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Condensed Cream Soup Substitute
Have a recipe that calls for a can of condensed cream soup, but don’t have one in the pantry? This easy Condensed Cream Soup Substitute comes together in just minutes using simple ingredients you probably already have on hand.
Whether you’re making a casserole, slow cooker meal, pot pie, or comforting family dinner, this homemade cream soup substitute works in place of canned cream of mushroom, cream of chicken, cream of celery, and similar condensed soups. Plus, you can control the ingredients and customize the flavor to fit your recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Made with simple pantry ingredients
- Ready in about 10 minutes
- Works in place of most condensed cream soups
- Easy to customize
- No preservatives or unnecessary additives
- Perfect for casseroles, soups, and slow cooker recipes
Condensed Cream Soup Substitute Ingredients
- 3 Tbsp butter
- 3 Tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1–2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
- ½ cup broth (chicken, beef, or vegetable)
- ½ cup milk
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How to Make Condensed Cream Soup Substitute
- Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium-low heat. If using garlic, add it to the butter and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in the flour and continue stirring until smooth and bubbly, about 3 to 5 minutes.
- Slowly whisk in the broth, followed by the milk, stirring continuously to prevent lumps from forming.
- Continue cooking and stirring until the mixture thickens and begins to bubble.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Use immediately in any recipe that calls for a can of condensed cream soup.
Tips for the Best Homemade Cream Soup
- Whisk constantly when adding liquids to create a smooth sauce.
- Use whole milk for a richer, creamier texture.
- Allow the mixture to fully thicken before removing it from the heat.
- For extra flavor, add onion powder, garlic powder, or your favorite herbs.
- If the mixture becomes too thick, whisk in a small amount of additional broth.
What Does This Substitute Replace?
This recipe makes approximately the equivalent of one 10.5-ounce can of condensed cream soup.
You can use it in recipes that call for:
- Cream of mushroom soup
- Cream of chicken soup
- Cream of celery soup
- Cream of broccoli soup
Simply choose a broth that complements your recipe.
Easy Flavor Variations
Add any of these additions to the butter during the 1st step. Cook the vegetables until they are tender before adding the remaining ingredients.
Cream of Mushroom Substitute
Add ¼ cup finely chopped mushrooms while sautéing the garlic.
Cream of Chicken Substitute
Use chicken broth and add ¼ cup of cooked chicken and 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning.
Cream of Celery Substitute
Add ¼ cup finely diced celery and 1 Tablespoon finely chopped onion, cook until softened before adding the flour.
Cream of Broccoli Substitute
Add 1/4 cup of finely chopped broccoli and 1 Tablespoon of finely chopped onion to the butter and saute before adding the flour.
Ways to Use Homemade Condensed Soup
This substitute works well in:
- Green bean casserole
- Tuna noodle casserole
- Chicken and rice casserole
- Slow cooker pork chops
- Pot pies
- Scalloped potatoes
- Slow cooker chicken recipes
- Creamy soups and stews
Storage Tips
Store leftover condensed cream soup substitute in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
The mixture will thicken as it cools. Simply whisk in a splash of milk or broth when reheating.
Can You Freeze It?
Yes. Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and whisk well when reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much homemade soup equals one can of condensed soup?
This recipe makes approximately one can (10.5 ounces) of condensed cream soup, making it an easy one-for-one replacement.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes. Substitute a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the regular flour.
Can I make this dairy-free?
You can use dairy-free butter and an unsweetened non-dairy milk alternative such as oat milk or almond milk.
Why is my soup substitute lumpy?
Lumps usually occur when the liquid is added too quickly. Slowly whisking the broth and milk into the flour mixture helps create a smooth, creamy consistency.
More Kitchen Basics You’ll Love
• Buttermilk Substitutes
• Homemade Taco Seasoning
• Homemade Biscuit Mix
This Condensed Cream Soup Substitute is a simple recipe that can save a trip to the grocery store and help you make delicious casseroles, soups, and slow cooker meals using ingredients you already have at home.
Condensed Cream Soup Substitute
Ingredients
- 3 Tbsp butter
- 3 Tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1-2 cloves garlic, minced optional
- ½ cup broth (chicken, beef, or vegetable)
- ½ cup milk
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium-low heat. If using garlic, add it to the butter and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in flour. Continue stirring until smooth and bubbly, around 3-5 minutes.
- Slowly stir in the broth and then the milk. Stirring continuously to keep it smooth. Cook, stirring constantly until it thickens and bubbles.
- Season to your liking and use in any recipe that calls for Cream of Soup.
Nutrition
- 3-PLY CLAD, FAST & EVEN HEAT — Tri-ply stainless steel heats quickly and distributes heat evenly for smooth simmering and better control.
- FLARED POUR RIM, LESS DRIP — The shaped pouring edge guides liquids neatly into a cup or bowl for cleaner, more controlled pouring.
- PERFECT FOR MILK & SMALL-BATCH COOKING — Ideal for warming milk, making sauces, melting butter, heating soup, or cooking oatmeal—everyday tasks made easy.
- ALL STOVETOPS + EASY CLEANUP — Works on gas, electric, and induction; easy to clean after cooking and dishwasher safe for added convenience.
- CAROTE CUSTOMER CARE — Backed by CAROTE support for peace of mind—reach out anytime if you need help with your cookware.
- Swiss Non-Stick Coating - Swiss ILAG nonstick granite coating, SGS approved. PFOA free, smokeless, safe & healthy. Cooking with little oil for healthy diet.
- Suitable For All Stoves - High magnetic conductive stainless steel base allows the sauce pan to work on all cooktops, including induction. The core of small induction sauce pot is made of cast aluminum, which is sturdy and long-lasting. Heats up quickly and evenly.
- Versatile and Convenient - Size: 6.3" diameter, 3.4" deep, 1.5 Quart. This 1.5 quart sauce pot for grill is ideal for small portions of soup, sauces, oatmeal, and grins. Ideal Size for 1-2 people meal and easy for storage. Unique lip rim design of the milk pan allows drip-free pouring.
- Glass Lid & Stay-cool Handle - Long-lasting tempered glass lid makes this small induction saucepan with lid convenient to see the cooking status and limits splashes on your stove. Woodgrain bakelite handle is comfortable to grip and stays cool while cooking. Oven safe to 302°F.
- Easy To Clean - Nonstick and no rivets, this sauce pot is super easy to clean. Simply wipe it over with a sponge and warm soapy water. Make your daily food intake easier to make.
- EXCEPTIONAL DESIGN: enjoy mirror finish, classic look and professional performance. Aluminum encapsulated base heats quickly and spreads heat evenly– eliminating hot spots
- PREMIUM COOKING: stainless steel cooking surface does not discolor, react with food or alter flavors. Measurement markings for ease of use, drip free pouring, and flavor lock lid
- EXCEPTIONAL HANDLING: cool grip handles are solid stainless steel riveted handles that stay cool on the stove top and provide a safe a solid grip
- CLEAN UP: dishwasher safe for an effortless clean up
- LIFETIME WARRANTY: Refer to user manual for troubleshooting steps and questions surrounding warranty policies – this product is BPA free. Quantanium Non-Stick for Professional Results
