Forget Canned Cream of Mushroom Soup: This Homemade Version Is So Much Better (2024)

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Like magic, it's creamy without a lot of cream.

By

Elise Bauer

Forget Canned Cream of Mushroom Soup: This Homemade Version Is So Much Better (1)

Elise Bauer

Elise founded Simply Recipes in 2003 and led the site until 2019. She has an MA in Food Research from Stanford University.

Learn about Simply Recipes'Editorial Process

Updated November 28, 2023

28 Ratings

Forget Canned Cream of Mushroom Soup: This Homemade Version Is So Much Better (2)

Cream of mushroom soup has been a favorite of mine as long as I can remember. Of course when we were growing up it was Campbell's and it came in a can.

But even as an 8 year old I took great pride in heating my own soup, and discovered for myself how much better it was if you added milk instead of water, and how important it was to slowly add the milk while stirring so it wouldn't form clumps.

As a grown-up I still love mushroom soup, and happily make it from scratch using lots of fresh mushrooms, shallots, garlic, chicken stock and cream. Many people add a dash of sherry or nutmeg to mushroom soup.

Forget Canned Cream of Mushroom Soup: This Homemade Version Is So Much Better (4)

The Best Mushrooms for This Soup

Our recipe calls for a couple pounds of cremini or button mushrooms. Either will do, though I think cremini (young portobello mushrooms) are a little tastier.

We also recommend adding a handful of fresh shiitake mushrooms to the soup. Even though they are more expensive than regular mushrooms, their flavor is much more intense and deepens the rich flavor of this soup.

All About Mushroom VarietiesREAD MORE:

A Chef's Tip for the Best Mushroom Flavor

I discovered a tip from a chef friend that just a little tarragon will help bring out the flavor of the mushrooms, so we've added a little dried tarragon to the soup base. Not everyone has this herb though, you can easily substitute thyme (or put in a dash of nutmeg).

Forget Canned Cream of Mushroom Soup: This Homemade Version Is So Much Better (5)

Substitutions and Suggestions for Cream of Mushroom Soup

We've gotten a lot of great suggestions from readers over the years who have made this soup and made their own variations. Here are a few:

  • Add or substitute some wild mushrooms (you can also try this version)
  • Add shredded chicken for extra protein
  • For a richer soup, swap the chicken stock for beef stock
  • For a lighter soup (or a vegetarian version), swap the chicken stock for vegetable stock
  • For a dairy-free version, swap the cream with coconut milk
  • For another dairy-free version, add some rice during cooking, then blend
  • If the soup tastes a little bland to you, add a splash of rice vinegar or cider vinegar
  • If you don't have tarragon, try thyme, oregano, or rosemary

Is This Like Canned Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup?

Condensed cream of mushroom soup is quite a bit thicker than this soup. We don't recommend using it as a substitution.

Storing and Freezing Cream of Mushroom Soup

This soup will keep refrigerated for up to five days and can be reheated gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

If you'd like to freeze this soup, don't add the cream. Wait until it's defrosted, heated, and ready to serve to whisk in the cream.

Love Mushrooms? Try These Recipes

  • Vegetarian Spinach and Mushroom Lasagna
  • Mushroom Risotto
  • Salisbury Steak with Mushroom Gravy
  • Vegan Mushroom Barley Soup
  • Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Cream of Mushroom Soup

Prep Time15 mins

Cook Time40 mins

Total Time55 mins

Servings6 servings

If you want to make ahead and freeze, don't add the cream. Wait until it's defrosted, heated, and ready to serve to whisk in the cream.

Ingredients

  • 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

  • 4 tablespoons butter

  • 2 pounds (900g) cremini (or button) mushrooms, cleaned, roughly chopped or sliced 1/8-inch thick

  • Small handful shiitake mushrooms, chopped

  • 3/4 cup minced shallots (6 ounces, 170g)

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced (3 teaspoons)

  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt

  • 3/4 teaspoon dried tarragon

  • 4 cups (1 liter)chicken stock(orvegetable stockfor vegetarian option)

  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream

  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (more or less to taste)

Method

  1. Sauté the mushrooms:

    Heat olive oil on medium high heat in a 5-6 quart thick-bottomed pot. When the oil is hot, swirl in the butter. Once the butter has melted, add the mushrooms, stir to coat with the olive oil and butter.

    Cook the mushrooms on medium high heat until they are lightly browned and have released most of their water, about 10 minutes.

    Remove 1 cup of the cooked mushrooms from the pot and set aside (they will be added back in later).

    Forget Canned Cream of Mushroom Soup: This Homemade Version Is So Much Better (6)

  2. Add shallots, garlic:

    Reduce heat to medium. Add the minced shallots and the garlic to the pot, stir to combine, cook for about a minute.

  3. Add salt, tarragon, stock:

    Add the salt, dried tarragon, and the stock to the pot. Increase the heat to medium high, bring to a simmer and cook, uncovered, for 10 minutes. Remove from heat.

    Forget Canned Cream of Mushroom Soup: This Homemade Version Is So Much Better (7)

  4. Purée soup:

    Using an immersion blender or working in batches with a standing blender, purée the soup until smooth.

    Then return to the pot. (If the soup is too thick for you, add some water or more stock to thin the soup to the desired level of thickness.)

    Forget Canned Cream of Mushroom Soup: This Homemade Version Is So Much Better (8)

  5. Stir in cream and reserved mushrooms:

    Whisk the cream into the soup and add the black pepper. Adjust salt and pepper to taste. Stir in the reserved cooked mushrooms.

    Did you love the recipe? Give us some stars and leave a comment below!

    Forget Canned Cream of Mushroom Soup: This Homemade Version Is So Much Better (9)

    Forget Canned Cream of Mushroom Soup: This Homemade Version Is So Much Better (10)

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Nutrition Facts (per serving)
340Calories
26g Fat
20g Carbs
10g Protein

×

Nutrition Facts
Servings: 6
Amount per serving
Calories340
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 26g34%
Saturated Fat 11g57%
Cholesterol 48mg16%
Sodium 532mg23%
Total Carbohydrate 20g7%
Dietary Fiber 2g8%
Total Sugars 9g
Protein 10g
Vitamin C 3mg16%
Calcium 64mg5%
Iron 2mg9%
Potassium 1036mg22%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate. In cases where multiple ingredient alternatives are given, the first listed is calculated for nutrition. Garnishes and optional ingredients are not included.

Forget Canned Cream of Mushroom Soup: This Homemade Version Is So Much Better (2024)

FAQs

How to make canned cream of mushroom soup better? ›

There are several ways you can enhance the flavor and texture of Campbell's cream of mushroom soup: 1> Add fresh mushrooms: Sauté some fresh mushrooms separately and then mix them into the soup. This will add a deeper, more intense mushroom flavor and a nice texture.

Can cream of celery be substituted for cream of mushroom? ›

Cream of celery soup is another excellent substitute for cream of mushroom soup in terms of consistency. It also has the same creaminess you want in a creamy mushroom soup. However, celery has a very distinct flavor. It doesn't have the same umami flavor as mushrooms.

Is there a healthy canned cream of mushroom soup? ›

Campbell's Condensed Heart Healthy Cream of Mushroom Soup, 10.5 oz Can (12 Pack)

What is the difference between cream of mushroom soup and cream of mushroom condensed soup? ›

These two products aren't identical, but they are very similar. Condensed cream of mushroom soup is a concentrated form of cream of mushroom soup. When you add a cup or two of liquid such as water, broth, or stock to condensed mushroom soup, it becomes cream of mushroom soup!

What can I add to mushroom soup to make it taste better? ›

Herbs: The herbs that best compliment those incredible flavours are a combination of thyme and parsley. Of course, if you don't like those, you can also use rosemary, oregano, tarragon, chives or cilantro. Use what you love!

How to make canned creamy soup better? ›

5 Ways to Make Canned Soup Taste Better
  1. ADD AROMATICS. Aromatics are the combination of vegetables and herbs heated in fat (like oil or coconut milk) at the beginning of the dish to add flavor. ...
  2. SPICE IT UP. ...
  3. CARBS ARE YOUR BEST FRIEND. ...
  4. ADD ACID. ...
  5. GREENS ARE GREAT!
Apr 27, 2020

What to use when you don't have cream of mushroom soup? ›

The creamy bechamel is probably what mushroom soup is replacing. I use a ratio of 1 1/2 tablespoons each of flour and butter for each cup of milk, which gives you a thick but pourable sauce. Otherwise it's a basic tomato sauce, some sauteed spinach, and plenty of cheese.

What can I use to thicken cream of mushroom soup? ›

How do you thicken cream of mushroom soup? In this easy cream of mushroom soup recipe, we use flour to thicken the soup, but there are plenty of other thickeners to choose from. For gluten-free options, you could use cornstarch or arrowroot, which will also keep your sauce clear and cloud-free.

Is cream of celery soup good to eat? ›

A soup is filling enough to enjoy as a main course for lunch or dinner. Even if your bowl of soup doesn't look like a meal, a soup like cream of celery is very satisfying, due to all the vitamin-rich liquid you are taking into your body.

Can you eat canned cream of mushroom soup by itself? ›

A bowl of our Cream of Mushroom Soup served with fresh baked bread is hearty enough to serve on its own, or you can beef it up with whatever's fresh in your kitchen. Condensed soups are also the perfect base for casseroles and starters for sauces, so your imagination is the limit.

What does mushroom soup do to your body? ›

Support a healthy immune system. Mushrooms contain macronutrients that support a healthy immune system. According to the Mushroom Council, your immune system will benefit from mushrooms whose nutrients include: Selenium, which helps your body make antioxidant enzymes to prevent cell damage.

Can diabetics eat canned cream of mushroom soup? ›

Yes, this is a very healthy soup.

Mushrooms has a Glycemic Index of 15 which is very low and is diabetic friendly.

Can I freeze cream of mushroom soup? ›

Whether you don't like to buy canned soup for health reasons, have dietary restrictions, or just want to try something different, here's a basic recipe for a Homemade Cream of Mushroom Soup. You can even make it in advance and freeze to use later on!

Why is mushroom soup so good? ›

For such a low-caloric food, they are high in protein and have antioxidants. Antioxidants protect your cells from free radicals that can cause illness. Mushrooms are high in soluble fiber which is helpful with maintaining proper gut function and managing the body's BMI.

What if cream of mushroom soup is too thick? ›

(If the soup is too thick for you, add some water or more stock to thin the soup to the desired level of thickness.) Stir in cream and reserved mushrooms: Whisk the cream into the soup and add the black pepper. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.

What can I add to canned soup to make it better? ›

Pretty much every can of soup already contains aromatics. But to put some pep back in your soup's step, you're going to want to add more. Start by sautéing any combination of finely chopped vegetables and alliums—like onion, garlic, carrots, celery, bell peppers, and ginger.

How to enhance mushroom flavour? ›

Sear mushrooms for a more intense roasted, charred and smoky flavor and overall aroma. Roast mushrooms to get more sweet, salty and umami tastes with caramelized, nutty and buttery flavors. When cooked properly, mushrooms can take on the texture and consistency of meat.

How do you thicken Progresso creamy mushroom soup? ›

If you feel the soup is too thin, then just before adding the cream, take 1 tbsp of corn starch and 1 tbsp of cold water and mix together, then pour into the soup. Stir until thickened. This will take a couple minutes to thicken. If still not thick enough, repeat this process.

References

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