I want to share one of my favorite recipes featuring this amazing Trader Joe’s Mushroom Soup. It’s simple, satisfying, and perfect for a weeknight dinner or a lazy Sunday meal. Trust me, this is comfort food at its finest, and I bet it’s going to find a permanent spot in your recipe arsenal.
Table of Contents
How to make Trader Joe’s Mushroom Soup
Trader Joe’s Mushroom Soup is a seasonal, ready-to-use creamy soup sold at Trader Joe’s, especially around the fall and winter holidays.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients:
- 1 can of Trader Joe’s Condensed Cream of Portabella Mushroom Soup or Trader Joe’s Organic Creamy Mushroom Soup
- 1 cup milk, half-and-half, or coconut milk (adjust for desired creaminess)
- 1 cup vegetable broth or chicken broth (for a thinner consistency and added flavor)
Enhancements:
- 1-2 cups fresh mushrooms, sliced (you can use white button, cremini, baby bella, or even wild mushrooms for depth of flavor)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter (for sautéing)
- 2 tsp fresh thyme or rosemary (optional, but adds earthy fragrance)
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Optional Add-Ins:
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1-2 tbsp dry white wine (optional – enhances flavor!)
- Croutons or crusty bread for serving
- Parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
Follow these steps to prepare this upgraded mushroom soup recipe:
- Prep the Veggies: Heat the olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onions and minced garlic. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Sauté the Mushrooms: Toss the sliced mushrooms into the pot. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt to help release their juices. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they develop a golden-brown color.
- Add Liquids: Pour in the soup base (Trader Joe’s Mushroom Soup), followed by the milk or half-and-half. Stir well to combine. Then add the vegetable broth to balance out the creaminess and achieve your desired consistency.
- Season & Simmer: Stir in the thyme (if using), adjust the salt and pepper, and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. If you’re using white wine, add it during the simmer stage.
- Optional Finish: If you want to add depth, toss in Parmesan cheese and stir until melted.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with parsley, and serve with croutons, crusty bread, or even a dollop of sour cream for an extra creamy finish.
Tips for Perfect Mushroom Soup
- Use Fresh Herbs: While dried herbs work fine, fresh thyme or rosemary will bring out the best earthy flavors in this soup.
- Experiment with Mushrooms: Trader Joe’s also offers packs of pre-washed Baby Bella or Wild Mushrooms—perfect for adding richness to your soup.
- Adjust Thickness: For a thinner soup, add extra broth; for a thicker soup, reduce the liquid or stir in a slurry of cornstarch and water.
- Make It Vegan: If you’re using Trader Joe’s Organic Creamy Mushroom Soup, swap milk/cream for plant-based options like almond milk or oat milk, and stick to vegetable broth.
What to serve with
Trader Joe’s Mushroom Soup is creamy, comforting, and flavorful on its own, but pairing it with the right sides or accompaniments can take your meal to a whole new level.
1. Bread and Crackers
A rich and creamy soup like Trader Joe’s Mushroom Soup needs a satisfying crunch or chewy texture to balance things out. Bread and crackers are the perfect pairing.
- Crusty Artisan Bread: Toasted sourdough, baguette slices, or rosemary focaccia are excellent choices to soak up every drop of the soup.
- Garlic Bread: The garlicky, buttery flavors of garlic bread pair beautifully with the earthy mushrooms. A sprinkle of Parmesan makes it even better!
- Cheese Crackers: Trader Joe’s has great options, like Multigrain Crackers or Everything But The Gluten Crackers, which add texture and flavor when dipped into the soup.
- Breadsticks: Soft or crispy breadsticks with a hint of garlic or cheese are great for dipping and add elegance to the meal.
2. Salads
A fresh salad can brighten up the meal and bring a crisp, refreshing contrast to the creaminess of the soup. Here are some salad ideas:
- Simple Green Salad: Toss together mixed greens or arugula, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a light lemon vinaigrette to keep the flavors simple yet zesty.
- Caesar Salad: A bold, tangy Caesar salad with crunchy croutons and creamy dressing complements the rich mushroom soup well.
- Spinach & Warm Mushroom Salad: Elevate the pairing by keeping the mushroom theme going. Sauté mushrooms, add them to fresh spinach, and drizzle with balsamic dressing.
Ingredients Substitutes
Sometimes we find ourselves missing an ingredient or needing to adjust a recipe to fit dietary preferences or pantry availability. Luckily, Trader Joe’s Mushroom Soup is versatile, and substitutions can be made easily without compromising its creamy, earthy, and indulgent flavor profile.
Dairy Substitutes
A rich and creamy base is essential to this soup, but you can easily swap out traditional dairy for alternatives, depending on your preferences or dietary needs.
Milk Alternatives:
- Coconut Milk: Adds a creamy texture with a subtle nutty undertone.
- Unsweetened Almond Milk: Offers a neutral flavor without overpowering the soup’s natural earthiness.
- Oat Milk: A perfect substitute for cream due to its slightly thicker consistency.
Heavy Cream Alternatives:
- Cashew Cream: Blend raw cashews with a bit of water until smooth for a dairy-free cream substitute.
- Silken Tofu: Blend it into the soup for a creamy consistency without dairy.
- Greek Yogurt: Use plain, unsweetened Greek yogurt for a tangy and protein-rich alternative (not vegan).
Butter Alternatives:
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: A heart-healthy substitute with a mild flavor.
- Vegan Butter: Brands like Earth Balance or Miyoko’s Creamery work well for cooking and sautéing.
- Ghee: Adds richness, though it is not suitable for vegans.
Mushroom Substitutes
While mushrooms are the star ingredient, sometimes you may want to switch things up—or you simply don’t have them on hand. Here are alternatives:
Other Types of Mushrooms: If fresh mushrooms aren’t available in your pantry, you can use canned mushrooms, dried mushrooms (reconstituted in hot water), or frozen sliced mushrooms.
Vegetable Alternatives:
- Eggplant: Provides a similar texture when cooked until soft.
- Zucchini or Yellow Squash: A mild substitute with decent texture but lacking the earthiness of mushrooms.
- Cauliflower: Blend steamed cauliflower into the soup for a creamy vegetable replacement.
Broth Substitutes
Broth adds depth and enhances the flavor of mushroom soup. If you don’t have broth or need an alternative, try these options:
- Vegetable Broth: Perfect for plant-based soups and light flavoring.
- Chicken Broth: Adds a savory, meaty undertone (use low-sodium if possible).
- Beef Broth: A richer option for a more robust flavor, though it may override the mushrooms’ earthy notes.
- Mushroom Broth: Trader Joe’s Mushroom & Company Multipurpose Umami Seasoning can be dissolved in water to create a mushroom-flavored broth.
Fresh Herb Substitutes
Trader Joe’s Mushroom Soup is immensely enhanced by the addition of fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley. However, if fresh herbs aren’t available, here are alternatives:
- Dried Herbs: Use dried instead of fresh, keeping in mind that dried herbs are more potent.
- Herb Blends: Italian seasoning or Herbes de Provence can replace individual herbs like thyme or rosemary while providing a balanced flavor profile.
- Scallions or Chives: Add scallions or chives for a fresh, green punch if parsley isn’t available.
Cheese Substitutes
Cheese adds depth and creaminess, but there are plenty of options for substitutions:
- Vegan Cheese: Brands like Daiya, Violife, or Miyoko’s Creamery offer dairy-free cheeses that melt beautifully and add a sharp flavor.
- Nutritional Yeast: Sprinkle it in the finished soup for a cheesy, nutty flavor without dairy.
- Grated Pecorino or Goat Cheese: Tangy alternatives for Parmesan, if dietary restrictions allow.
Wine Substitutes
Dry white wine is often used in mushroom soup recipes for enhancing flavor, but if you don’t have it or prefer not to cook with alcohol, here are options:
Non-Alcoholic Substitutes:
- White grape juice (use half the amount and dilute with water to reduce sweetness).
- Apple cider vinegar (small amounts to replicate acidity).
- Lemon juice mixed with water (for brightness without alcohol).
Final Thoughts
Trader Joe’s Mushroom Soup is incredibly versatile, so whether you’re keeping the pairing simple with crusty bread or going all out with risotto and wine, it’s bound to be a comforting meal.
More Trader Joe’s Recipes:
Ingredients
Base Ingredients:
- 1 can of Trader Joe's Condensed Cream of Portabella Mushroom Soup
- 1 cup milk, half-and-half
- 1 cup vegetable broth
Enhancements:
- 1-2 cups fresh mushrooms
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp fresh thyme
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Optional Add-Ins:
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1-2 tbsp dry white wine
- Croutons
- Parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Prep the Veggies: Heat the olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onions and minced garlic. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Sauté the Mushrooms: Toss the sliced mushrooms into the pot. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt to help release their juices. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they develop a golden-brown color.
- Add Liquids: Pour in the soup base (Trader Joe’s Mushroom Soup), followed by the milk or half-and-half. Stir well to combine. Then add the vegetable broth to balance out the creaminess and achieve your desired consistency.
- Season & Simmer: Stir in the thyme (if using), adjust the salt and pepper, and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. If you’re using white wine, add it during the simmer stage.
- Optional Finish: If you want to add depth, toss in Parmesan cheese and stir until melted.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with parsley, and serve with croutons, crusty bread, or even a dollop of sour cream for an extra creamy finish.
