Gluten-Free Cream of Mushroom Soup

This simple 15-minute gluten-free cream of mushroom soup is rich and comforting. I love the creamy texture, and most of all how easy it is to make. While perfect on its own, I love using it in casseroles and many other recipes. What's my secret for achieving the prefect texture? Cornstarch instead of flour!

Gluten-free living can be challenging. Trust me; I get it. I was diagnosed with celiac disease in 2008.

I had to figure out how to take my favorite soups and convert them into something just as good or better with gluten-free ingredients. My mom was also diagnosed with celiac disease, so we worked together to make food that met gluten-free standards and had a great taste.

Like this gluten-free mushroom soup, our gluten free chicken noodle soup is also safe for those with celiac disease. Plus, it is super easy to make, just like my Instant Pot hamburger soup or Chinese noodle casserole which uses this soup!

I love this recipe because we use cornstarch and milk instead of heavy cream. Heavy cream can have more fat, but using cornstarch and low-fat milk will cut that out.

Why you should make this recipe

• It is perfect for a cold, rainy day.
• This soup just might become one of your favorite recipes.
• As it is gluten-free, it is perfect for a strict gluten-free diet.
• This recipe is so easy!

Ingredients needed

• Chicken broth - As the base of this homemade gluten-free soup, chicken broth creates the foundation for the best flavor.
• Mushrooms - I recommend using diced mushrooms instead of mushroom powder because it solidifies the natural flavors in this creamy soup.
• Milk - For a dairy-free option, you can use your preference of non-dairy milk (like coconut milk or unsweetened almond milk)
• Butter - Just like with the milk, you can use a dairy-free alternative.
• Cornstarch - While cornstarch is recommended thicken this soup, you could also use a high quality gluten-free cup for cup flour, arrowroot, tapioca, or potato starch. I wouldn't recommend coconut or almond flour as this will not thicken your soup. Cornstarch and these gluten-free flour options are great alternatives to wheat flour.
• Black pepper - Black pepper adds a bit of spice to the soup. It isn't a whole lot, so the soup isn't spicy. I like to add just enough to give the soup some flavor.
• Onion salt - By using onion salt, you are able to get that onion flavor without the work of chopping up an onion.
• Garlic salt - Garlic salt is a two-in-one situation. By adding it to the recipe, you are getting the salty flavor while also getting a garlic flavor.
• Sage leaf - For this recipe, you will want a finely-chopped fresh sage leaf. It will add an herby taste to the soup.

How to make gluten free cream of mushroom soup

Chop the mushrooms

Chop the mushrooms into small cubes. Save a few slices for garnish if enjoying as soup only.

Heat chicken broth

Grab your favorite stockpot and add in the chicken broth and butter. Melt butter and heat the chicken broth on medium heat.

Make sure to stir the broth and butter, so it mixes well. Heat the mixture until it is just starting to boil.

Cook for 10 minutes

Once the mixture starts to boil, add the diced mushrooms, herbs, salt, and pepper to the pot. I recommend chopping up everything while the chicken broth and butter are warming up.

Allow the soup to cook for 10 minutes or until the mushrooms soften. The mushrooms will develop a rich, golden-brown color when they soften.

Whisk the Cornstarch

Whisk up the cornstarch. In a measuring cup with a spout, whisk the cornstarch and milk.

Pro Tip: You don't want clumps in this recipe, so be sure to scrape the bottom of the pan to make sure the cornstarch doesn't stick.

Pour milk mixture in the broth

Once the broth mixture is done and the cornstarch is mixed with the milk, you can pour in the milk mixture. Make sure you take your time when doing so.

While adding the milk mixture, whisk the soup briskly to perfectly mix everything together.

Pro Tip: Don't forget to constantly whisk the soup as you pour in the milk and cornstarch mixture to avoid those unwanted clumps. 

Add spices and let the soup simmer

Add the spices and let the soup simmer until thickened. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes.

Tips for Success

• For the best experience, make sure you stir frequently. Everything will mix better this way and you won't have clumps.
• Keep the stove on medium heat, so the soup does not burn.
• Add and mix the cornstarch slowly. It can make a huge mess if you rush the process.
• Set the butter out ahead of time so it is easier to melt

Storage and Freezing

Storage - Allow the soup to cool to room temperature before doing anything. Then pour it into an airtight container and store it in the fridge for 3-4 days.

Freezing - You can absolutely freeze it. Just portion it out into snack sized ziplocks or small canning jars (like a Mason jar) and pull them out whenever you need them.

FAQ

Do I have to use chicken broth?

No, you can go for an alternative, like vegetable broth. You can also use salted butter and water, vegetable stock, or a bouillon cube.

What's the difference between cream of chicken and cream of mushroom?

The obvious answer is that one is made of chicken, and one is made of mushrooms. Cream of mushroom soup is a bit richer and has an earthy flavor.

You can substitute one for the other, but you will want to make sure you are thinking about the diet preferences of those you plan to feed. Cream of chicken soup does contain chicken.

Ways to Enjoy

This soup is fantastic on it's own and works great in your favorite casseroles! I like to use it in a gluten-free green bean casserole at Thanksgiving and or a tater tot casserole. I also love it in an Instant Pot creamy Italian chicken the rest of the year.

If you are a big fan of soups, give my Instant Pot chicken noodle soup, Instant Pot broccoli cheddar soup, chickpea soup, and dairy-free tomato soup a try. If you're a big fan of tomato soup, I recommend pairing it with gluten-free garlic bread.

Don't stop with this cream soup! Try my gluten-free cream of chicken soup next. Both are comfort foods and incredibly easy to make. And you can check out all of our soups here.