mushroom bisque welcomes you with its earthy aroma as soon as you step into the kitchen. Imagine slicing plump cremini and shiitake mushrooms, their savory scent filling the air as they sizzle in a knob of butter and a splash of vegetable broth. A swirl of creamy coconut milk adds velvety richness, while a hint of Dijon mustard and fresh thyme bring a playful zing. This cozy soup transforms leftover veggies into a gourmet indulgence perfect for chilly evenings. With just a handful of pantry staples and a dash of love, you’ll whip up comfort in a bowl that’s simply irresistible.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This mushroom bisque
- Rich, creamy texture that warms your soul.
- Earthy mushroom flavor that’s simply irresistible.
- Easy to make with simple, wholesome ingredients.
- Perfect for impressing guests or cozy nights in.
- Nutritious and satisfying, without the guilt!
mushroom bisque
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Melt the Butter – In a large pot, melt butter (and olive oil if using) over medium heat.
- Step 2: Cook the Onion – Add chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Step 3: Add Garlic – Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
- Step 4: SautĂ© the Mushrooms – Add sliced mushrooms and thyme; sautĂ© until mushrooms release their liquid and soften, about 7–10 minutes.
- Step 5: Add Flour – Sprinkle flour over the mushroom mixture and stir constantly for 2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste.
- Step 6: Pour in Broth – Gradually pour in broth, stirring to combine and avoid lumps.
- Step 7: Simmer – Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Step 8: PurĂ©e the Soup – Remove from heat and use an immersion blender (or transfer in batches to a blender) to purĂ©e until smooth.
- Step 9: Add Cream and Season – Return to low heat, stir in heavy cream, and season with salt and pepper.
- Step 10: Serve – Heat through without boiling, adjust seasoning, then ladle into bowls and garnish as desired.
Notes
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250 |
| Fat | 20g |
| Protein | 5g |
| Carbs | 15g |
Ingredients
Gather these ingredients for a delightful mushroom bisque.
- 8 oz cremini mushrooms – sliced
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter – for sautéing
- 1 small onion – chopped
- 2 cloves garlic – minced
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour – for thickening
- 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth – base of the soup
- 1 cup heavy cream – for richness
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves – or ½ tsp dried
- salt and freshly ground black pepper – to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil – optional garnish
- chopped parsley or truffle oil – optional garnish
How to Make mushroom bisque
This delightful mushroom bisque is a warm hug in a bowl! With a preparation time of about 15 minutes and a cooking time of 30 minutes, you’ll have a creamy, comforting soup ready in no time. Let’s get started!
Step 1: Melt the Butter
In a large pot, melt butter (and olive oil if using) over medium heat.
Step 2: Cook the Onion
Add chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
Step 3: Add Garlic
Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
Step 4: Sauté the Mushrooms
Add sliced mushrooms and thyme; sauté until mushrooms release their liquid and soften, about 7–10 minutes.
Step 5: Add Flour
Sprinkle flour over the mushroom mixture and stir constantly for 2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste.
Step 6: Pour in Broth
Gradually pour in broth, stirring to combine and avoid lumps.
Step 7: Simmer
Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 8: Purée the Soup
Remove from heat and use an immersion blender (or transfer in batches to a blender) to purée until smooth.
Step 9: Add Cream and Season
Return to low heat, stir in heavy cream, and season with salt and pepper.
Step 10: Serve
Heat through without boiling, adjust seasoning, then ladle into bowls and garnish as desired.
Recipe Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Category | Soup |
| Cuisine | American |
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time | 30 minutes |
| Extra Time | 0 minutes |
| Total Time | 45 minutes |
| Dietary | Vegetarian |
| Serves | 4 |
| Best Served | Warm with a drizzle of olive oil |
Pro Tips for Making mushroom bisque
- Choose fresh, firm mushrooms for the best flavor.
- Blend the bisque until silky smooth for a luxurious texture.
- Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a rich base.
- Add a splash of lemon juice for brightness just before serving.
- Top with fresh herbs or a drizzle of truffle oil for an elegant finish.
How to Serve this mushroom bisque
- Garnish with fresh chives or parsley for a pop of color.
- Serve with a drizzle of truffle oil for an extra touch of luxury.
- Pair with crusty bread or a warm baguette for dipping.
- Top with sautéed mushrooms for added texture and flavor.
- Enjoy alongside a fresh green salad for a light meal.
- Serve in small cups as an elegant appetizer at your next gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing and enjoying your mushroom bisque later is easy!
Storing Leftovers
- Let the bisque cool to room temperature.
- Transfer to an airtight container.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing
- Cool the bisque completely before freezing.
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
- Leave some space for expansion.
- Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
Reheating
- Thaw in the refrigerator overnight if frozen.
- Reheat on the stove over medium heat.
- Add a splash of vegetable broth for creaminess.
- Stir frequently until heated through.
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FAQs
Here’s a helpful FAQ about this recipe:
1. What is in mushroom bisque?
Mushroom bisque is a creamy soup made primarily from mushrooms, along with ingredients like onions, garlic, vegetable broth, and cream or a non-dairy substitute. The mushrooms are typically sautéed to enhance their flavor, and the soup is blended to create a smooth, velvety texture that is both comforting and delicious.
2. What is the difference between cream of mushroom and mushroom bisque?
While both soups feature mushrooms, cream of mushroom is usually thicker and chunkier, often containing pieces of mushrooms and a base of cream. Mushroom bisque, on the other hand, is smoother and silkier, as it is pureed to create a refined texture, and it may include additional flavorings like herbs and spices to elevate its taste.
3. What makes a bisque a bisque?
A bisque is traditionally a smooth, creamy soup made from pureed seafood or vegetables, often enriched with cream. The key characteristic of a bisque is its velvety texture, achieved through blending and straining. In the case of mushroom bisque, the mushrooms are cooked down and then pureed to create that signature smoothness, making it a delightful dish to enjoy any time of year.
4. What is the difference between a bisque and a cream soup?
The main difference between a bisque and a cream soup lies in the preparation and texture. Bisques are typically made by pureeing the main ingredient, such as mushrooms, to achieve a silky consistency, while cream soups may contain chunks of the main ingredient and are often less refined. Additionally, bisques often have a more complex flavor profile due to the use of aromatics and spices during cooking.
Final Thoughts
Now that you have the recipe for a delightful mushroom bisque, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and get cooking! This creamy, comforting dish is not only simple to make but also a wonderful way to warm your heart and home. Enjoy every spoonful, and don’t forget to share it with loved ones—after all, good food is best enjoyed together!