Cream of mushroom soup is a comforting and versatile ingredient that can be paired with many different foods. Some classic pairings include chicken, rice, vegetables, and bread. But there are many other delicious options as well. When determining the best pairs, it’s important to consider flavors, textures, and overall balance. The goal is to complement the rich, earthy creaminess of the soup. In this article, we’ll explore some of the top pairings for cream of mushroom soup and tips for getting the most out of this cozy classic.
Meat Pairs
Meat is one of the most popular pairings for cream of mushroom soup. The savory umami flavors of the meat complement the mushrooms beautifully. Here are some excellent meat pairs:
Chicken
Chicken is a no-brainer pairing for cream of mushroom. Pieces of cooked chicken breast or thigh go wonderfully in the soup itself. Shredded rotisserie chicken also makes a quick and easy topping. For an elegant presentation, consider chicken scaloppine or medallions served over mushroom risotto made with the soup.
Beef
Hearty cuts of beef like pot roast or stew meat are ideal with mushroom soup gravy. Cook the beef low and slow until tender and serve over mashed potatoes, egg noodles or rice. Strips of flank steak or skirt steak are also nice served over wild rice or barley cooked in the soup.
Pork
The richness of pork chops, tenderloin or loin roast pairs perfectly with creamy mushroom. Smother pork in mushroom gravy or chop and add to the soup. Grilled pork tenderloin medallions dressed with mushroom sauce are simple but impressive.
Turkey, Duck or Game Hen
The bold flavors of wild fowl stand up well to creamy mushroom soup. Braise legs and thighs in the soup for a rustic stew. Ground turkey or duck can also be used in dishes like meatballs, burgers and meatloaf paired with the soup.
Seafood Pairs
While less common, creamy seafood dishes can be delightful with mushroom soup. Consider these ideas:
Fish
Hearty fish that hold up well to cooking like halibut, cod and salmon go nicely with cream of mushroom. Poach fillets gently in soup diluted with milk or broth. Or bake fish casseroles topped with mushroom sauce.
Shrimp
Sauteed shrimp simmered briefly in cream of mushroom make an easy but impressive skillet dinner. For special occasions, spoon mushroom sauce over grilled jumbo shrimp skewers.
Crab or Lobster
For indulgent appetizers or entrées, top crab cakes with mushroom cream. Or gently cook lobster pieces just until opaque in diluted soup, taking care not to overcook.
Vegetable Pairs
In addition to mushrooms, cream of mushroom soup complements many other vegetables. Here are some tasty ways to pair:
Green Beans
For a quick and healthy side, steam green beans and toss with sauteed mushrooms and mushroom soup. Top with crispy fried onions for crunch.
Broccoli or Cauliflower
Roast florets or steam until just tender, then coat with mushroom sauce. Sprinkle shredded cheddar on top for a comforting casserole.
Carrots or Sweet Potatoes
Dice and roast root vegetables drizzled with olive oil. Toss with thinned cream of mushroom for a savory glaze.
Brussels Sprouts
Half and roast brussels sprouts with bacon lardons. Toss with cream of mushroom for a warm, slightly sweet side dish.
Spinach or Kale
Saute spinach or kale with garlic and olive oil. Wilt just until tender. Season with salt, pepper and a drizzle of mushroom sauce.
Grain, Pasta and Bread Pairs
Starchy sides like grains, pasta and bread help sop up all that delicious mushroom sauce. Consider these winning combinations:
Rice
White or wild rice perfectly foil the richness of the soup. For risotto, use mushroom broth and cream of mushroom in place of most of the liquid.
Pasta
Wide noodles like pappardelle or rigatoni hold the thick sauce nicely. For special occasion primavera, add sauteed vegetables.
Polenta or Grits
Creamy cornmeal polenta or grits are ideal served under saucy mushroom dishes like braised short ribs.
Bread
Warm rolls, biscuits or slices of bread are great for dunking in soup. For appetizers, top toasted baguette slices with wild mushroom ragout.
| Food Item | Pairing Ideas |
|---|---|
| Chicken | Chicken breast, thigh, rotisserie, scaloppine, medallions |
| Beef | Pot roast, stew meat, flank steak, skirt steak |
| Pork | Chops, tenderloin, loin, medallions |
| Turkey, Duck, Game Hen | Legs, thighs, ground meat, meatballs, burgers, meatloaf |
| Fish | Halibut, cod, salmon |
| Shrimp | Sauteed, grilled skewers |
| Crab, Lobster | Crab cakes, gently poached |
| Green Beans | Sauteed beans and mushrooms |
| Broccoli, Cauliflower | Roasted florets, casseroles |
| Carrots, Sweet Potatoes | Roasted cubes, glazed |
| Brussels Sprouts | Roasted with bacon |
| Spinach, Kale | Sauteed greens |
| Rice | White rice, wild rice, risotto |
| Pasta | Rigatoni, pappardelle, primavera |
| Polenta, Grits | Creamy cornmeal base |
| Bread | Rolls, biscuits, slices, bruschetta |
Tips for Pairing
Here are some helpful tips for getting the most out of cream of mushroom soup pairings:
- Add sauteed mushrooms for extra flavor.
- Stir in sour cream or cream cheese to enrich the sauce.
- Spike with Worcestershire, soy sauce or dry Sherry for more umami depth.
- Top meat or vegetables with buttery, garlicky breadcrumbs before broiling.
- Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley, thyme or chives.
- To cut richness, stir in broth, milk or half and half.
- For convenience, use condensed soup diluted with equal water or milk.
- Make it vegetarian by using vegetable broth and plant-based milk.
Conclusion
Cream of mushroom soup may seem simple, but it’s endlessly versatile. The possibilities are limited only by imagination. Lean meats like chicken and beef are classic, but don’t be afraid to experiment with seafood and veggie pairs as well. Starchy sides provide comfort and help soak up the delicious sauce. And herbs, spices and other creative embellishments can take the flavor up another level. With so many options for customization, it’s easy to make this beloved ingredient the star of any weeknight dinner or holiday spread. So grab a can from the pantry and start getting creative with pairings!