Name: Creamy Hungarian Mushroom Soup Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Hungarian
Ingredients: 4 tablespoons butter; 1 medium onion (finely chopped); 1.5 pounds cremini mushrooms (sliced); 2 tablespoons flour; 1 tablespoon Hungarian paprika; 3 cups chicken broth; 1 cup milk; 1 tablespoon Tamari sauce; ½ cup sour cream; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 3 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped); 2 tablespoons fresh dill (chopped); 1 tablespoon fresh thyme (chopped); Salt (to taste); Pepper (to taste); Ground chili pepper (to taste)

The warm aroma of sautéed mushrooms and paprika fills your kitchen as you stir this delightful soup. The rich, velvety textures paired with fresh herbs make this Creamy Hungarian Mushroom Soup Recipe a soul-soothing dish you'll want to revisit again and again.

Two white bowls filled with creamy orange mushroom soup are placed on a white marbled surface. Each bowl has a smooth soup base with visible mushroom slices and chopped green herbs scattered on top. The center of each soup is garnished with a small pile of sautéed mushroom slices and fresh dill sprigs. Surrounding the bowls, there are grilled white bread slices leaning beside them, whole fresh mushrooms, and bunches of green herbs such as parsley and dill. Small white bowls hold coarse salt, cracked black pepper, and red chili flakes. Two silver spoons with wooden handles rest on the surface nearby. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Hungarian Mushroom Soup Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Creamy Hungarian Mushroom Soup Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Creamy Hungarian Mushroom Soup Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I've made my fair share of mushroom soups, but this Creamy Hungarian Mushroom Soup Recipe stands out because it's both comforting and bursting with layers of flavor. It’s a quick, one-pot wonder that never fails to impress anyone at my dinner table!

Authentic Flavor: The Hungarian paprika gives it a unique, smoky warmth that’s totally addictive.
Fresh Herb Boost: Parsley, dill, and thyme create a vibrant, fresh finish that brightens the creamy base.
Simple, Clean Ingredients: Just a handful of pantry staples and fresh mushrooms make this soup easy to whip up anytime.
Versatile Comfort Food: It’s perfect for chilly evenings or special occasions — and pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a crisp salad.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Creamy Hungarian Mushroom Soup Recipe plays a critical role in building rich, comforting flavors — and they all work beautifully together. Here’s why I love using these specific ingredients:

Flat lay of a medium finely chopped yellow onion, a pile of fresh sliced brown cremini mushrooms, a small white ceramic bowl of golden butter cubes, a small white ceramic bowl of pale beige flour, a small white ceramic bowl filled with vibrant red Hungarian paprika powder, a small white ceramic bowl containing clear chicken broth, a small white ceramic bowl of creamy white milk, a small white ceramic bowl with dark brown Tamari sauce, a small white ceramic bowl of thick sour cream, a small white ceramic bowl of bright yellow lemon juice, a small pile of chopped fresh green parsley, a small pile of chopped fresh green dill, a small pile of chopped fresh green thyme, three whole brown eggs with clean shells, scattered coarse salt crystals, black peppercorns, and ground chili pepper powder, all arranged with perfect symmetry on a simple white ceramic surface, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Butter: It’s the best fat to develop deep, caramelized flavors with the onions and mushrooms.
Onion: When softened, onions add a sweet background note that balances the earthiness of mushrooms.
Cremini Mushrooms: I prefer cremini for their meaty texture and slightly nutty taste, but bella or portobello work great too.
Flour: Helps thicken the soup, giving it that irresistible creamy body without heaviness.
Hungarian Paprika: The star of the show — it brings an aromatic smokiness and gentle heat that you'll love.
Chicken Broth: Builds depth and savoriness; homemade or quality store-bought works well here.
Milk: Lightens the creamy texture while keeping it smooth and luscious.
Tamari Sauce: Adds umami richness without overwhelming the flavors.
Sour Cream: For that classic tang and creaminess that elevates the overall taste.
Lemon Juice: A splash of brightness that cuts through the richness perfectly.
Fresh Parsley, Dill, Thyme: These fresh herbs add layers of fragrance and freshness, making every bite lively.
Salt, Pepper & Ground Chili Pepper: To balance and tweak the final seasoning just right according to your taste.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the coolest things about the Creamy Hungarian Mushroom Soup Recipe is how easy it is to personalize. I usually stick close to the original, but I love how simply tweaking the herbs or adding extra veggies can make it your own.

Variation: I sometimes swap half the cremini mushrooms for shiitake to add a woodsy twist — it’s a favorite in my house!
Dairy-Free Option: You can replace milk with coconut or oat milk and sour cream with a dairy-free yogurt; it still turns out wonderfully creamy.
Spicier Version: For a bit more heat, add a pinch of smoked chili powder or some cayenne pepper along with the paprika.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Hungarian Mushroom Soup Recipe

A white bowl filled with creamy mushroom soup showing two clear layers: a light brown creamy base with a smooth texture and floating golden-brown sautéed mushroom slices on top. The surface has green herb pieces scattered throughout and a small bunch of fresh dill placed centrally for garnish. A wooden-handled spoon is partially dipped into the soup on the right side of the bowl. Behind the bowl, two toasted slices of bread with a golden crust lean against the bowl's edge. The whole setup sits on a white marbled surface with sprigs of fresh herbs scattered nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Sauté the Onion and Mushrooms to Golden Perfection

Start by melting butter in a large pot over medium heat. When it’s shimmering, add finely chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent — usually about 3–4 minutes. This builds a sweet, savory base. Then toss in the sliced mushrooms and sauté them for about 7–8 minutes. Watch closely as they release moisture, then begin to brown and caramelize — that golden color adds so much depth to your soup’s flavor. Stir occasionally, but let them get that nice sear instead of steaming.

Step 2: Add Flour and Paprika and Toast

Sprinkle the flour and Hungarian paprika over the mushrooms, stirring well to coat everything evenly. Cooking them together for 1–2 minutes gets rid of the raw flour taste and awakens the smoky aroma of the paprika. I love this step because the kitchen starts smelling wonderfully warm and inviting.

Step 3: Gradually Stir in Broth, Milk, and Tamari

Slowly add the chicken broth, stirring constantly — this helps prevent lumps and ensures a smooth base. Then pour in the milk along with the Tamari sauce. The Tamari adds a subtle umami boost that's magic in a mushroom soup. Bring everything to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 10 minutes while you stir occasionally. This simmering helps the flavors meld and the soup texture thicken just right.

Step 4: Finish with Sour Cream, Lemon, and Fresh Herbs

Once off the heat, stir in the sour cream, lemon juice, and your fresh parsley, dill, and thyme. The sour cream provides that signature creamy tanginess, while lemon juice cuts through the richness, brightening every spoonful. Fresh herbs add an aromatic last touch — don’t skimp on these! Season with salt, black pepper, and a touch of ground chili pepper to taste. Give it a good stir until silky and smooth.

Step 5: Let It Rest and Serve

Let your soup rest for a few minutes to allow all those flavors to settle and meld beautifully. I like to garnish mine with a sprinkle of parsley and a little cracked black pepper. Serve it alongside some crusty bread or a simple salad — it’s pure comfort in a bowl!

Top Tip

Over the years of making this Creamy Hungarian Mushroom Soup Recipe, I've learned a few tricks that make a world of difference for a perfectly smooth and flavorful soup every time.

Patience with Browning: Take your time browning the mushrooms. Rushing means they steam and get rubbery, but slow caramelizing brings out that deep umami flavor.
Toast the Flour and Paprika: This extra minute or two cooks out any raw taste and intensifies the paprika’s smoky aroma — don’t skip it!
Add Sour Cream Off Heat: Stir sour cream in after removing from the stove to prevent curdling and keep your soup silky.
Taste and Adjust Seasoning Last: Fresh herbs and acids can change the flavor balance, so wait until the end before adding salt and pepper.

How to Serve Creamy Hungarian Mushroom Soup Recipe

Hungarian Mushroom Soup - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love a little extra chopped parsley or dill on top to freshen each spoonful when serving. Sometimes I drizzle a tiny bit of good quality olive oil or even a swirl of sour cream to make it look extra inviting and add a touch more creaminess.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs beautifully with hearty crusty bread — I’m talking toasted sourdough or a rustic baguette — perfect for dipping. For something lighter, a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette keeps things fresh alongside this rich, comforting soup.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions like holidays, I like to serve this soup in individual mini cast iron pots or rustic ceramic bowls with a sprig of fresh herbs perched on top. It feels cozy and elegant — like a warm hug on a chilly evening.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Creamy Hungarian Mushroom Soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I usually let it cool completely before refrigerating to keep the texture just right.

Freezing

This soup freezes well! Portion it out into freezer-safe containers or bags, and it will keep for up to 2 months. When you thaw it, you might notice a slight separation but just whisk it well while reheating to bring back the creamy texture.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring often. This prevents curdling and helps maintain the soup’s silky richness. If it’s too thick, add a splash of milk or broth to loosen it up.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?

Absolutely! Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, swap milk for a plant-based milk (like oat or almond), and replace sour cream with a vegan yogurt or a cashew cream. The soup will still be delicious and creamy.

What type of mushrooms work best in this soup?

I love cremini mushrooms for their flavor and texture, but you can also use bella or portobello mushrooms. Mixing different mushroom types can add extra depth and earthiness to the soup.

Can I prepare this soup ahead of time?

Yes! You can make the soup a day ahead, store it in the refrigerator, and reheat gently on the stove. Just add fresh herbs and lemon juice after reheating to keep the flavors bright.

How do I avoid curdling when adding sour cream?

The key is to stir in sour cream off the heat and to temper it by adding a spoonful of hot soup into the sour cream first, then stir it back into the pot. This prevents curdling and keeps the soup silky smooth.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Hungarian Mushroom Soup Recipe holds a special place in my heart—it’s like a warm blanket on a cold day and a simple luxury on any night. Trust me, once you make this soup, it’ll become your go-to for cozy dinners and impressing guests alike. So go ahead, gather those mushrooms, and treat yourself to this flavorful, comforting bowl of goodness—you deserve it!