How Can I Make Campbell's Golden Mushroom Soup? Is There a Specific Recipe for It?

Campbell’s Golden Mushroom Soup is a beloved classic, often used in various recipes as a rich, flavorful base. Its smooth texture, deep golden color, and savory mushroom flavor make it a versatile choice for cooks looking to add depth to their dishes. While it can be found in many grocery stores, making this iconic soup at home offers the opportunity to control the ingredients and customize the flavors. Whether you're looking to replicate the classic canned version or elevate it with your own twist, this guide will show you how to make Campbell’s Golden Mushroom Soup from scratch.

What Is Campbell's Golden Mushroom Soup?

Before diving into the recipe, it’s helpful to understand what makes this soup unique. Campbell's Golden Mushroom Soup is a condensed soup, meaning it’s thicker than a traditional soup and often used as a base for other dishes. Unlike cream of mushroom soup, it doesn’t contain cream or milk, making it a slightly lighter option while still rich in flavor. The key components include:

Mushrooms: These are the stars of the soup, providing an earthy, umami flavor.

Tomato paste: This adds a tangy richness and deepens the golden hue of the soup.

Beef stock: The beef stock gives the soup its savory backbone, distinguishing it from vegetarian mushroom soups.

Onions, garlic, and other aromatics: These enhance the overall flavor and add depth to the soup.

If you're a fan of the canned version, you may recognize the deep, robust flavor that comes from this combination of ingredients. The homemade version strives to capture these qualities, while also giving you the flexibility to adjust the flavors to your liking.

Ingredients You'll Need

To replicate Campbell's Golden Mushroom Soup at home, you’ll need the following ingredients:

2 cups fresh mushrooms (white button, cremini, or a mix of your favorite mushrooms), sliced

1 tablespoon olive oil or butter

1 medium onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 tablespoons tomato paste

3 cups beef broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian version)

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

1/4 cup dry white wine (optional but adds depth)

1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (for thickening)

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh herbs (such as thyme or parsley) for garnish

Step-by-Step Recipe to Make Campbell's Golden Mushroom Soup

Step 1: Prepare the Mushrooms and Aromatics

Start by prepping the mushrooms, onions, and garlic. Slice the mushrooms and set them aside. In a large pot, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook until they turn translucent, about 5 minutes. Next, add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 2: Cook the Mushrooms

Add the sliced mushrooms to the pot and stir well to combine with the onions and garlic. Cook for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are golden brown and have released their moisture. This process is crucial for developing the rich mushroom flavor characteristic of Campbell's Golden Mushroom Soup.

Step 3: Add Tomato Paste and Wine

Once the mushrooms are nicely browned, add the tomato paste to the pot. Stir it into the mushrooms and let it cook for a couple of minutes. The tomato paste will add a slightly sweet and tangy note to the soup and deepen the color. If you're using white wine, pour it in now. Let the wine simmer until it's reduced by half, which should take about 2-3 minutes.

Step 4: Add Beef Broth and Worcestershire Sauce

Pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, stirring to combine all the ingredients. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Let the soup cook for 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Step 5: Thicken the Soup

To achieve the thicker, condensed texture similar to Campbell’s, you’ll need to add a thickening agent. In a small bowl, mix the flour with a few tablespoons of water to create a slurry. Slowly whisk this slurry into the soup to prevent lumps. Continue stirring and cook for another 5 minutes until the soup has thickened.

Step 6: Season and Serve

Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. If you'd like, you can also add a bit more Worcestershire sauce for extra umami flavor. Garnish with fresh herbs like thyme or parsley before serving.

Variations and Customizations

One of the great things about making your own version of Campbell’s Golden Mushroom Soup is that you can customize it to suit your tastes. Here are a few ideas for variations:

Vegetarian version: To make the soup vegetarian, simply substitute vegetable broth for beef broth and use vegan Worcestershire sauce. The result will still be flavorful and rich without the meat-based broth.

Creamy version: If you prefer a creamier soup, add a splash of cream or milk at the end of cooking. You can also use coconut milk for a dairy-free option.

Herb-infused version: Experiment with different herbs to add extra layers of flavor. Thyme, rosemary, and sage work especially well with mushrooms.

Add protein: For a heartier meal, add cooked beef or chicken to the soup. This turns it into a complete dish rather than just a base for casseroles or sauces.

Cooking Tips for Success

Brown the mushrooms well: The key to a flavorful mushroom soup is to get a nice brown color on the mushrooms. Don’t rush this step; it’s where a lot of the soup’s flavor develops.

Use quality beef broth: Since the broth is such a big part of the soup, opt for a high-quality one. Homemade or low-sodium broths are great choices.

Don't skip the tomato paste: While it may seem like a small addition, tomato paste adds a deep, rich flavor and is responsible for the soup's golden color.

Make it ahead: This soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Just reheat it gently on the stovetop when you’re ready to use it.

Ways to Use Golden Mushroom Soup

One of the reasons Campbell’s Golden Mushroom Soup has become so popular is its versatility. Beyond being a comforting soup on its own, it’s often used as a base in casseroles, sauces, and other dishes. Here are a few ideas for using your homemade version:

Beef Stroganoff: Use the soup as a base for a rich, creamy beef stroganoff. Just add sautéed beef strips, onions, and sour cream.

Chicken and Rice Casserole: Combine the soup with cooked chicken, rice, and vegetables for an easy, one-pan casserole.

Sauce for Pork Chops: Pour the soup over seared pork chops and simmer until the meat is tender for a flavorful dinner.

Conclusion

Making Campbell’s Golden Mushroom Soup at home is surprisingly simple and offers the advantage of using fresh, wholesome ingredients. Whether you’re looking to recreate the classic canned version or want to experiment with new flavors, this recipe provides a solid foundation. Plus, it’s a versatile dish that can be used in countless recipes, making it a great addition to your culinary repertoire. So next time you need a can of golden mushroom soup, consider making your own instead—it’s sure to impress!