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Substitute for Cream of Mushroom Soup

Ran out of cream of mushroom soup? No worries — it happens to the best of us. Whether you’re missing a can, need a dairy-free option or just want to mix things up, there are plenty of ways to keep your dish creamy and flavorful. Check out these various substitutes and alternatives for when a recipe calls for cream of mushroom soup.

A spoon holds creamy mushroom soup above a bowl, hinting at a delicious substitute for cream of mushroom soup. In the background, a cutting board adorned with whole mushrooms adds a rustic charm to the scene.Pin
Substitute for Cream of Mushroom Soup. Photo credit: Depositphotos.

Why you need cream of mushroom soup

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Cream of mushroom soup serves a few purposes in cooking. Here are some reasons why you need it:

  • You might use cream of mushroom soup as a base for casseroles.
  • Cream of mushroom soup is often the base for making other sauces for chicken or beef recipes.
  • Cream of mushroom soup adds umami, plus savory, rich and creamy flavors to many dishes.

Common cream of mushroom substitutes

Out of cream of mushroom soup? Don’t worry — you’ve got options. Whether you’re after something creamy or just need a quick fix, there are plenty of simple swaps to keep your dish tasting great.

Cream of chicken soup

Cream of chicken has the same consistency and creaminess as cream of mushroom soup, making it a great substitute. It doesn’t have the umami flavor that cream of mushroom does, but it works well in casseroles and sauces. Cream of chicken has a distinct chicken flavor so make sure to use it in recipes that will work with that different taste.

While you can use it as a substitute for cream of mushroom soup, this works only if you’re making a recipe that doesn’t need to be meat free. If you can’t use something with meat in it, consider cream of broccoli or cream of celery soup mentioned below.

Cream of broccoli or cream of celery soup

Cream of broccoli soup is savory like cream of mushroom soup and works well in most casseroles and sauces. It’s the same with cream of celery soup. It has the same creaminess as cream of mushroom soup but without the umami flavor. It has a stronger vegetable taste but is great for recipes like chicken tortilla casserole. So feel free to use either as a substitute for cream of mushroom soup.

Heavy cream

Heavy cream is thick like cream of mushroom soup but doesn’t have the earthy taste. Nonetheless, it thickens when heated. So for that reason alone, you can use it as a 1-for-1 replacement for cream of mushroom.

Cream cheese and milk

Cream cheese with a small amount of milk adds creaminess to a recipe without the savory flavor of cream of mushroom. Cut cream cheese into small cubes and add a splash of milk. Use a whisk to mix it together and add a small amount at a time until it reaches the desired consistency. You can use this combo as a 1-for-1 substitute for cream of mushroom.

Sour cream

Sour cream has a creaminess and a tangy flavor without the umami flavor of cream of mushroom soup. The thickness of sour cream varies by brand so start with half the amount and add more as needed to get the desired consistency. If your recipe calls for 1 cup of cream of mushroom, start with one-half cup of sour cream.

Homemade cream of mushroom soup

You can always make your own cream of mushroom soup as a substitute. Here is my recipe for homemade cream of mushroom soup.

Coconut milk

Believe it or not, you can use unsweetened coconut milk to replace cream of mushroom soup. Keep in mind that it has a distinct flavor, so you should make sure to use it in recipes where the coconut flavor complements the recipe. Use this as a 1-for-1 replacement for cream of mushroom soup or if you’re making a vegan mushroom recipe, such as mushroom stroganoff.

“For anything cream based in recipes, I use canned coconut milk,” says Shelby Stover of Fit as a Mama Bear. “Not only is it dairy free but it still gives that rich, comforting flavor to a dish and a boost of healthy fats. We use it the most as the base for soups and slow cooker dishes.”

Mushroom roux

You can make a simple mushroom roux with regular or gluten-free flour and heavy cream or plant-based milk.

What you need:

  • ¼ cup flour.
  • 2 tablespoons butter.
  • 1 cup mushroom or vegetable broth.
  • ¼ cup heavy cream or plant-based milk.
  • ½ cup diced mushrooms.

In a skillet, melt the butter on low heat. Add flour and whisk the mixture until the butter absorbs the flour. Gradually add heavy cream or plant-based milk while whisking. Pour in the broth and whisk until smooth. Stir in the mushrooms. You can use this roux as a 1-for-1 substitute for cream of mushroom soup.

Final thoughts

Running out of cream of mushroom soup doesn’t have to ruin your recipe. You can make it work without leaving your kitchen with many easy substitutes. From whipping up a quick creamy base to swapping in another soup, there’s always a way to save the day.

This article originally appeared on Food Drink Life.

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