Mushroom Cream Soup With Brie Croutons
A rich and creamy mushroom soup accented with sherry and thyme, topped with Brie croutons for a cozy, gourmet appetizer or light meal perfect for mushroom lovers.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter ⓘ
- 4 large green onions, sliced ⓘ
- 1 medium leek, split, cleaned, and sliced ⓘ
- 1 pound assorted fresh mushrooms, sliced ⓘ
- 2/3 cup dry sherry ⓘ
- 1 bay leaf ⓘ
- 2 cups chicken stock ⓘ
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme ⓘ
- salt and pepper to taste ⓘ
- 6 slices French bread ⓘ
Instructions
- Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add sliced green onions, leeks, and mushrooms; cook until tender, about 5 minutes.
- Pour in dry sherry and add bay leaf; cook until liquid is reduced.
- Add chicken stock and cook until mushrooms are tender.
- Stir in heavy cream, dried thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer gently until the soup is slightly reduced and flavors meld.
- Remove bay leaf before serving.
- Ladle soup into heatproof crocks or bowls.
- Spread Brie cheese on bread slices and place over the soup.
- Place under a broiler until the bread is browned and the Brie is melted.
- Serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine along with the sherry. If you don't have dry sherry, a splash of white wine vinegar can work as a substitute. Use a mixture of mushrooms for depth, such as cremini and shiitake. If you want a lighter version, substitute half of the heavy cream with whole milk.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the mushroom cream soup hot, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for color. This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or a side of garlic bread. For a heartier meal, serve alongside Braised Chicken Thighs With Spicy Tomato And Ginger Sauce for a comforting dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For reheating, gently warm the soup on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. Avoid boiling to maintain the cream's texture. The Brie croutons are best made fresh, but you can prepare the soup in advance.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mushroom Cream Soup With Brie Croutons contains roughly 498 calories, with 6g protein, 11g carbohydrates, and 50g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (61% of the Daily Value), vitamin D (41% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (35% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1337mg per serving (58% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of mushrooms for the soup?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with various mushrooms such as portobello, oyster, or even dried mushrooms that have been rehydrated. Each type will lend its unique flavor to the soup, making it even more delicious.
Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?
Yes, you can easily make this soup vegetarian by substituting the chicken stock with vegetable stock. It will still maintain a rich flavor and pair well with the creamy texture of the soup.
How can I make the soup lighter?
To lighten the soup, consider reducing the amount of heavy cream and replacing it with half-and-half or whole milk. You can also increase the vegetable broth for a brothier soup while still enjoying the mushroom flavor.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).