Mushroom soup is a comfort and delicious dish for any season. Classic creamy texture or even a bit rustic in style, chunky, there are many ways to bring the taste and richness to your soup. Here are 10 expert tips to make the perfect creamy mushroom soup at home.

Find the right mushrooms
For the best flavor, use a mix of mushrooms such as button, cremini, shiitake, or portobello. Different varieties add a depth and a rich umami taste to your soup.

Sauté the mushrooms for more flavor
Sauté the mushrooms in butter or olive oil before adding them to the soup; this caramelizes them, intensifying their natural earthiness and preventing a watery texture in your soup.

Use aromatics for depth
Adding garlic, onions, shallots, or leeks at the beginning of cooking will build a strong flavor base. Sautéing these ingredients before adding liquid brings out their natural sweetness and enhances the overall taste.

Deglaze the pan with wine
A splash of white wine or dry sherry can add a subtle acidity that balances the richness of the soup. Deglazing helps lift the browned bits from the pan, infusing extra flavor into the broth.

Choose the right stock or broth
Use a rich vegetable, chicken, or beef broth instead of water to add depth to the soup. Homemade stock is ideal, but a high-quality store-bought version works well too.

Add cream or a dairy alternative
You can stir heavy cream, half-and-half, or whole milk into your dish towards the end of cooking time if you want a richly creamy texture. Alternatively, to get a dairy-free version, you could use coconut milk, cashew cream, or blended silken tofu for that silky smooth texture.

Blend to desired consistency
To make an ultra-smooth soup, use a blender or an immersion blender to puree the mixture. If you want a chunkier soup, mix only part of it and let the mushroom pieces remain.

Add a natural thickener
Instead of adding flour or cornstarch, use a little reduction of the broth to thicken your soup or add a handful of bludgeoned potatoes, cauliflower, or cashews for a silk-like finish.

Season at the right time
Mushrooms absorb flavors well, so season your soup with salt, black pepper, and herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley during the cooking process. Add salt gradually to avoid over-seasoning.

Garnish for the perfect finish
You can elevate your soup to the next level by adding a topping of grated parmesan, crispy mushrooms, croutons, or a drizzle of truffle oil for extra flavor and texture. A sprinkling of fresh herbs adds that pop of freshness to the finished dish.