Condensed Mushroom Soup Recipe

Mushroom soup-whether served as a comforting starter or a standalone meal-is a delightful dish that many people crave during chilly weather. Its creamy texture and rich, earthy flavors make it a go-to comfort food for all seasons. Condensed mushroom soup, however, takes this classic dish to a whole new level of convenience and flavor concentration. It offers a perfect blend of savory mushrooms and a creamy base, packed into a condensed form that can be quickly transformed into a meal or used as an ingredient in countless recipes. If you’re looking to make your own homemade version of condensed mushroom soup, you’ve come to the right place.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through a detailed recipe for creating the perfect condensed mushroom soup from scratch. We’ll dive deep into the ingredients you’ll need, cooking instructions, expert tips, and how to make variations that suit different tastes. By the end of it, you’ll have all the tools and knowledge to craft a delicious homemade condensed mushroom soup that’s not just easy to make but also tastes far superior to canned versions.

Let’s jump right into the recipe! This homemade condensed mushroom soup takes just a few ingredients and steps to bring that warm, creamy, earthy goodness right to your kitchen. It’s perfect for anyone looking to avoid store-bought versions laden with preservatives and additives, and it’s easily customizable to your taste.

Ingredients Needed

To make this rich, creamy condensed mushroom soup, here’s what you’ll need:

Fresh Mushrooms (2 cups) – You can use any type of mushroom, but a mix of button and cremini or shiitake mushrooms will give the soup a deeper, more complex flavor.
Butter (2 tablespoons) – The foundation for sautéing and giving the soup a rich, buttery flavor.
Onion (1 small, finely chopped) – Adds a layer of sweetness and depth to the soup.
Garlic (2 cloves, minced) – A must for that punch of aromatic warmth.
Flour (1/4 cup) – This helps to thicken the soup, creating that velvety texture.
Vegetable or Chicken Broth (2 cups) – This is the base liquid for your soup. You can use any type of broth depending on whether you prefer a vegetarian version or a meatier flavor.
Heavy Cream (1/2 cup) – Adds a silky smoothness and richness.
Salt (to taste) – Essential for balancing the flavors.
Black Pepper (to taste) – For seasoning and a hint of heat.
Thyme (1 teaspoon) – Fresh or dried, thyme adds an earthy herbaceous note.
Parsley (optional, for garnish) – A fresh herb that adds a pop of color and freshness.

Cooking Instructions

Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s get cooking!

Sauté The Mushrooms, Onion, And Garlic
- Heat a large pot over medium heat and melt the butter. Once the butter is melted, add the finely chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent, about 4-5 minutes.
- Add the garlic and cook for another minute until it becomes fragrant.
- Add the mushrooms to the pot and cook for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms release their moisture and become golden brown.
Make The Roux
- Sprinkle the flour over the mushroom mixture. Stir well to coat the mushrooms and onions with the flour. Let it cook for about 2 minutes to remove the raw taste of the flour.
Add The Broth
- Slowly pour in the vegetable or chicken broth, stirring constantly to avoid any lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer, and cook for another 5 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
Add The Cream
- Stir in the heavy cream and thyme. Continue to simmer for another 5-7 minutes, letting the soup thicken to a condensed consistency. If the soup is too thick, feel free to add more broth or cream to reach your desired thickness.
Season And Serve
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Once the soup has reached the desired consistency, it’s ready to serve!
- Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and enjoy the rich, creamy flavor of your homemade condensed mushroom soup.

Ingredient Insights

To really appreciate this soup, it’s important to understand the role each ingredient plays in the dish:

Mushrooms – They’re the star of the show. Mushrooms bring earthy, umami-rich flavors that are the foundation of the soup. The variety of mushrooms you use will affect the depth of flavor-button mushrooms provide mildness, while shiitake or cremini mushrooms bring more robust, savory notes.
Butter – Adds richness and helps create the base for the soup. Butter also contributes to the soup’s silky texture when combined with the cream.
Flour – Essential for thickening the soup to a condensed consistency. If you prefer a gluten-free option, you can use cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend.
Heavy Cream – Gives the soup its creamy texture and luxurious mouthfeel. If you’re looking for a lighter version, you can substitute with half-and-half or even milk, though it won’t be quite as rich.
Thyme – A subtle herb that adds a layer of complexity. You can use other herbs, but thyme pairs especially well with mushrooms.

Expert Tips

Blend for Smoothness: If you prefer a super smooth soup, you can blend it at the end with an immersion blender. This will make it velvety and completely smooth. Alternatively, if you like a bit of texture, simply leave the soup as-is.
Adjust Thickness: Condensed mushroom soup should be thick, but if it’s too thick, don’t hesitate to add extra broth or cream. The key is to get a rich consistency, not a heavy paste.
Pre-cook the Mushrooms Well: Make sure to cook the mushrooms long enough to release their moisture and brown slightly. This step adds depth and richness to the flavor.
Use Homemade Broth: If you have time, homemade broth adds incredible flavor. A rich, homemade vegetable or chicken broth will elevate this soup to another level.

Recipe Variations

Here are a few variations you can try based on your preferences or dietary needs:

Vegan Mushroom Soup – Substitute butter with olive oil and heavy cream with coconut milk or any plant-based cream. Ensure your broth is vegetable-based as well.
Add Protein – To make it a heartier meal, add cooked chicken, ground turkey, or even crumbled bacon. These can add a savory, meaty flavor that complements the mushrooms.
Make It Spicy – Add a bit of heat with red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or even a chopped fresh chili to spice things up.
Herb Variations – Try rosemary or sage instead of thyme for a different herby twist. Both work wonderfully with mushrooms.
Sherry or Wine – A splash of dry sherry or white wine during the cooking process adds depth and an additional layer of flavor.

Final Words

Homemade condensed mushroom soup is the perfect combination of comfort, flavor, and versatility. It’s easy to make, uses simple ingredients, and can be customized to fit your taste or dietary needs. Whether you’re using it as a quick meal or a base for a casserole, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

Condensed Mushroom Soup Recipe