richness.
What’s the best way to get a creamy soup texture without a blender?
You can finely chop mushrooms before cooking or crush some cooked mushrooms against the side of the pot with a spoon to release more texture. Cooking a bit longer with the flour helps it thicken nicely too.
How long should I simmer the soup to develop the best flavor?
A simmer time of 10 to 15 minutes allows the herbs, mushrooms, and broth to marry beautifully. Avoid rushing this step because the flavors deepen wonderfully as they meld.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about the Best Mushroom Soup with Fresh Cremini Mushrooms Recipe that makes it a timeless comfort food staple. It’s simple but packed with layers of flavor and luxurious creaminess that feels like a delicious reward after any day. I can’t recommend it enough for your meal rotation or as a heartwarming starter when entertaining. So grab your cremini mushrooms and start cooking — trust me, once you taste this soup, it will become an instant favorite.
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Best Mushroom Soup with Fresh Cremini Mushrooms Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Best Mushroom Soup recipe features fresh cremini mushrooms cooked in a rich and creamy broth, seasoned with thyme and rosemary. A comforting and flavorful dish perfect for any season, it can be served smooth or chunky and garnished with fresh herbs and toasted bread.
Ingredients
Mushroom Soup Ingredients
- 1 lb fresh cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 3 tbsp butter
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp dried thyme (or 2 tsp fresh)
- 1 tsp dried rosemary (or 2 tsp fresh)
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Optional Garnishes
- Chopped fresh parsley or rosemary for garnish
- Toasted bread or garlic croutons for serving
Instructions
- Sauté the Onions: In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 4–5 minutes until soft and translucent, allowing the natural sweetness to develop.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Cook Mushrooms: Add the sliced cremini mushrooms to the pot and sauté for 8–10 minutes until they are browned and tender, releasing their rich flavor.
- Season: Sprinkle in thyme, rosemary, salt, and black pepper. Stir well and cook for 1–2 minutes to toast the herbs and blend the seasoning.
- Add Flour: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the mushroom mixture and stir continuously for 1 minute to coat everything evenly and begin to thicken the soup.
- Deglaze and Simmer: Slowly pour in the broth while scraping the bottom of the pot to deglaze. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 10–15 minutes so the flavors meld and the soup thickens.
- Blend (Optional): For a creamier texture, use an immersion blender to blend the soup partially or fully. Leave some chunks for a rustic style if preferred.
- Add Cream: Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream. Let the soup simmer gently for 2–3 minutes to heat through and enrich the flavor.
- Adjust and Serve: Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs and toasted bread or garlic croutons if desired.
Notes
- You can substitute cremini mushrooms with button mushrooms or a mix of wild mushrooms for varied flavor.
- Use vegetable broth to keep the soup vegetarian or chicken broth for more depth.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut milk, adjusting taste accordingly.
- Leftover soup freezes well; thaw and reheat gently before serving.
- If using fresh herbs, add them at the end of cooking to preserve their flavor.
