This creamy mushroom soup is a cozy, nourishing dish that blends rich flavor with wholesome ingredients.
By combining white button and cremini mushrooms, it achieves a deep, earthy taste balanced with aromatic garlic, onion, and thyme.
Mushrooms are a powerhouse of plant-based protein, dietary fiber, and essential minerals like selenium and potassium, making this soup both satisfying and nutrient-dense.
Olive oil and a touch of butter provide healthy fats, while using vegetable broth keeps it light and lower in saturated fat than traditional cream-heavy soups.
The optional swirl of cream or crème fraîche adds richness without overpowering the natural mushroom flavor.
Quick to prepare in under an hour, this recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prepping, or serving as an elegant starter for guests.
Comforting yet wholesome, it’s a versatile addition to everyday cooking.
Must-Have Tools for Perfect Results
Staub Dutch Oven
Perfect for sautéing and simmering, its even heat distribution ensures the mushrooms caramelize beautifully and the soup develops deep flavor. A long-lasting kitchen investment for soups, stews, and braises.
Vitamix Blender
Essential for creating a silky, velvety soup texture. This high-powered blender effortlessly purees hot liquids, making it ideal for soups, smoothies, and nut butters.
Wooden Spoon
Gentle on cookware while stirring sautéed onions, mushrooms, and garlic. Its durability and heat resistance make it an everyday kitchen essential.
Ladle
Makes portioning soup clean and easy. Also useful for serving stews, broths, or sauces with precision.
Healthy Creamy Mushroom Soup
Equipment
- 1 Staub Dutch Oven
- 1 Vitamix Blender
- 1 Wooden spoon
- 1 Ladle
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 medium yellow onion chopped
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 pound white button mushrooms stemmed and sliced
- 8 ounces cremini mushrooms stemmed and sliced
- 2 garlic cloves grated
- ¼ cup dry white wine
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon tamari
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves plus extra for garnish
- ½ cup heavy cream or crème fraîche optional
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Sauté the Base: Place a Dutch oven on medium heat and warm the olive oil and butter together until the butter melts and begins to foam lightly. Add the chopped onion along with the sea salt and a few grinds of black pepper. Stir frequently so the onion softens evenly without browning too quickly. After about 2 to 3 minutes, the onion should become translucent and aromatic, creating a flavorful base for the soup. This step is important for layering flavor and ensures the final soup has depth from the very beginning.
- Cook the Mushrooms in Stages: Add half of the sliced mushrooms into the pot, stirring well so they coat in the butter and onion mixture. Allow them to cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they release their moisture and begin to soften. Once the first batch cooks down slightly, add the remaining mushrooms. Continue cooking for another 5 minutes, letting them shrink, darken, and concentrate in flavor. Cooking in two rounds ensures the mushrooms caramelize instead of steaming, giving the soup its earthy, umami-rich foundation.
- Build the Flavor: Stir in the grated garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Immediately pour in the dry white wine, scraping the bottom of the pot to lift any browned bits for added depth. Let the wine simmer for 1 to 2 minutes, reducing slightly so its acidity balances the richness of the mushrooms. Add the vegetable broth, tamari, and fresh thyme leaves, then stir everything together. The liquid will start melding with the mushroom mixture, creating a savory broth with subtle herbal notes.
- Simmer Gently: Cover the pot with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Allow the soup to simmer for about 15 minutes, during which the mushrooms will continue to soften and infuse the broth with deep flavor. This step is key for letting the tamari and thyme integrate fully, resulting in a well-rounded soup base. Stir once or twice while simmering to prevent sticking. By the end of this stage, the kitchen should smell warm, woodsy, and inviting, setting the stage for the creamy finish.
- Blend for Texture: Turn off the heat and allow the soup to cool slightly for safe blending. Using a ladle, transfer about two-thirds of the soup into a high-powered blender. Blend until the mixture is smooth and velvety, which usually takes 30 to 60 seconds depending on your blender. Carefully pour the blended portion back into the pot with the remaining chunky soup.This technique creates a luxurious texture while keeping some mushroom pieces intact for a hearty, rustic feel.
- Finish and Serve : Return the pot to low heat and stir everything together. If desired, pour in the heavy cream or crème fraîche, cooking for an additional 2 minutes to warm it through and remove any raw cream flavor. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed. Ladle the finished soup into bowls, then garnish with a drizzle of olive oil, a spoonful of cream if you like, fresh parsley, and extra thyme. Serve immediately with crusty bread or as a starter to a larger meal for the ultimate comfort dish.
Notes
- Yields approximately 4 cups of soup; adjust ingredient quantities for larger batches.
- For a lighter version, skip the cream or use a plant-based alternative.
- Fresh mushrooms are recommended for optimal flavor; canned mushrooms may make the soup watery.
- Cooking mushrooms in two batches prevents steaming and promotes deeper caramelization.
- Leftover soup can be refrigerated or frozen; reheat gently on the stovetop to maintain texture.
Chef’s Secrets For Richer Flavor
To elevate this mushroom soup, focus on layering flavors carefully.
Sautéing onions and mushrooms separately in stages allows natural sugars to develop, creating a deep, earthy foundation.
Deglazing with white wine lifts the caramelized bits from the pan for extra complexity.
Using a combination of white button and cremini mushrooms adds richness and depth, while fresh thyme enhances the savory aroma.
For an optional creamy finish, swirl in heavy cream or crème fraîche at the end to maintain the soup’s velvety texture without overpowering the mushroom flavor.
Serving Suggestions For Every Occasion
This creamy mushroom soup is versatile and pairs beautifully with various sides.
Serve it with warm crusty bread, garlic toast, or homemade croutons for a comforting lunch or dinner.
Garnish with fresh parsley or a drizzle of olive oil for color and freshness.
For a heartier meal, pair with a light salad or roasted vegetables.
It also works wonderfully as a starter for dinner parties, offering elegance while being simple enough for everyday meals.
Storage Tips To Keep Soup Fresh
Store cooled soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to maintain its creamy consistency.
For longer storage, freeze the soup in portioned containers for up to 3 months.
Avoid reheating in the microwave at high power, as it may curdle the cream.
If frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve flavor and texture.
Frequently Asked Questions About Soup
1. Can I use other mushrooms?
Yes! Shiitake, portobello, or oyster mushrooms can be substituted or mixed in. Just note that stronger-flavored mushrooms may slightly alter the soup’s taste profile.
2. Is this soup vegan-friendly?
You can make it vegan by omitting butter and cream and using a plant-based alternative. Olive oil and coconut cream or cashew cream work well.
3. Can I prepare it in advance?
Absolutely. The soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. Keep it refrigerated and reheat slowly on the stovetop.
4. Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes! The recipe is naturally gluten-free if you use tamari instead of soy sauce and confirm your broth is gluten-free.
5. How do I get the soup extra creamy?
Blend more of the soup or use a high-powered blender like a Vitamix. Adding the optional cream or crème fraîche at the end enhances richness without overpowering the flavor.
This recipe has been adapted and simplified from the original version by loveandlemons. We’ve refined the steps for a smoother cooking experience and added helpful notes, nutrition insights, and essential kitchen tools to make it even easier for home cooks.
