The best substitutes for cream of mushroom soup
Cream of Mushroom soup is a popular ingredient in many North American households, often used as a base for casseroles and slow cooker meals. However, if you find yourself without a can of cream of mushroom soup in your pantry, there’s no need to panic. There are several excellent substitutes that can be used to achieve similar results in taste and texture. In this article, we will explore the best substitutes for cream of mushroom soup and provide some helpful tips on how to use each one effectively.
1. Chicken Cream
One of the best replacements for cream of mushroom soup is cream of chicken soup. While it may not have the distinct umami flavor of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup offers a similar creamy texture and works well as a gluten-free alternative. You can use cream of chicken soup in a variety of recipes that call for cream of mushroom soup, such as casseroles and slow cooker dishes.
2. Cream of Broccoli
If you’re not a fan of mushrooms but still want a flavorful substitute for cream of mushroom soup, cream of broccoli soup is an excellent choice. Cream of Broccoli soup adds a nice green color and a touch of variety to your dishes. Cream of Broccoli Soup is available in powdered form, so you can adjust the liquid content of your recipe as needed. It works especially well in dishes like scalloped potatoes or tuna noodle casserole.
3. Sour cream, yogurt or creme fraiche
For a tangy and creamy substitute, try sour cream, yogurt, or crème fraiche instead of cream of mushroom soup. These options work especially well in recipes that benefit from a little tang or that call for a lot of cheese. While not as thick as cream of mushroom soup, they provide a light and creamy base for your dishes. Use about 1 cup of sour cream, yogurt, or crème fraiche to substitute for a 10 oz. can of cream of mushroom soup.
4. Cream of Celery
Another good substitute for cream of mushroom soup is cream of celery soup. While the underlying flavor is different from mushroom soup, cream of celery soup offers a similar consistency and creaminess. It can be substituted ounce for ounce in recipes that call for cream of mushroom soup. Cream of celery soup works especially well in dishes that could benefit from bright flavors and a refreshing touch.
5. Cream of Potato
Cream of potato soup, often with bacon or leek, is another excellent substitute for cream of mushroom soup. It adds depth to the flavor profile of your dishes and can be used in a variety of recipes. Cream of Potato Soup pairs well with ingredients such as cheese and works especially well in casseroles and slow cookers.
Homemade Cream of Mushroom Soup Recipe
If you prefer a homemade option, making your own cream of mushroom soup is a fantastic solution. Here’s a quick and easy recipe to make your own delicious cream of mushroom soup:
Ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 8 oz cremini or shiitake mushrooms, sliced
- ½ cup diced onions
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup all purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable stock
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a frying pan, heat the butter and add the sliced mushrooms, diced onions, and minced garlic. Stir constantly until the mushrooms are soft and the onions are translucent (about 5 minutes).
- Stir in flour until the mushrooms are well coated.
- Pour in the broth, stirring constantly until the liquid comes to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer, uncovered, for about 10 minutes or until the mixture begins to thicken, stirring occasionally.
- Optional: Puree or blend the mixture for a smooth soup without mushroom chunks.
- Add cream, season with salt and pepper, and simmer for 2-3 minutes to heat evenly, stirring constantly.
This homemade cream of mushroom soup recipe offers a flavorful and satisfying alternative to canned soup, and allows you to customize the ingredients to your liking.
Substitutions in Homemade Soup
Making your own soup gives you the flexibility to make substitutions based on your dietary preferences or the availability of ingredients. Here are some suggestions:
- Vegan: Swap the heavy cream for canned coconut milk, use a vegan butter substitute or coconut oil, and opt for vegetable broth instead of chicken.
- Mushrooms: Substitute the same amount of chicken, celery, broccoli, or other vegetable of your choice for the mushrooms.
- Onions: If you’re sensitive to onions, try using leeks instead.
These substitutions can help tailor your homemade soup to your specific needs and preferences.
Conclusion
Cream of mushroom soup is a versatile ingredient that adds a rich and creamy element to many recipes. However, if you don’t have it on hand or prefer not to use it, there are several excellent substitutes. Chicken cream, broccoli cream, sour cream, yogurt, creme fraiche, celery cream, and potato cream can all be used as substitutes, each offering their own unique flavors and textures.
Additionally, if you prefer a homemade option, you can easily make your own cream of mushroom soup using butter, mushrooms, onions, garlic, flour, broth, and cream. This allows you to customize the soup to your taste preferences and dietary needs.
Remember, cooking is all about experimenting and finding what works best for you. Whether you choose a store-bought substitute or make your own homemade version, these alternatives will help you achieve delicious results in your favorite recipes without relying on cream of mushroom soup. So don’t hesitate to get creative in the kitchen and explore the wide variety of substitutes available to you. Happy cooking!
FAQS
What are the best substitutes for cream of mushroom soup?
The best substitutes for cream of mushroom soup include chicken cream, broccoli cream, sour cream, yogurt, crème fraiche, and celery cream. Each of these alternatives offers its own unique flavors and textures that can enhance your recipes.
Can I use cream of chicken soup instead of cream of mushroom soup?
Yes, cream of chicken soup can be used as a substitute for cream of mushroom soup. While it may not have the distinct mushroom flavor, cream of chicken soup provides a creamy texture and works well as a gluten-free alternative.
Can I make my own cream of mushroom soup?
Yes, you can easily make your own cream of mushroom soup at home. The recipe typically involves sautéing mushrooms, onions, and garlic, adding flour for thickness, and adding broth and cream. This homemade version allows you to customize the ingredients to your liking.
Are there non-dairy substitutes for cream of mushroom soup?
Yes, there are dairy-free substitutes for cream of mushroom soup. You can use options such as broccoli cream, plant-based sour cream alternatives, or coconut milk to replace the cream component.
How can I adjust the homemade cream of mushroom soup recipe to fit my dietary needs?
You can adapt the homemade cream of mushroom soup recipe to suit your dietary preferences. For a vegan version, replace the heavy cream with canned coconut milk, use a vegan butter substitute or coconut oil, and opt for vegetable broth instead of chicken. You can also substitute mushrooms or onions to suit your taste or dietary needs.
Can I use these substitutions in any recipe that calls for cream of mushroom soup?
While these substitutes work well in many recipes, it’s important to consider the specific flavors and textures they bring. Some recipes may benefit more from certain substitutions than others. For example, cream of broccoli soup may work better in dishes like scalloped potatoes, while cream of chicken soup works well in casseroles. Experimentation is the key to finding the perfect substitute for your specific recipe.