If you’re craving something comforting, hearty, and luxurious, then a creamy bowl of turkey mushroom soup is exactly what your soul needs. This isn’t your standard canned soup-it’s a rich, velvety concoction that brings together the earthy depth of mushrooms with the savory, tender goodness of turkey. Perfect for chilly evenings, cozy family dinners, or even as a starter for a festive holiday meal, this soup is a crowd-pleaser and surprisingly easy to make from scratch. Imagine the aroma of sautéed mushrooms and onions filling your kitchen, mingling with the subtle, succulent flavor of turkey-pure magic in a bowl!
Turkey Cream Of Mushroom Soup Recipe
This recipe transforms leftover turkey or freshly cooked turkey into a luxurious, creamy soup with a deep, earthy mushroom undertone. It’s comforting, hearty, and absolutely delicious. Let’s dive right in.
Ingredients Needed
Here’s what you’ll need to make about 4-6 servings:
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Turkey
- 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded or diced (leftovers work beautifully!)
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Mushrooms
- 1 pound fresh mushrooms, sliced (cremini, white button, or a mix)
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Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 large carrot, diced
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Butter & Flour
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for the roux that thickens the soup)
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Liquids
- 4 cups turkey or chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream (for richness)
- Optional: ½ cup dry white wine for deglazing
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Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for warmth)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
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Optional Garnishes
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Extra sautéed mushrooms for topping
- A drizzle of cream or truffle oil for that gourmet touch
Cooking Instructions
Let’s turn these ingredients into a creamy, flavorful masterpiece:
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Prepare The Vegetables And Turkey
- Dice onions, carrots, and celery finely. Slice mushrooms evenly. Shred or chop turkey into bite-sized pieces.
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Sauté Aromatics And Mushrooms
- In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add onions, garlic, celery, and carrots. Sauté until onions are translucent and vegetables are slightly softened (about 5-7 minutes).
- Add mushrooms and cook until they release their liquid and start to brown slightly (8-10 minutes).
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Create The Roux
- Sprinkle flour over the sautéed vegetables and mushrooms. Stir constantly for 2-3 minutes to cook off the raw flour taste. This thickens your soup and gives it that creamy consistency.
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Deglaze And Add Broth
- If using wine, pour it in now and scrape up the browned bits at the bottom of the pot.
- Slowly pour in the turkey or chicken broth while stirring to prevent lumps.
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Simmer And Season
- Add thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Let the soup simmer gently for 15-20 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
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Add Turkey And Cream
- Stir in the cooked turkey and heavy cream. Simmer for another 5-10 minutes until the soup is warmed through and thickened to your liking.
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Blend or leave chunky (optional):
- For a smoother soup, use an immersion blender to partially blend. Leave some mushroom and turkey chunks for texture.
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Serve
- Ladle into bowls, garnish with parsley, extra mushrooms, or a swirl of cream, and enjoy the cozy magic!
Ingredient Insights
- Turkey: Using leftover turkey adds flavor and saves cooking time. Dark meat is more flavorful, but white meat works too.
- Mushrooms: Cremini offer a rich, earthy flavor, while shiitake adds a gourmet depth. Mixing varieties gives complexity.
- Butter vs. Oil: Butter provides richness and flavor; a splash of olive oil can help if you want a lighter version.
- Cream: Heavy cream makes the soup luxuriously thick, but half-and-half or coconut milk can be used for lighter or dairy-free versions.
Expert Tips
- Layer flavors: Don’t rush the sautéing; browning mushrooms and onions properly adds depth.
- Thickening check: If the soup is too thick after adding cream, thin it with more broth.
- Make ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day as flavors meld. Reheat gently on low heat to prevent cream from curdling.
- Texture trick: For a silky smooth base, blend half the soup and mix with the unblended half.
Recipe Variations
- Vegan/Vegetarian: Replace turkey with chickpeas or tofu and use vegetable broth and plant-based cream.
- Low-carb/Keto: Skip the flour, use xanthan gum for thickening, and swap cream with heavy cream.
- Extra flavor: Add a splash of sherry or soy sauce for umami, or sprinkle truffle oil before serving for a gourmet touch.
- Spicy twist: Add a pinch of cayenne or smoked chili powder for warmth.
Final Words
Turkey Cream of Mushroom Soup is more than a dish-it’s an experience. The creamy texture, the umami mushrooms, and the tender turkey create a harmony of flavors that feels indulgent yet comforting. Whether it’s a weeknight meal or a festive centerpiece, this soup brings warmth, satisfaction, and a touch of elegance to your table.
FAQs
Can I Use Leftover Turkey To Make Cream Of Mushroom Soup?
Yes, leftover turkey is perfect for this soup. Use cooked, shredded, or diced turkey, and add it towards the end of cooking to avoid overcooking and drying out the meat.
What Type Of Mushrooms Work Best For Turkey Cream Of Mushroom Soup?
Common choices include white button mushrooms, cremini, or baby portobello mushrooms. A combination of mushrooms can add depth and richness to the flavor of the soup.
Can I Make Turkey Cream Of Mushroom Soup Gluten-free?
Absolutely. Replace regular flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend to thicken the soup. Ensure that any broth or stock used is also labeled gluten-free.
How Do I Make The Soup Creamy Without Using Heavy Cream?
You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, whole milk, or a plant-based milk like coconut or oat milk. For extra thickness, use a roux of butter and flour or blend part of the soup until smooth.
Can I Prepare Turkey Cream Of Mushroom Soup Ahead Of Time?
Yes, this soup can be made a day in advance. Refrigerate it in an airtight container and reheat gently on the stovetop. If the soup thickens too much, thin it with a little extra broth or milk.
What Seasonings Complement Turkey Cream Of Mushroom Soup?
Common seasonings include salt, black pepper, garlic, thyme, and parsley. A dash of nutmeg can also enhance the creamy mushroom flavor without overpowering the turkey.
Is It Possible To Make This Soup In A Slow Cooker?
Yes. Sauté onions and mushrooms first, then transfer all ingredients including turkey and broth to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours, adding cream at the end.
How Can I Make The Soup More Flavorful?
Use homemade or high-quality turkey stock, sauté the mushrooms until golden brown, and deglaze the pan with white wine or sherry before adding the broth. Fresh herbs can also elevate the flavor.
Can I Freeze Turkey Cream Of Mushroom Soup?
Yes, but avoid adding cream until after reheating, as dairy can separate when frozen. Freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months, and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
What Can I Serve With Turkey Cream Of Mushroom Soup?
This soup pairs well with crusty bread, crackers, a side salad, or roasted vegetables. It can also be served over cooked rice or noodles for a more filling meal.