The Best Homemade Cream of Mushroom Soup Recipe

Updated on: December 16, 2025

A warm bowl of creamy homemade cream of mushroom soup recipe, garnished with sautéed mushrooms and fresh thyme, on a modern kitchen countertop.

There’s nothing quite like a warm, comforting bowl of homemade soup, especially when it’s a classic favorite. This easy cream of mushroom soup recipe brings deep, earthy flavors straight to your kitchen. Forget the can; our simple, step-by-step guide helps you create an incredibly rich and savory dish from scratch. Get ready to enjoy a truly delicious, restaurant-quality meal!

Why You’ll Love This Cream of Mushroom Soup

This isn’t just any mushroom soup; it’s a culinary experience designed for ease and flavor. Here’s why this homemade cream of mushroom soup recipe will quickly become a favorite:

Rich, Restaurant-Quality Flavor: Experience a depth of taste far superior to store-bought options, thanks to fresh ingredients and expert techniques.
Simple, Straightforward Cooking Steps: Even beginners can achieve perfect results with our clear, easy-to-follow instructions.
Customizable for Dietary Needs: Adapt this recipe to be gluten-free, dairy-free, or vegan with simple ingredient swaps.
Perfect for Cozy Meals: A warm bowl is ideal for chilly evenings, family dinners, or a comforting lunch.
Versatile for Various Occasions: Serve it as an elegant starter, a satisfying main course, or a flavorful base for casseroles.
Better Than Canned Alternatives: You control the ingredients, ensuring a wholesome, delicious, and additive-free meal every time.

Ingredients

Gather these fresh ingredients to create your rich and flavorful homemade cream of mushroom soup. Each component plays a vital role in building its deep, savory profile.

4 tablespoons butter: Unsalted is preferred for better salt control.
1 tablespoon oil: Olive oil or a neutral vegetable oil works well.
2 cups onions: Diced (about 2 medium onions) for a sweet, aromatic base.
4 cloves garlic: Minced, adding essential pungency.
1 1/2 pounds brown mushrooms: Fresh, sliced (cremini or baby bellas are perfect). These mushrooms are a good source of fiber and antioxidants, which can contribute to overall health benefits.
4 teaspoons chopped thyme: Fresh, divided for cooking and garnish, enhancing earthy notes.
1/2 cup Marsala wine: Or any dry red or white wine; crucial for deglazing and depth. If you prefer a non-alcoholic option, a combination of white grape juice and sherry vinegar can serve as a substitute for Marsala wine.
6 tablespoons all-purpose flour: The thickening agent for a creamy consistency.
4 cups low sodium chicken broth: Or vegetable/beef stock, the liquid base.
1-2 teaspoons salt: Adjust to taste, crucial for balancing flavors.
1/2-1 teaspoons black pepper: Cracked, adjust to taste for a hint of spice.
2 beef bouillon cubes: Crumbled, for an extra layer of savory umami.
1 cup heavy cream: Or half and half, sub with evaporated milk for richness.
1/2 tablespoon fresh parsley: Chopped, for serving and a pop of color.
1/2 tablespoon fresh thyme: Chopped, for serving and aromatic finish.

Notes & Substitutions

You can easily adapt this homemade cream of mushroom soup recipe to suit your pantry or dietary preferences. For mushrooms, cremini (baby bella) mushrooms offer the best flavor, but white button mushrooms also work. Consider wild mushrooms for an even deeper, gourmet taste. If you prefer to avoid alcohol, simply omit the Marsala wine and add an equal amount of chicken or vegetable broth instead. For a dairy-free soup, replace heavy cream with full-fat canned coconut milk or your favorite dairy-free cream alternative. You can swap chicken broth for vegetable broth to make it vegetarian. For a gluten-free option, use cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) or a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour.

Equipment

You don’t need fancy gadgets to create this delicious homemade cream of mushroom soup. Simple kitchen tools are all it takes to bring this comforting dish to life.

Large pot or Dutch oven: Ideal for even heat distribution and ample space.
Sharp knife: Essential for precise chopping and slicing.
Cutting board: To protect your countertops and provide a stable surface.
Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate ingredient quantities.
Whisk: Crucial for incorporating flour smoothly and preventing lumps.
Ladle:1 For serving your beautiful, creamy soup.

Instructions for Your Perfect Cream of Mushroom Soup

Follow these detailed steps to create the most delicious cream of mushroom soup recipe from scratch. Each stage is designed to build layers of flavor, ensuring a truly exceptional result.

Sauté Aromatics: Heat butter and oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat until the butter is melted and shimmering. Add the diced onions and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften and turn translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Cook Mushrooms: Add the sliced brown mushrooms and 2 teaspoons of fresh thyme to the pot. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms soften and release their liquid. Allow the liquid to mostly evaporate, which concentrates the mushroom flavor.
Deglaze with Wine: Pour in the Marsala wine. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot; this is called deglazing and adds immense flavor. Let the wine cook for about 3 minutes, allowing most of the alcohol to evaporate and the liquid to reduce slightly.
Create Roux: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour evenly over the mushrooms in the pot. Mix well with a whisk or wooden spoon, ensuring the flour coats all the ingredients. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly. This step cooks out the raw flour taste and helps thicken the soup later.
Add Broth & Season: Gradually whisk in the low sodium chicken broth, pouring slowly to prevent lumps. Continue whisking until the mixture is smooth. Season with 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, and the crumbled beef bouillon cubes. Stir everything to combine thoroughly.
Simmer to Thicken: Bring the soup to a boil over medium-high heat, then immediately reduce the heat to low-medium. Cover the pot and allow the soup to simmer gently for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even thickening. The soup should visibly thicken during this time.
Stir in Cream: Reduce the heat to the lowest setting. Stir in the heavy cream (or half and half/evaporated milk). Gently simmer for a few more minutes, allowing the cream to warm through. It is crucial not to boil the soup once the cream is added, as this can cause it to curdle.
Adjust & Serve: Taste the soup and adjust the salt and pepper to your preference. If desired, add more salt for brightness or pepper for a subtle kick. Mix in the fresh chopped parsley and the remaining fresh thyme. Ladle the warm cream of mushroom soup into bowls and serve immediately. Garnish with extra fresh herbs if desired.

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

Making the best homemade cream of mushroom soup is simple with a few key techniques. To achieve deep mushroom flavor, don’t overcrowd the pan; cook mushrooms in batches if necessary so they brown instead of steam. Browning mushrooms creates rich, savory notes. Prevent lumpy soup by gradually whisking in the flour and then the broth, ensuring a smooth, consistent base. For a truly smooth and creamy texture, you can use an immersion blender or carefully transfer a portion of the soup to a regular blender (blend in batches, filling only halfway, and vent the lid) after simmering but before adding the cream. Adjust thickness by simmering longer for a thicker soup or adding a splash more broth for a thinner consistency. If your soup seems to curdle, it’s usually due to boiling after adding dairy; prevent this by keeping the heat low. Always taste and adjust salt, pepper, and herbs at the end for perfect flavor balance.

Serving, Storage & Variations

This versatile cream of mushroom soup recipe is fantastic on its own, but also shines with thoughtful pairings and easy adaptations.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this rich and savory soup in a variety of ways for different occasions.

With Crusty Bread: A warm, crusty baguette or sourdough is perfect for dipping and soaking up every drop.
Pair with Grilled Cheese: A classic comfort food combination, perfect for a cozy lunch.
Garnish: Top with homemade croutons, fresh chives, a swirl of extra cream, or a sprinkle of paprika.
As a Starter or Light Meal: Enjoy a bowl as a sophisticated appetizer or a satisfying, light main course.

Storage & Reheating

Proper storage ensures you can enjoy your delicious homemade soup for days.

Refrigeration: Store leftover cream of mushroom soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing: For best results, freeze the soup before adding the heavy cream. Once thawed, reheat gently and then stir in the fresh cream. Cream-based soups can sometimes separate when frozen and thawed, but will usually come back together with gentle reheating and a good whisk. Freeze in individual portions for easy meal prep.
Reheating: Gently reheat the soup on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently until warmed through. Avoid boiling to prevent the cream from curdling. Add a splash of broth or water if it’s too thick.

Variations

Easily adapt this recipe to fit various dietary needs or flavor preferences.

Vegan/Dairy-Free: Replace butter with olive oil or a plant-based butter. Use full-fat canned coconut milk, cashew cream, or a dairy-free heavy cream alternative instead of dairy cream. Ensure your broth is vegetable-based.
Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend or cornstarch (mixed with cold water to form a slurry) as a thickener.
Herb Variations: Experiment with different fresh herbs like rosemary, sage, or chives for distinct flavor profiles. Add them with the thyme for simmering.
Added Vegetables: Boost nutrition and flavor by sautéing diced carrots or celery along with the onions.
Protein Boost: Stir in cooked shredded chicken, turkey, or even wild rice during the last few minutes of simmering for a heartier, more complete meal.

Nutrition

This homemade cream of mushroom soup provides a comforting and nourishing meal. It offers a good source of protein from broth and mushrooms, along with dietary fiber from the vegetables. While heavy cream contributes to the rich, satisfying flavor and texture, it also adds to the caloric density. For specific nutritional values, consider using an online nutrition calculator with your exact ingredients. This allows for precise tracking based on any substitutions or additions you make to the basic recipe.

Nutrient	Amount Per Serving (Approx.)
Calories	350-400 kcal
Total Fat	30-35 g
Saturated Fat	18-20 g
Cholesterol	80-90 mg
Sodium	600-700 mg
Total Carbs	15-20 g
Dietary Fiber	2-3 g
Total Sugars	3-5 g
Protein	8-10 g

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on ingredients and portion sizes.

FAQ

Here are answers to common questions about making this delicious homemade cream of mushroom soup recipe.

Can I use canned mushrooms? While fresh mushrooms offer superior flavor and texture, canned mushrooms can be used in a pinch. Drain and rinse them well before adding them to the pot.
Can I make this soup ahead? Yes, you can prepare the soup base (up to step 6) ahead of time. Store it in the fridge, then gently reheat and stir in the cream just before serving.
How long does homemade cream of mushroom soup last? Stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator, it will last for 3-4 days.
Can I freeze cream of mushroom soup? It’s best to freeze the soup before adding the heavy cream. Thaw overnight, then reheat gently and stir in fresh cream.
What kind of wine is best? Marsala wine adds a unique depth, but any dry red (like Pinot Noir) or dry white wine (like Sauvignon Blanc) works wonderfully.
How do I make it thicker/thinner? To thicken, simmer uncovered for longer. To thin, gradually stir in more broth or water until you reach your desired consistency.

Conclusion

Creating your own homemade cream of mushroom soup recipe is a rewarding experience, far surpassing anything from a can. This recipe delivers a warm, comforting bowl packed with rich, earthy flavors that are simply irresistible. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can confidently prepare this delightful dish for your family and friends. Embrace the joy of cooking from scratch and savor every spoonful of this deeply satisfying, creamy classic.