Canned mushroom soup is a pantry staple that can be used in many quick and easy recipes. It has a rich, savory flavor that makes a perfect base for sauces, casseroles, dips, and more. However, plain canned mushroom soup right out of the can can be a bit boring. The good news is there are lots of ways to jazz it up with extra ingredients to take your mushroom soup recipe from bland to grand.
Vegetables
Adding extra vegetables is an easy way to bulk up canned mushroom soup and infuse it with more flavor. Here are some tasty veggie mix-ins to consider:
- Onion: Diced onion gives the soup an aromatic base. Yellow, white or red onions all work well.
- Garlic: Minced garlic adds a punch of savory flavor.
- Carrots: Shredded or diced carrots add color and natural sweetness.
- Celery: Diced celery stalks add crunch and freshness.
- Potatoes: Diced russet or red potatoes add heartiness.
- Broccoli: Chopped broccoli florets add texture.
- Green beans: Snipped green beans add color and crunch.
- Corn: Frozen or canned corn kernels provide pops of sweetness.
- Peas: Frozen peas lend bright pops of color and sweetness.
Aim for 1-2 cups of extra veggies total. Make sure to saute any dense veggies like potatoes, carrots or broccoli in a skillet with a little oil first to soften them up before adding to the soup.
Proteins
Protein foods like meat, poultry, beans or dairy products complement the earthy mushrooms beautifully. They also make the soup much more filling and substantial.
Here are some proteins to mix in with mushroom soup:
- Chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken or diced cooked chicken.
- Beef: Ground beef, diced steak or meatballs.
- Sausage: Cooked crumbled sausage.
- Bacon: Crisped chopped bacon.
- Beans: White beans, chickpeas or lentils add plant-based protein.
- Tofu: Diced firm tofu.
- Cheese: Shredded cheddar, Swiss, Monterey Jack or mozzarella.
- Milk: For a creamy boost, stir in 1/4 to 1/2 cup milk.
- Greek yogurt: Mix in big dollops of tangy yogurt.
Aim for about 1 cup of added protein. Make sure to cook any raw meats thoroughly before mixing into the soup.
Herbs & Spices
Fresh or dried herbs are an easy way to add lots of extra flavor. Consider stirring any of these into mushroom soup:
- Parsley
- Thyme
- Rosemary
- Oregano
- Sage
- Tarragon
- Chives
- Cilantro
- Basil
- Dill
Spices like garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne and black pepper can also spice up mushroom soup.
For 1 can of soup, add 2-3 teaspoons (total) of dried herbs, 1-2 tablespoons fresh chopped herbs, or 1/4 teaspoon of ground spices.
Broth & Wine
Adding extra liquid is an easy way to thin out thick canned mushroom soup so it has a more gravy-like consistency. Opt for flavorful liquids to also impart more taste:
- Beef broth
- Chicken broth
- Vegetable broth
- Red or white wine
- Sherry
- Beer
Start with 1/4 cup extra liquid. Add more as needed until soup reaches desired consistency.
Thickening Agents
On the flip side, if you want to thicken up runny mushroom soup, you can add:
- Flour: 1-2 tablespoons
- Cornstarch: 1-2 tablespoons
- Arrowroot powder: 1-2 tablespoons
- Rice flour: 1-2 tablespoons
- Bread crumbs: 2-4 tablespoons
- Instant mashed potato flakes: 1-3 tablespoons
Whisk thickening agents into the soup gradually until it reaches the desired thickness.
Dairy
Dairy products make mushroom soup extra rich and creamy. Consider incorporating:
- Heavy cream: 1/4 cup
- Half and half: 1/4 to 1/2 cup
- Sour cream: 1/4 to 1/2 cup
- Cream cheese: 4 oz, cubed
- Cheddar cheese: 1/2 cup shredded
The cheese and cream cheese will thicken up the soup as well. Warm the soup gently after adding any dairy products so they can melt into the soup smoothly.
Seasonings & Condiments
Boost the flavor of canned mushroom soup with any of these umami-rich ingredients:
- Soy sauce
- Worcestershire sauce
- Fish sauce
- Barbecue sauce
- Hoisin sauce
- Oyster sauce
- Teriyaki sauce
- Steak sauce
- Hot sauce
- Mustard
- Ketchup
Start with 1-2 teaspoons and add more to taste. Whisk vigorously to fully incorporate.
Sweeteners
If your mushroom soup tastes slightly flat, punch it up with a dash of sweetener. Options include:
- Brown sugar
- Maple syrup
- Honey
- Jelly
- Jam
Start with 1 teaspoon and increase to taste. Sweetener helps balance out any bitterness from the mushrooms.
Nutritional Add-Ins
Make your mushroom soup more nutritious with mix-ins like:
- Baby spinach: 2-3 handfuls of raw spinach add nutrients.
- Parsley: 1/4 cup chopped parsley gives a vitamin boost.
- Nuts: 1/4 cup chopped walnuts, almonds or pecans add crunch and healthy fats.
- Seeds: 2-3 tablespoons of chia or hemp seeds add fiber, protein and texture.
- Beans: 1 cup cooked beans bulk up soup nutrition.
Stir these ingredients in at the end to retain nutrients and crunch.
Garnishes
Finally, finish your dressed-up mushroom soup with fun garnishes like:
- Croutons
- Bacon bits
- Chopped chives
- Grated cheese
- Sour cream
- Crushed crackers
- Fried onions
- Toasted nuts
Garnishes add color, crunch and flavor contrast to creamy mushroom soups.
Recipe Inspiration
Here are just a few recipe ideas to get you started jazzing up canned mushroom soup:
| Recipe | Mix-In Ideas |
|---|---|
| Loaded Baked Potato Soup | Potatoes, bacon, cheddar, green onions, sour cream |
| Creamy Chicken and Vegetable Soup | Chicken, carrots, peas, corn, parsley |
| Beef Stroganoff | Ground beef, onions, garlic, sour cream, egg noodles |
| Green Bean Mushroom Casserole | Green beans, milk, Parmesan, fried onions |
| Vegetable Pot Pie Soup | Carrots, peas, corn, potatoes, parsley, pie crust strips |
The possibilities are endless! Let your imagination run wild to invent your own signature mushroom soup recipes. With a few simple add-ins, canned mushroom soup can be transformed into a delightful homecooked meal.
Tips for Adding Ingredients
Here are some tips for seamlessly incorporating extra ingredients into canned mushroom soup:
- Cook any raw vegetables and meats before adding to soup.
- Add milk, cream and cheese at the end and heat gently to incorporate.
- Whisk in thickening agents like flour slowly to avoid lumps.
- Simmer soup briefly after adding ingredients to meld flavors.
- Season with salt, pepper and other spices to taste.
- Garnish bowls before serving for visual appeal.
- Refrigerate leftovers and use within 3-4 days.
Conclusion
Canned mushroom soup mixes provide a handy shortcut for making quick soups and sauces. But for the best flavor, texture and nutrition, it pays to mix in your own fresh ingredients. Vegetables, proteins, herbs and spices all complement the woodsy mushroom flavor beautifully. Thickeners, dairy and seasonings help round out the taste. And fun garnishes add visual appeal. With so many options for easy add-ins, you can transform basic mushroom soup into a delightful homemade meal in minutes.