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)

  • Creamy Soups
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  • Low Carb Soups
  • Mushrooms
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

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

Chopped vegetables like celery, carrots, or peas can add freshness and nutritional value. Consider adding a splash of wine or a splash of Worcestershire sauce for extra depth of flavor. By following these simple tips, you can easily transform canned cream of mushroom soup into a delicious and impressive meal.

What can be substituted for cream of mushroom soup? ›

Cream of Mushroom Soup Substitutes
  • Cream of Chicken Soup. ...
  • Golden Mushroom Soup. ...
  • Cream of Celery Soup. ...
  • Heavy Cream. ...
  • Cream of Potato Soup. ...
  • Milk and Cream Cheese. ...
  • Sour Cream. ...
  • Dry Cream Soup Mix.
Jun 27, 2023

Is Campbell's cream of mushroom soup bad for you? ›

This product contains a high percentage of the Institute of Medicine's recommended adequate intake for sodium of 1500 mg a day (IOM 2005). This value is much lower than what the FDA requires be listed on food labels -- 2400 mg. Americans average 3,400 mg of sodium a day.

What's the difference between mushroom soup and cream of mushroom soup? ›

The difference is the cream. Mushroom soup has a thin clear broth.

How to make canned mushroom better? ›

To enhance the flavor of canned mushrooms, you can sauté them in butter or olive oil with some garlic, herbs, or spices. This will help to bring out their natural flavors and add extra depth to your dish. You can also marinate them in a mixture of vinegar, oil, and herbs before using them in salads or sandwiches.

How can I thicken my cream of 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.

Can you eat cream of mushroom soup on its own? ›

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.

Is condensed cream of mushroom the same as cream of mushroom 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 does mushroom soup do to your body? ›

Boost immune system

Mushrooms contain high amounts of selenium, vitamin D, and vitamin B6. Selenium can help prevent cell damage in our bodies, vitamin D helps with cell growth, and vitamin B6 helps our bodies form red blood cells. All of these nutrients in mushrooms help to maintain a healthy immune system.

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.

Can I use an expired can of Cream of Mushroom Soup? ›

According to the USDA Food Inspection Service, canned foods are safe indefinitely as long as they are not exposed to freezing temperatures, or temperatures above 90 °F (32.2° C). If the cans look ok, they are safe to use.

How to improve canned cream of mushroom soup? ›

The 11 Best Ways To Upgrade Cream Of Mushroom Soup
  1. Use different types of cream. Vm/Getty Images. ...
  2. Infuse some fresh herbs. Luchezar/Getty Images. ...
  3. Sprinkle in spices and seasonings. Sgaphoto/Getty Images. ...
  4. Enhance the umami. aomas/Shutterstock. ...
  5. Diversify your fungi. ...
  6. Throw in some cheese. ...
  7. Add some crunch. ...
  8. Boost the protein.
Mar 11, 2024

Why does cream of mushroom soup get watery? ›

A. Watery cream soups can come from a couple of different reasons. One of them is that the thickener that was utilized (be it a fat and flour roux or a liquid and flour or corn starch slurry) was inadequate. By inadequate I mean that there was not enough starch to hold the liquids in the desired thickened suspension.

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.

How to jazz up canned mushroom soup? ›

Thyme, crushed red pepper flakes, and bay leaves work well with mushroom soup.

What can you add to canned soup to make it taste better? ›

The good news is all of the most popular canned soups in America can be made to taste better with a few simple hacks. That starts with adding aromatics like garlic, ginger, or onions, to the mix, along with an extra helping of spices from basic salt and pepper to curry powders from different regions.

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.

Why is my mushroom soup bland? ›

Older mushrooms or ones that aren't as fresh might lack flavor. Insufficient Seasoning: Soups need a good amount of seasoning to bring out their flavors. Ensure you've added enough salt and other seasonings. Lack of Depth: If only water was used, the soup might lack depth.

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