Stepping into the world of low-carb living doesn’t mean sacrificing comfort food, and nothing proves this quite like a rich, creamy bowl of keto diet cream of mushroom soup. For so long, I believed that truly satisfying, hearty soups were off-limits on a ketogenic journey, but this recipe completely changed my perspective. It’s a testament to how simple, wholesome ingredients can come together to create something truly extraordinary, transforming a classic comfort dish into a guilt-free pleasure.
What makes this keto diet cream of mushroom soup so incredibly appealing? Well, it’s not just about what it doesn’t have (like those pesky carbs often lurking in traditional versions). It’s about the incredible depth of flavor it does offer. Think earthy mushrooms, luxurious heavy cream, and a savory broth that cocoons your palate in warmth. It’s surprisingly easy to prepare, incredibly versatile, and delivers that comforting, soul-satisfying experience we all crave, making it a perfect addition to your low-carb repertoire.
Key Ingredients
Core Ingredients
When crafting a truly exceptional keto diet cream of mushroom soup, the right ingredients are paramount. These are the non-negotiables that form the delicious foundation of your dish:
- Mushrooms: Whether you opt for cremini, button, or a flavorful mix, their earthy essence is what gives this soup its characteristic depth. They’re the undeniable star.
- Heavy Cream: Absolutely essential for that luxurious, velvety texture and rich mouthfeel. It provides the satisfying creaminess without the carbs.
- Broth: A good quality chicken or vegetable broth is vital for building the foundational savory notes and acting as the liquid base.
- Butter or Olive Oil: Crucial for sautéing aromatics and mushrooms, helping them brown beautifully and release their full flavor potential.
- Onion and Garlic: The aromatic backbone, lending subtle sweetness and pungent warmth that elevates the entire dish.
- Xanthan Gum (optional): My secret weapon for achieving that perfect, non-gloopy thickness without using any high-carb flour.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing all these wonderful elements into delicious harmony.
Optional Additions
Beyond the core components, several optional additions can truly enhance your keto diet cream of mushroom soup, adding layers of flavor and nutrition:
- Fresh Thyme or Rosemary: Introduce an aromatic complexity that complements the earthy mushrooms beautifully. I often find a sprig of fresh thyme makes all the difference.
- Nutritional Yeast: For those who enjoy a hint of cheesiness, a sprinkle can add a savory, umami note without adding dairy cheese.
- Cauliflower rice: A fantastic, stealthy addition if you want to add more bulk and creaminess without extra carbs; it practically disappears into the soup.
- Spinach or Kale: For a nutritional boost and a pop of color, stirring these in at the end is a brilliant idea, wilting gently into the warm soup.
How to Make Keto Diet Cream of Mushroom Soup
Sauté Aromatics
To kick off your keto diet cream of mushroom soup, melt butter or heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat. This fat carries flavor. Add chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Slow cooking the onion brings out its natural sweetness. Stir in minced garlic for another minute until fragrant, but watch it closely burnt garlic tastes bitter and would spoil your keto diet cream of mushroom soup.
Cook the Mushrooms
Next, let the mushrooms shine! Add sliced mushrooms to the pot and increase the heat slightly. This encourages browning, which is crucial for deep, complex flavor. Cook them, stirring occasionally, until they release moisture and turn golden brown (8-10 minutes). This step isn’t just about cooking; it’s about developing rich, umami notes. Rushed mushrooms make a bland keto diet cream of mushroom soup, so patience truly pays off.
Simmer and Thicken
Now, bring your keto diet cream of mushroom soup together. Pour in the broth and simmer for 10-15 minutes to meld flavors. Gradually whisk in heavy cream for that luxurious, creamy texture. If you want a thicker soup, like I often do, slowly sprinkle in 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of xanthan gum while whisking constantly to prevent clumps. This is a game-changer for carb-free thickness. Simmer for another 5 minutes, or until it’s just right.
Season and Serve
For the final touches on your keto diet cream of mushroom soup, season generously with salt and black pepper to taste. Adjusting this is crucial for balanced flavors. You can also add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for an aromatic boost. For texture, either blend part of the soup with an immersion blender for some chunks, or blend it all for a smooth finish. I prefer a slightly textured soup myself. Serve your incredibly delicious and satisfying keto diet cream of mushroom soup hot.
If you love creamy low-carb dishes, don’t miss our hearty Keto Chicken Alfredo a perfect companion to this soup.
My Best Keto Diet Cream of Mushroom Soup Tips
Achieving the Perfect Creaminess
My top tip for keto diet cream of mushroom soup is simple: be patient when browning your mushrooms. If needed, cook them in batches so they get a deep, golden color. This caramelization adds incredible flavor that you just can’t rush, making a huge difference to your soup’s taste.
Another personal hack I use is to slightly under-blend the soup. I enjoy leaving a few mushroom chunks for texture. Early on, I’d blend it too smoothly, which took away some of its rustic charm. Now, I aim for a creamy base with delightful little mushroom surprises. This really elevates the experience of enjoying keto diet cream of mushroom soup, giving it a more homemade and hearty feel.
Variations of Keto Mushroom Soup
Cheesy Keto Mushroom Soup
For a richer, more indulgent flavor, try adding shredded cheddar, Gruyère, or even a dollop of cream cheese to your keto mushroom soup during the final simmering stage. The cheese will melt into the soup, creating a deliciously savory variation with an extra layer of creaminess. This is a fantastic way to introduce a different flavor profile while keeping it perfectly keto-friendly. For more delicious keto cheese recipes, check out our recipe articles.
Roasted Garlic and Herb Keto Mushroom Soup
Elevate your keto mushroom soup by roasting a head of garlic before adding it to the soup base. Roasting brings out a deeper, sweeter garlic flavor that’s incomparable to fresh. Furthermore, incorporate fresh herbs like sage or parsley along with the thyme for an even more aromatic twist. This combination provides a sophisticated depth that will truly impress, transforming a simple soup into a gourmet experience.
Instant Pot Method
When you’re short on time, the Instant Pot is perfect for making keto diet cream of mushroom soup. Use the sauté function to cook onions, garlic, and mushrooms until fragrant. Deglaze the pot with broth, then close the lid and pressure cook for 5 minutes. After a quick release, stir in heavy cream and seasonings. If thickening, slowly whisk in xanthan gum. This method makes delicious keto diet cream of mushroom soup much faster.
FAQs
Can I have cream of mushroom soup on a keto diet?
Absolutely, you can indeed enjoy cream of mushroom soup on a keto diet, provided it’s prepared with keto-friendly ingredients. This means avoiding high-carb thickeners like flour or cornstarch often found in traditional or canned versions. Instead, focus on ingredients like heavy cream, broth, and a minimal amount of low-carb thickeners such as xanthan gum.
Is cream of mushroom soup high in carbs?
Traditional or store-bought cream of mushroom soup can certainly be high in carbs due to added starches, flours, and sometimes even sugars. However, a homemade keto diet cream of mushroom soup recipe is specifically designed to be low in carbohydrates, making it a suitable choice for those following a ketogenic lifestyle.
What is a substitute for heavy cream in mushroom soup?
While heavy cream is undeniably ideal for achieving that rich, unctuous texture in keto diet cream of mushroom soup, if you need a dairy-free alternative, full-fat coconut milk (from a can, not a carton) can work. Just be mindful that it might impart a very subtle coconut flavor. Another excellent option, especially for added richness and thickness, is full-fat cream cheese, which melts beautifully into the soup.
Print
Keto Cream of Mushroom Soup
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in a rich, velvety, and incredibly satisfying Keto Cream of Mushroom Soup that redefines low-carb comfort food. This recipe transforms a classic favorite into a guilt-free pleasure, boasting earthy mushrooms, aromatic herbs, and a savory broth, all without the hidden carbs. Surprisingly easy to prepare and incredibly versatile, this soup delivers a soul-satisfying experience that’s perfect for any low-carb repertoire.
Ingredients
Soup Base
¼ cup (55g) unsalted butter
1 small (60g) onion, chopped
2 (80g) celery ribs, chopped
2 tablespoons (1.5g) fresh thyme leaves or 1.5 teaspoons dried thyme
1 bay leaf
1.1 lbs (500g) white or brown chestnut mushrooms, cleaned and cubed
2 garlic cloves, minced
4 cups (900ml) chicken stock
¼ cup (60ml) cream (keep a little back for drizzling) or ¼ cup vegan feta (for dairy-free)
Salt and pepper to taste
To serve
1 teaspoon olive oil
Swirl of cream
1 teaspoon fresh thyme
Cracked black pepper to taste
Instructions
Sauté Aromatics
In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and celery ribs and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the fresh thyme leaves (or dried) and the bay leaf, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
Cook the Mushrooms and Garlic
Add the cubed mushrooms to the pot. Increase the heat slightly and cook, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms release their moisture and turn golden brown, which should take about 8-10 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Simmer and Finish
Pour in the chicken stock and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and deepen. Remove the bay leaf. Using an immersion blender, blend the soup to your desired consistency – either partially for a chunky soup or fully for a smooth, creamy texture. Stir in the cream (or vegan feta) and season generously with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for another 5 minutes, or until heated through.
Serve
Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Drizzle with a swirl of cream, a touch of olive oil, a sprinkle of fresh thyme, and a generous amount of cracked black pepper. Serve immediately.
Notes
Mushroom Type: While white or brown chestnut mushrooms are specified, feel free to use a mix of your favorite mushrooms for added depth of flavor. Shiitake or cremini mushrooms would also work well.
Thickening: This recipe relies on the natural thickness from blending the vegetables. If you desire a thicker soup, you can try reducing the liquid further during simmering or, for a keto-friendly option, carefully whisk in a small amount of xanthan gum (start with 1/4 teaspoon).
Dairy-Free Option: For a dairy-free version, ensure you use vegan butter and swap the cream for vegan feta or full-fat coconut milk. Full-fat coconut milk will add a subtle coconut flavor.
Freezing: This soup freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop, Simmering
- Cuisine: American, Low-Carb
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: Keto cream of mushroom soup, low carb soup, mushroom soup, keto comfort food, healthy soup, gluten-free soup, creamy soup, easy keto recipe, vegetarian keto, dairy-free keto
