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This easy Condensed Cream Soup Substitute is a quick homemade replacement for canned condensed cream soup. It takes just 15 minutes and uses simple ingredients you probably already have on hand.
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Pin ItIf you’ve ever started a casserole only to realize you’re out of cream of chicken or cream of mushroom soup, this is one of those recipes you’ll be glad to have. One batch makes about 1 cup and can be used in place of one can of condensed cream soup.
It’s also easy to change the flavor depending on what you’re making. Use a different broth or add mushrooms, celery, chicken, herbs, onions, chopped shrimp, or cheese to make the substitute work with your recipe.
Table of Contents
- ❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- What is a condensed cream soup substitute?
- Key Ingredients
- Ingredients & Substitutions
- Variations
- Tips for Best Results
- FAQs
- Storage
- Quick Steps
- Make Ahead
- What to serve with Condensed Cream Soup Substitute
- If You Enjoyed Condensed Cream Soup Substitute
- 📌 Save This Recipe
- Condensed Cream Soup Substitute Recipe
- 🍽️ Other Recipes You May Enjoy
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in 15 minutes: It only takes a few minutes on the stovetop.
- Uses basic ingredients: Butter, flour, broth, milk, salt, and pepper make the base.
- Perfect for casseroles: Use it when a casserole or another recipe calls for canned condensed cream soup.
- Easy to customize: Change the broth or add ingredients to complement the dish you’re making.
- Makes one convenient batch: The recipe makes about 1 cup, which replaces one can of condensed cream soup.
What is a condensed cream soup substitute?
A condensed cream soup substitute is a thick, creamy sauce that can take the place of canned condensed cream soup in recipes.
This homemade version starts with butter and flour to create a roux. Chicken broth and milk are whisked in and cooked until the mixture becomes thick and creamy. From there, you can season or customize it to work with whatever you’re making.
Unlike regular soup, you don’t dilute this mixture before adding it to another recipe. Use it as you would the condensed soup straight from the can.
One batch makes about 1 cup and can be used in place of one can of condensed cream soup.
Key Ingredients
NOTE: This section highlights ingredients used in the recipe. Find the full printable recipe in the recipe card below.
Butter: Combines with the flour to create the thickening base. It adds richness and helps form the roux that thickens the soup.
All-purpose flour: Thickens the broth and milk so the mixture has the consistency of condensed soup.
Chicken broth: Adds savory flavor to the base. The recipe can also be made with another flavor of broth or water.
Milk: Gives the substitute its creamy texture.
Salt and pepper: Season the mixture to taste.
Ingredients & Substitutions
NOTE: This section suggests substitutions. Find the full printable recipe in the recipe card below.
- Butter: You can substitute ¼ cup of a neutral-flavored oil, such as avocado, canola, or vegetable oil. The flavor will be slightly different, but the soup should thicken similarly.
- All-purpose flour: No substitution recommended for the standard recipe.
- Chicken broth: Another flavor of broth or water can be used instead.
- Milk: No substitution recommended for the standard recipe.
- Salt and pepper: Adjust to taste.
- Optional add-ins: Fresh or dried herbs, celery, mushrooms, pieces of chicken, onions, chopped shrimp, or shredded cheese can be added to change the flavor.
Variations
- Cream of mushroom: Add mushrooms to the base to give it mushroom flavor.
- Cream of chicken: Add pieces of cooked chicken and use chicken broth.
- Cream of celery: Add celery to the base.
- Cream of shrimp: Add chopped shrimp. You can also change the broth to one that better complements the recipe you’re making.
- Herbed: Add fresh or dried herbs that work well with the finished dish.
- Cheesy: Stir in shredded cheese for a cheesy cream soup base.
- Different broth: Swap the chicken broth for another broth flavor or use water.
Tips for Best Results
- Whisk continuously when adding the liquids. This helps keep the mixture smooth.
- Don’t walk away while it thickens. The mixture comes together quickly once it reaches a low boil.
- Remember that this is condensed. It’s supposed to be thick because it’s replacing condensed soup straight from the can.
- Match the flavor to your recipe. Chicken broth works well as an all-purpose base, but another broth or water can be used when it makes more sense.
- Season with the final recipe in mind. Since this substitute will usually be added to another dish, you don’t need to over-season it.
FAQs
This recipe makes about 1 cup and can be used in place of one can of condensed cream soup.
Yes. That’s one of the best uses for it. Use the finished mixture in a casserole anywhere the recipe calls for canned condensed cream soup.
Yes. Use chicken broth for the liquid and, if desired, add pieces of cooked chicken to give the mixture more chicken flavor.
Yes. Add mushrooms to the base to turn it into a cream of mushroom soup substitute.
Yes. Chopped shrimp can be added to the basic recipe to change the flavor. You can also use a different broth or water instead of chicken broth if that works better with the dish you’re making.
Yes. Water or another flavor of broth can be used in place of the chicken broth.
Store it in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator and use it within 3-5 days.
Yes. Although it’s best freshly made, it can be frozen in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag for 2-3 months.
Storage
Transfer the cooled Condensed Cream Soup Substitute to an airtight container and refrigerate it for 3-5 days.
It can also be frozen in a freezer-safe container or zip-top freezer bag for 2-3 months. Keep in mind that the texture may change somewhat after freezing and thawing.
Quick Steps
NOTE: This section includes a step-by-step guide. Find the full printable recipe in the recipe card below.
- Melt the butter. Melt the butter in a saucepan.
- Add the flour. Whisk in the flour and stir until the mixture is smooth and bubbly.
- Add the liquids. Slowly whisk in the chicken broth and milk.
- Thicken. Bring the mixture to a low boil, whisking continuously, until it thickens.
- Season. Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Use or store. Use the mixture in place of canned condensed cream soup.
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Make Ahead
You can make this condensed soup substitute ahead of time and refrigerate it in a tightly sealed container.
For best results, use it within 3-5 days. Give it a good stir before adding it to your recipe.
What to serve with Condensed Cream Soup Substitute
This isn’t really a recipe you’d serve by itself. Instead, use it as an ingredient anywhere you would normally reach for a can of condensed cream soup.
It’s especially useful in casseroles, creamy chicken dishes, slow cooker meals, soups, and other comfort-food recipes.
Try it in recipes that call for condensed cream of chicken or cream of mushroom soup, such as green bean casserole, chicken casseroles, hash brown casserole, tuna noodle casserole, or chicken and dumplings.
If You Enjoyed Condensed Cream Soup Substitute
My King Ranch Casserole is a great recipe to keep in mind for this homemade substitute. This creamy, cheesy Tex-Mex casserole calls for condensed cream soup, making it an easy place to put the recipe to use.
Try my Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Skillet for an easy one-pan dinner. It combines chicken, rice, broccoli, and cheese with condensed cream of chicken soup for a creamy family-friendly meal.
My Chicken and Corn Chowder is another good reason to keep this recipe handy. The chowder uses condensed cream of chicken soup to create its rich, creamy base.
For another cozy dinner, try Cheesy Chicken Noodle Casserole. It’s an easy comfort-food casserole loaded with chicken, noodles, and plenty of cheesy goodness.
My Slow Cooker Chicken Stuffing Green Bean Casserole is a convenient all-in-one dinner for busy days. Chicken, stuffing, green beans, and a creamy sauce come together right in the slow cooker.
Another easy option is my Chicken Biscuit Pot Pie. Chicken and vegetables are combined with condensed cream of chicken soup and topped with an easy biscuit topping.
For another creamy comfort-food dinner, try my Chicken Cordon Bleu Pasta Casserole. It’s a hearty baked pasta casserole that’s a great addition to your family dinner rotation.
Looking for more easy recipes and family favorites? Browse the Love Bakes Good Cakes Recipe Index to find everything from quick dinners and casseroles to sides, soups, desserts, and more.
📌 Save This Recipe
Keep this Condensed Cream Soup Substitute handy for those times when a recipe calls for a can of cream soup and there isn’t one in the pantry. It’s especially useful during casserole season and around the holidays when condensed soups seem to show up in everything.
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Condensed Cream Soup Substitute
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Equipment
- medium saucepan
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup milk
- salt & pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Melt the butter in a saucepan.2 tablespoons butter
- Whisk in the flour and stir until smooth and bubbly.3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- While continuously whisking, add the chicken broth and milk. Bring to a low boil, continuing to whisk until the mixture thickens.1/2 cup chicken broth, 1/2 cup milk
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.salt & pepper
- Use in place of canned condensed cream soup.
Notes
🥡 Storage
- Allow the mixture to cool, then transfer it to an airtight container.
- Refrigerate for 3-5 days.
♨️ Reheating
- Gently reheat the mixture in a saucepan over low heat, stirring as needed, before using it if your recipe requires it warm.
- If you’re adding it directly to a casserole, soup, or slow cooker recipe, reheating it separately usually isn’t necessary.
❄️ Freezing
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container or zip-top freezer bag for up to 2-3 months.
- Thaw in the refrigerator before using.
- The texture may change slightly after freezing and thawing, so stir it well before adding it to your recipe.
💡 Tips for Best Results
- Whisk continuously as you add the broth and milk to help prevent lumps.
- Bring the mixture only to a low boil and continue whisking until thick.
- Remember that this is a condensed soup substitute, so the finished mixture should be thick.
- Choose broth and optional add-ins that complement the final recipe.
🍳 Alternate Cooking Methods
No alternate cooking methods are recommended. The stovetop method gives you the control needed to whisk the mixture and properly thicken the flour-based sauce.♻️ Leftovers
- Use leftover condensed soup substitute in casseroles, soups, creamy chicken dishes, or other recipes calling for canned condensed cream soup.
- Small amounts can also be added to a creamy sauce or gravy-style dish where the flavors work together.
📝 Notes
- Makes about 1 cup.
- One batch can be used in place of one can of condensed cream soup.
- Fresh or dried herbs, celery, mushrooms, pieces of chicken, onions, chopped shrimp, or shredded cheese can be added for flavor.
- Another flavor of broth or water can be used in place of the chicken broth.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
🍽️ Other Recipes You May Enjoy
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Thank you SO much!! I don’t use much canned food anymore, especially soups, and I never thought of a substitute, nor have I ever seen one. This solves my problem!! You’re the best!!
I hope you enjoy the recipe. 😊
Turned out perfect!
I was in a pinch making a casserole that called for cream of mushroom soup. Didn’t have time to get to the grocery store. This recipe saved me. Thank you. It works beautifully
Exceptional! No condensed soup for a recipe and found this one. Thank you for this 5 star go to which is now a staple in my recipe tool box!
This is such a fantastic post! I’ve been looking for a condensed cream soup substitute for a while, and your recipes look amazing. I can’t wait to try the homemade version in my casseroles! Thank you for sharing!
Thank you for this helpful substitute recipe! I often find myself without condensed cream soup when I need it, so I’m excited to try this out. The tips on seasoning and consistency are especially appreciated. Can’t wait to incorporate it into my favorite casseroles!