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); Black pepper (to taste); Ground chili pepper (to taste)

The rich aroma and velvety texture make this Creamy Hungarian Mushroom Soup Recipe a standout comfort dish you'll want to make again and again. It’s earthy, herbaceous, and gently smoky from paprika — pure kitchen coziness in a bowl.

Two white bowls filled with creamy, yellow-orange soup with visible herbs and pieces of mushroom mixed in, topped with sautéed sliced mushrooms and fresh green herbs like parsley and dill. The bowls are placed on a white marbled surface with grilled slices of bread leaning against the bowls on left side. Surrounding the soup are small bowls containing coarse salt, ground black pepper, and red chili flakes. Fresh whole mushrooms, sprigs of fresh dill, and parsley bunch are scattered around the setting. Two metal spoons with wooden handles are placed side by side near the bowls. 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 remember making this Creamy Hungarian Mushroom Soup Recipe for the first time on a chilly evening, and how it instantly warmed not just my belly but my whole kitchen with its inviting scent. It’s a simple recipe with such layered flavors, and it’s become a favorite fall and winter staple in my home.

Deep, Rich Flavor: The caramelized onions, browned mushrooms, and paprika blend beautifully for a comforting depth that’s hard to beat.
One-Pot Ease: You only need one pot and just about 30 minutes, making it perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something cozy but fuss-free.
Fresh Herb Boost: The parsley, dill, and thyme add a fresh, bright contrast to the creamy soup that really lifts it up.
Customizable Comfort: You can easily adjust the spice level or swap ingredients to fit your taste or dietary needs without losing that classic Hungarian feel.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Creamy Hungarian Mushroom Soup Recipe plays a role in creating its signature silky texture and vibrant flavors. From the earthy mushrooms to the tangy sour cream, here’s what you need to know before you shop.

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl of golden butter, a medium finely chopped onion on a white ceramic plate, a white ceramic bowl filled with sliced fresh cremini mushrooms, a small white ceramic bowl of pale beige flour, a small white ceramic bowl containing vibrant red Hungarian paprika powder, a white ceramic bowl of light golden chicken broth, a small white ceramic bowl with creamy white milk, a small white ceramic bowl holding dark amber Tamari sauce, a small white ceramic bowl of thick white sour cream, a small white ceramic bowl of fresh lemon juice, a few sprigs each of fresh green parsley, dill, and thyme neatly arranged, and two whole uncracked brown eggs placed symmetrically, all 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: The base for sautéing the onions and mushrooms adds richness and helps brown everything beautifully.
Onion: I prefer finely chopped so it melts into the soup, providing sweetness and depth without any crunch.
Cremini Mushrooms: These have a nice meaty texture and deep flavor, but you can go with bella or portobello to switch things up.
Flour: This thickens the soup, making it creamy without using heavy cream.
Hungarian Paprika: The star spice here — it adds warmth, a subtle smoky sweetness, and that classic Hungarian character.
Chicken Broth: The flavorful liquid base; homemade or good-quality store-bought will do great.
Milk: I use whole milk for richness, but you can try plant-based if you want a lighter version.
Tamari Sauce: A little umami booster and salt substitute that balances the soup perfectly.
Sour Cream: It adds tanginess and creaminess, a signature in Hungarian dishes.
Lemon Juice: Just a splash to brighten all those earthy flavors.
Fresh Parsley, Dill & Thyme: Fresh herbs are essential for that vibrant, garden-fresh finish.
Salt, Pepper & Ground Chili Pepper: To taste for seasoning and just a touch of heat if you like.

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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

This soup is seriously flexible! I love to tweak the herbs depending on what I have on hand — sometimes extra dill for a sharper flavor, or a sprinkle of smoked paprika if I want more smokiness.

Variation: Once, I swapped sour cream for coconut cream for a dairy-free version, and while slightly different, it was still rich and delicious.
Spice Level: If you like things spicy, add an extra pinch of ground chili pepper or some cayenne to amp it up without overwhelming the flavors.
Mushrooms: Try mixing wild mushrooms along with cremini or portobello for an earthier, more complex taste.
Make it Vegan: Use plant-based butter, vegetable broth, almond milk, and coconut cream instead of dairy, and it’s just as comforting.

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

A white bowl filled with a creamy mushroom soup with a light brown, slightly orange broth that has small chunks of mushrooms and herbs floating in it. On top, several thick slices of cooked mushrooms rest, brown and shiny with a moist texture, sprinkled with fresh green parsley and a small sprig of dill in the center. A wooden-handled spoon rests inside the bowl’s right side, partially submerged. To the left of the bowl, two pieces of toasted bread with a golden, crunchy surface lean against the bowl. The scene is set against a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Melt Butter and Soften Onions

Start by gently melting butter in a large pot over medium heat. Then toss in the finely chopped onion and cook it until it’s soft and translucent—about 3 to 4 minutes. You want the onions sweet and tender but not browned. This step lays the flavorful foundation for the whole soup.

Step 2: Brown the Mushrooms

Next, add the sliced mushrooms and let them cook, stirring occasionally. They’ll first release their moisture, then begin to brown and caramelize around the edges—this takes about 7 to 8 minutes. Don’t rush this; the browning brings out a deep, savory flavor that really elevates the soup.

Step 3: Add Flour and Paprika

Sprinkle the flour evenly over the mushrooms along with the Hungarian paprika. Stir thoroughly to coat everything and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes. This cooks off the raw flour flavor and allows the paprika to release its aroma. It’s a signature step for that creamy, gently spiced base.

Step 4: Pour in Liquids and Simmer

Gradually add the chicken broth, stirring as you pour to avoid lumps. Then add the milk and Tamari sauce, mixing well. Bring the soup to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. This mellows the flavors and lets everything come together beautifully.

Step 5: Finish with Sour Cream and Fresh Herbs

Remove the pot from heat. Stir in the sour cream, lemon juice, chopped fresh parsley, dill, thyme, and seasoning — salt, black pepper, and a pinch of ground chili pepper all to taste. Mix until smooth and creamy. The sour cream adds a lovely tang while the herbs provide a fresh lift to balance the richness.

Step 6: Let It Rest Before Serving

Give your soup a few minutes to rest off the heat; this helps the flavors marry and the soup thicken just slightly. Then ladle into bowls, garnish if you like, and enjoy with some crusty bread or a light salad.

Top Tip

Over the years, I've found that mastering the browning of mushrooms and toasting the paprika in the pot before adding liquids makes all the difference in this soup's flavor. These little tweaks ensure your Creamy Hungarian Mushroom Soup Recipe is restaurant-worthy.

Perfect Mushroom Browning: Don’t overcrowd the pan. Give the mushrooms space so they can brown rather than steam.
Toast the Paprika: Adding paprika to hot fat and cooking it for a minute helps unlock its smoky, sweet aroma — don’t skip this!
Slow Simmer: Keep the heat low when simmering the soup to avoid curdling the milk or sour cream.
Add Sour Cream Off Heat: Stir it in once you’ve removed the pot from the stove to keep your soup silky and smooth.

How to Serve Creamy Hungarian Mushroom Soup Recipe

Hungarian Mushroom Soup - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually finish my soup with an extra sprinkle of fresh parsley and dill to give it that bright, fresh pop. Sometimes a dollop of sour cream right on top makes it look extra inviting and adds creaminess. If you like heat, a pinch of smoked paprika or a drizzle of chili oil is also wonderful.

Side Dishes

My go-to pairing is crusty artisan bread — perfect for dipping into that creamy soup. A crisp green side salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness nicely. On chillier nights, I love serving it with roasted potatoes seasoned with herbs.

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner parties, I sometimes serve the soup in individual rustic bread bowls – it’s not only charming but also cuts down on cleanup. Garnishing with edible flowers or microgreens adds an elegant touch when hosting special occasions. You can also drizzle a little truffle oil over each bowl for that luxurious finish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover Creamy Hungarian Mushroom Soup covered in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors only deepen overnight, making reheated soup taste even better the next day.

Freezing

This soup freezes really well! I cool mine completely before freezing portions in freezer-safe containers. When freezing, avoid adding sour cream until reheating to keep it from separating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently. Once warmed through, stir in fresh sour cream or any herbs you like to freshen it up. This keeps the texture velvety and delicious.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other types of mushrooms for this Creamy Hungarian Mushroom Soup Recipe?

Absolutely! While cremini mushrooms give a lovely earthy base, you can use portobello, bella, or even a mix of wild mushrooms like chanterelles or shiitake for more complex flavors. Just adjust cooking times so they brown nicely.

What can I substitute if I don’t have Hungarian paprika?

If Hungarian paprika isn’t available, regular sweet paprika is an excellent substitute. For a bit more smoky depth, you can mix in a small amount of smoked paprika. The key is not to skimp on paprika altogether since it’s essential to the flavor profile.

Can this Creamy Hungarian Mushroom Soup Recipe be made vegetarian or vegan?

Yes! Simply replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth, use plant-based butter and milk, and swap the sour cream for a vegan sour cream alternative or coconut cream. You’ll still get that creamy, comforting texture and rich flavor.

How can I make this Creamy Hungarian Mushroom Soup Recipe gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch for thickening. Also, make sure your chicken broth and Tamari sauce are gluten-free certified to avoid hidden gluten.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Hungarian Mushroom Soup Recipe has been my go-to whenever I want something both comforting and a little elegant. It’s one of those meals that feels like a warm hug in a bowl and invites you to slow down and savor each spoonful. I can’t wait for you to try it and add it to your list of beloved soups — trust me, it always hits the spot.