Specialty Soup Substitutes - Cream

unmistakable1's Note:

I was tired of paying over a dollar for Campbell's soups when a friend gave me this recipe. It doesn't take much extra work, and it's so much healthier! It's been months since I bought a can of cream of mushroom, cream of chicken, cream of celery, cheddar cheese, or tomato soup... helping my budget and my health at the same time. :)

• Total Time: 4 mins
• Prep Time: 1 mins
• Cook Time: 3 mins

Ingredients:

Yield: 1 can of ...

BASE RECIPE

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 pinch pepper (optional)

CREAM OF CHICKEN

• 1/4 teaspoon poultry seasoning or 1/4 teaspoon sage
• 1/2 cup low sodium chicken broth (I use homemade)
• 1/2 cup milk

CREAM OF CELERY

• 1/2 cup chopped celery
• 1 tablespoon diced onion
• 1 cup milk

CREAM OF MUSHROOM

• 1/4 cup chopped mushroom
• 1 tablespoon onion
• 1 cup milk

TOMATO SOUP

• 1/4 teaspoon garlic salt
• 1/4 teaspoon onion salt
• 1/4 teaspoon basil
• 1/4 teaspoon oregano
• 1 cup tomato juice

CHEDDAR CHEESE SOUP

• 1/4 teaspoon dry mustard
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Directions:

1. In a pan over medium heat, melt butter and saute veggies (if using).
2. Whisk in flour, salt, and spices (if using).
3. Let cook 1 minute, stirring often; slowly add liquid(s). Whisk continually until bubbly and thick. (If making cheese soup, stir in cheese here).

Reviews

[Papa D 1946-2012]

I used the Cream of Chicken for Creamy Hash Brown Potato Casserole and Cheddar Cheese Soup (substituting Cheddar with Velveeta) for Easiest Ever Mac and Cheese (Campbells). They both came out great :) . I also keep a copy of this in my kitchen for quick reference. Thanks for posting this.

[bakedapple42]

I tried the tomato soup, and while the flavor is nice, it was much too thick. I ended up using double the tomato juice and it was still too thick. We ate it anyway. If I try this again, I will make half the amount of the base.

[Mikekey]

Great recipe! I only use canned soups for casseroles, etc. so this is handy to have, since I have most of the ingredients for all of the varieties on hand. I made the cream of chicken tonight and will be using them all eventually. Remember, if you want to use these as a bowl of soup, you still have to add water or milk, these are the CONDENSED versions.