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.

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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.

Forget Canned Cream of Mushroom Soup: This Homemade Version Is So Much Better (3)

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

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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's the best substitute 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

How to make canned cream of mushroom soup better? ›

One way to enhance the flavor of canned cream of mushroom soup is to add fresh mushrooms. Slice some cremini or button mushrooms and sauté them in butter until they become golden brown and tender. Then, stir them into the soup.

How to improve Campbell's cream of mushroom soup reddit? ›

Thyme, garlic, whatever you like. Add baked potato diced, bacon or Italian sausage if you like meat. Add parmasean grated into as well as on top. Add some scallions and a squeeze of acid.

Is homemade cream of mushroom soup good for you? ›

Yes, mushroom soups can offer many great benefits. They are a good source of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients, which can help boost immunity, reduce inflammation, and provide antioxidant protection. Additionally, mushrooms are low in calories and fat, making them a great healthy appetizer option.

What is a substitute for cream in cream soup? ›

Substitutes for heavy cream can include options like a soy milk-olive oil combo, evaporated milk, and coconut cream, among others. Heavy cream features in a wide variety of recipes, including soups, sauces, homemade butter, ice cream, and sour cream.

Can you make beef stroganoff without cream of mushroom soup? ›

Ingredients
  1. 1 1/2 lbs ground beef, (85/15)
  2. 1 tbsp olive oil.
  3. 1 medium yellow onion, diced.
  4. 8 oz cremini or button mushrooms, sliced.
  5. 2 tbsp all-purpose flour.
  6. 1 ¼ cup beef broth.
  7. 1 cup heavy cream.
  8. ⅓ cup sour cream.
Sep 9, 2023

How to jazz up cream of mushroom soup? ›

Enhance the earthy richness of the mushrooms with a dash of paprika or cumin, infusing the soup with a subtle smokiness and depth. For a touch of warmth and complexity, experiment with ground nutmeg or cloves, adding a hint of spice that complements the creamy texture beautifully, bringing out the flavors of fall.

How to make canned creamy soup better? ›

Go green: Add some spinach or chopped kale or pesto. Get zesty: A squirt of lemon juice or zest could brighten up an otherwise flat soup. Starchy things: Homemade croutons, crushed tortilla chips, or oyster crackers. Clean out the fridge: got cooked beans or rice, a dollop of sour cream, or a splash of heavy cream?

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.

Do you add water to Campbell's cream of mushroom soup? ›

SIMPLE PREPARATION: A good partner puts in the prep work for you. Just add the appropriate amount of water, then simmer and serve for a deliciously filling soup in an instant. For a creamier result, combine half portions of milk and water.

What thickens mushroom soup? ›

Add Flour Or Cornstarch

You can thicken soup by adding flour, cornstarch, or another starchy substitute. For the best results, never add flour or cornstarch directly to your soup. If you do, it will clump up on top. Instead, ladle a small amount of broth into a separate bowl and let it cool.

What thickens cream soup? ›

Add Flour, Cornstarch, or Other Thickener: Starches thicken soup and give it body. Whisk a few tablespoons of starch into a little of the broth in a separate bowl before whisking it into the main pot. This prevents the starch from clumping and helps it dissolve into the soup evenly. 8.

Is cream of mushroom soup good for your liver? ›

Research has suggested that these meaty fungi have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. And they're especially potent for your liver health, with research finding that eating mushrooms may protect your liver and lower your odds of developing nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

What does mushroom soup do to your body? ›

Mushrooms are a rich, low-calorie source of fiber, protein, and antioxidants. They may also help to lessen the risk of developing serious health conditions, such as Alzheimer's, heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. They're also great sources of: Selenium.

Do people eat cream of mushroom soup as a soup? ›

Cream of mushroom soup is a simple type of soup where a basic roux is thinned with cream or milk and then mushrooms or mushroom broth are added. In North America, it is a common canned condensed soup. Cream of mushroom soup is often used as a base ingredient in casseroles and comfort foods.

Can you sub cream of chicken for cream of mushroom? ›

There are lots of great recipes that'll work with this substitute for cream of mushroom soup, and I've listed some below. A few of these use cream of chicken soup, which is pretty interchangeable with the mushroom soup.

What can I use instead of mushroom sauce? ›

Cream of Chicken

It will add a richness to your dish, just without the taste of mushrooms or their earthiness. Use it in a 1:1 ratio. This Vivacious Life notes that the cream of chicken works well in many recipes and can be used to replace the cream of mushroom.

What is the purpose of cream of mushroom soup? ›

In North America, it is a common canned condensed soup. Cream of mushroom soup is often used as a base ingredient in casseroles and comfort foods. This use is similar to that of a mushroom-flavored gravy.

What are the ingredients in no name cream of mushroom soup? ›

Ingredients: Water, Mushrooms, Canola Oil, Enriched Wheat Flour, Cornstarch, Salt, Modified Corn Starch, Cream (milk, Cream), Buttermilkpowder, Potassium Chloride, Sodium Phosphate, Seasoning (cookedmushrooms, Mushroom Extract, Salt, Natural Flavor, Canola Pil, Canesugar, Potato Flour, Onion Powder), Yeast Extract, ...

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