Cream Soup Substitutes

Say goodbye to canned cream soups with this versatile and creamy homemade substitute! Perfect for casseroles, soups, and comfort foods, this easy recipe uses pantry staples like unsalted butter, all-purpose flour, milk, and chicken or vegetable broth to create a smooth, flavorful base. In just 15 minutes, you'll have a customizable roux-based mixture that rivals the store-bought versions—without unnecessary additives. Season it to your liking with garlic powder, onion powder, or dried herbs for a personal touch. Whether you're keeping it vegetarian or sticking to classic flavors, this recipe is a must-have in your culinary arsenal for creating rich, wholesome dishes.

Nutriscore Rating: 59/100

Prep Time:5 mins

Cook Time:10 mins

Total Time:15 mins

Servings: 3

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup milk
• 0.5 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian version)
• 0.25 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 0.25 teaspoon optional seasoning: garlic powder, onion powder, or dried herbs

Directions

Step 1

In a medium-sized saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.

Step 2

Once the butter is melted, whisk in the flour. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to make a roux. The mixture should become smooth and slightly golden but not browned.

Step 3

Gradually add the milk to the roux, whisking continuously to avoid lumps.

Step 4

Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and continue whisking until the mixture is smooth and begins to thicken.

Step 5

Stir in the salt, black pepper, and any optional seasonings, adjusting to taste.

Step 6

Simmer the mixture for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until it reaches the desired thickness.

Step 7

Remove from heat and let cool slightly. Use immediately in recipes or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(409.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	396.4

Total Fat 29.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 17.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.2g
Cholesterol 84.0mg	0%
Sodium 1119.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 24.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 0.6g	0%
Total Sugars 12.2g
Protein 10.8g	0%

Vitamin D 107.4IU	0%
Calcium 319.1mg	0%
Iron 0.9mg	0%
Potassium 455.3mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 65.3%

Protein: 10.6%

Carbs: 24.1%