The entire flavor lives in how hard you sear the mushrooms; crowd the pan and they steam gray, so work in batches until they are deeply browned. Save a handful sliced and browned to garnish so the soup does not read as beige paste.
By Vince Gonzalez · Published July 2026 · Sourcing verified 5 Jul 2026
Prep15 min
Cook35 min
Makes4 servings
CuisineAmerican
Cost$$
Contains dairy · gluten
Make it gluten-free: swap in a gluten-free flour blend (check the other labels too).
The Ingredients — and where to get them
Cook for4servings
Cremini mushrooms
Browned hard, they give the soup its savory backbone; a few dried porcini deepen it.
Can you make Cream of Mushroom Soup in an air fryer? — Yes, with an insert
Not on its own — an air fryer can’t hold a pool of liquid. You can simmer it in an oven-safe dish or a silicone insert made to fit the basket, but the broth won’t reduce or brown the way it does on the stove, and that insert comes out scorching, so use oven mitts. For real depth, a pot on the stove wins.
Can you freeze Cream of Mushroom Soup? — Yes
Yes — it freezes well. Cool it fully, portion into airtight containers, and it keeps a few months; thaw in the fridge and reheat gently.
Can you make Cream of Mushroom Soup ahead of time? — Yes
Yes — it holds well and often tastes better the next day. Make it ahead and reheat gently before serving.
Is Cream of Mushroom Soup gluten-free? — Not as written
Not as written — it contains gluten. Make it gluten-free: swap in a gluten-free flour blend (check the other labels too).
Is Cream of Mushroom Soup vegan? — No
No — it contains meat, so it isn’t vegetarian or vegan.
Community Notes
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