Slow Cooker Cream of Mushroom Soup
Slow Cooker Cream of Mushroom Soup is something you can prepare hands off! Make tons of dishes out of this easy recipe for the whole family!
When it comes to easy family dinner, crockpot recipes are some of the best. They are super easy to prepare and can feed a large family. For more delicious crockpot recipes, check out this Swiss Steak, London Broil, or Crockpot Clam Chowder.
Crockpot Cream of Mushroom Soup
Slow Cooker Cream of Mushroom Soup is a great alternative to the canned ones available in stores. But why would you want to use the slow cooker?
The number one reason would be convenience. This creamy soup is relatively more user-friendly than the Instant Pot, and unlike the stove, it can be left unattended.
Also, the crockpot can also double as the serving bowl, and so, you will have less to wash. And, the crockpot is perfect for soups like this recipe. It requires a low simmer and can maintain the dish warm.
You can simply prepare the ingredients, set up the timer, forget about it for a while, and then, check on it at the end of the day. This makes using the crockpot work well in busy households.
What is Cream of Mushroom Soup?
It is a creamy dish made of dairy and mushrooms that is hearty and comforting.
Versatile and a household favorite, it is a good base for other delicious recipes like the green bean casserole. It goes well with pork, pasta, and chicken dishes.
Is this soup healthy?
This dish is healthy as it has mushrooms that are not only delicious and low-calorie, but also rich in nutrients, vitamins, and antioxidants.
It has high levels of selenium that can help improve your immune system. The antioxidants in it can help fight off cancer and slow down the aging process. Potassium, on the other hand, can help relieve muscle pain. That’s why it is a great post-workout meal!
Is Cream of Mushroom Soup vegetarian?
It depends on the kind of vegetarian that you are. Some vegetarians eat dairy products while others do not.
This recipe has some non-vegetarian ingredients like butter and chicken broth. The butter should be substituted with vegan butter and the chicken broth with vegetable broth.
Also, if you are a vegan, someone who does not intake dairy products along with eggs and other animal-based food, then, this exact recipe is not for you. We will be using heavy whipping cream in it, and so, you would have to substitute it with something vegan like coconut milk.
How do you make Slow Cooker Cream of Mushroom Soup?
- The first part of this recipe is to sauté the onions, garlic, mushrooms, and the other herbs and spices, in butter on a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Then, in a small bowl, whisk about a cup of broth and flour together.
- Transfer everything and all the other ingredients into the slow cooker. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Lastly, cover and cook it for about 4 hours on HIGH or about 8 hours on LOW.
- Garnish with some chopped parsley and thyme.
Variations and substitutions:
- Instant Pot: This dish can easily and conveniently be made in the pressure cooker as well. Check out the full Instant Pot Cream of Mushroom Soup here.
- Stovetop: If you do not have a crockpot or Instant Pot, feel free to make it on the stove. Check out the stove recipe by clicking this link.
- Seasonings: Also, feel free to enhance the flavors by adding more seasonings or dried herbs, like thyme, rosemary, etc.
- Add protein: You could also add some shredded chicken, cubbed ham, or leftover turkey to it.
- Cream: Replace the heavy cream with coconut milk, or almond milk.
How do you thicken the soup?
To thicken it, you can add in the roux. Make it by whisking flour, preferably cake flour for more starch, in melted butter in a heavy saucepan over medium heat. Cool this down to room temperature and then, add in your warm soup.
Which mushrooms are the best to use?
You could use pretty much any type you like or have on hand.
I usually go with porcini mushrooms or crimini mushrooms. They are one of the most flavorful type and work really well in this dish.
Also, feel free to use oyster mushrooms, portabella mushrooms, dry mushrooms, or a combination of them.
How do you store it?
- It can stay good for up to four days in the fridge, just put it in an airtight container once it has cooled down to room temperature.
- Also, this makes for a great freezer meal for when you are too busy (or lazy) to prepare a homecooked meal. Sure, there is a canned version for situations like this. But nothing beats a homecooked comfort food that has no preservatives and tastes just like how you want it!
- You can freeze it in single-portion freezer bags. It can be consumed within three months. Thaw in the microwave to reheat.
- To reheat, you may need to water it down with water, broth, or milk first.
More homemade soup recipes:
Recipe Tips
- Use any kind of mushroom, fresh or dried, or a combination of your favorite ones.
- Also, instead of sautéing the mushroom, you can roast it in the oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
- You can also replace the mushroom to make cream of anything like chicken, asparagus, broccoli, celery, etc.
- For extra flavor, top it with some Cheddar or Mozzarella cheese.
Slow Cooker Cream of Mushroom Soup
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup butter
- 5 cups mushrooms sliced
- 2 sweet onions sliced
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup red wine
- 1/2 teaspoon salt or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper or to taste
- 4 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
Garnish:
- Fresh thyme
- Parsley
Instructions
- Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and melt butter.
- Once melted, add the mushroom and cook for 5 minutes, stirring. Add onion and garlic and cook for another 4-5 minutes.
- Add fresh thyme and rosemary, Italian herbs, and red pepper flakes, cook stirring for 2 minutes.
- Add red wine, stir and cook for another minute.
- Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Transfer the mixture to the slow cooker.
- Combine 1 cup of chicken broth with 1/4 cup of flour and whisk to combine. Add the mixture to the slow cooker. Add the remaining 3 cups of broth. Stir everything.
- Cover and cook on HIGH for 2 to 2 1/2 hours or LOW for 3 to 4 hours.
- For a thicker texture: in a small bowl, whisk cream and cornstarch until smooth. During the last 30 minutes, stir the cream mixture into the soup until smooth. If using LOW heat, turn to HIGH. Cover and cook until thickened.
- If you like the texture of the soup as is, add the cream without mixing it with the cornstarch.
- Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until smooth, leaving some chunky mushroom parts.
- Garnish with fresh thyme and parsley and serve.
Nutrition
