Out of Cream of onion soup, one case
Cream of onion soup substitutes
7 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Cream of mushroom soup
Same amount as the cream of onion soup
The best cream of onion soup substitutes are cream of mushroom soup (1:1), cream of celery soup (1:1), homemade cream of onion (1:1), or a simple roux-based sauce. Choose based on your recipe and flavor preferences.
- Best for —
- casseroles
One casethe full cream of onion card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of cream of onion soup |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cream of mushroom soupcasseroles | Same amount |
| 2 | Cream of celery soupcasseroles | Same amount |
| 3 | Homemade cream of onioncasseroles | Same amount |
| 4 | Cream of chicken soupcasseroles | Same amount |
| 5 | Roux-based saucesauces | 2 tbsp butter + 2 tbsp flour + 1 cup milk + ½ cup diced onions per 1 can cream of onion |
| 6 | Cream of asparagus soupcasseroles | Same amount |
| 7 | Greek yogurt + onion powderhealthier alternatives | 1 cup Greek yogurt + 1 tsp onion powder + ¼ cup milk + 1 tbsp flour per 1 can cream of onion |
Cream of mushroom soup
earthy, different · identical texture
Creamy condensed soup with similar texture and consistency. Most common substitute with earthy mushroom flavor instead of onion.
- Best for
- casseroles, sauces, soups, baking, when you want similar creaminess
Different flavor profile but identical texture and cooking properties. Works in almost all cream of onion soup applications.
Cream of celery soup
mild, neutral · identical texture
Creamy condensed soup with similar texture and mild flavor. Good substitute when you want a neutral base.
- Best for
- casseroles, sauces, soups, baking, when you want mild flavor
Mild, neutral flavor that won't overpower other ingredients. Identical cooking properties to cream of onion soup.
Homemade cream of onion
authentic onion · identical texture
Make your own cream of onion soup using onions, butter, flour, milk, and seasonings. Good for authentic flavor.
- Best for
- casseroles, sauces, soups, baking, when you want authentic onion flavor
- Prep
- Sauté ½ cup diced onions in 2 tbsp butter until soft. Add 2 tbsp flour, cook 1 minute. Gradually whisk in 1 cup milk, simmer until thickened. Season with salt and pepper.
Authentic onion flavor with full control over ingredients. Can be made ahead and stored in refrigerator.
Cream of chicken soup
chicken, different · identical texture
Creamy condensed soup with chicken flavor instead of onion. Good substitute when you want added protein flavor.
- Best for
- casseroles, sauces, soups, baking, when you want chicken flavor
Adds chicken flavor to dishes. Works well in most recipes that call for cream of onion soup.
Roux-based sauce
fresh, customizable
Make a simple white sauce with onions. Good when you want to avoid processed soups or need a specific consistency.
- Best for
- sauces, casseroles, when you want to avoid processed foods, dietary restrictions
- Texture
- similar when properly thickened
- Prep
- Sauté ½ cup diced onions in 2 tbsp butter until soft. Add 2 tbsp flour, cook 1 minute. Gradually whisk in 1 cup milk, simmer until thickened. Season to taste.
Fresh, natural alternative with no preservatives. Can be customized with additional seasonings.
Cream of asparagus soup
asparagus, different · identical texture
Creamy condensed soup with asparagus flavor. Good substitute when you want a vegetable-based alternative.
- Best for
- casseroles, sauces, soups, baking, when you want vegetable flavor
Different flavor but identical texture. Works well in most cream of onion soup applications.
Greek yogurt + onion powder
tangy, onion-flavored
Healthier alternative using Greek yogurt as the base. Lower in sodium and higher in protein.
- Best for
- healthier alternatives, dips, sauces, when you want added protein
- Texture
- similar when properly prepared
- Prep
- Mix 1 cup Greek yogurt with 1 tsp onion powder, ¼ cup milk, and 1 tbsp flour. Whisk until smooth and slightly thickened.
Healthier option with added protein. May need additional thickening for some recipes.
How it behaves in this recipe
Cream of onion soup serves as a creamy base and thickener in many recipes, particularly casseroles and sauces. The best substitute depends on your flavor preferences and dietary needs. All cream soup substitutes provide the same thickening and creamy properties, making them largely interchangeable in recipes.
Tips for substituting cream of onion soup
15 tips- For casseroles: any cream soup substitute works well as they all provide the same creamy base
- For sauces: homemade cream of onion or roux-based sauce gives you the most control over flavor
- For baking: cream of mushroom or cream of celery work best as they have the most neutral flavors
- For healthier options: Greek yogurt-based substitute or homemade versions are lower in sodium
- For authentic flavor: homemade cream of onion provides the most authentic onion taste
- For convenience: cream of mushroom soup is the most readily available substitute
- For dietary restrictions: roux-based sauce or homemade versions avoid processed ingredients
- For flavor variety: cream of chicken soup adds protein flavor to dishes
- For vegetable-based dishes: cream of asparagus or celery work well with other vegetables
- For make-ahead meals: homemade cream of onion can be prepared in advance and stored
- For thickening: all substitutes provide the same thickening properties as cream of onion soup
- For seasoning: add extra onion powder or diced onions to enhance onion flavor in substitutes
- For consistency: all cream soup substitutes have identical cooking properties and can be used interchangeably
- For storage: homemade substitutes should be refrigerated and used within 3-4 days
- For freezing: most cream soup substitutes freeze well and can be thawed for later use
Notes on cream of onion soup
- For a completely different approach, consider using pureed vegetables like cauliflower or potatoes as a creamy base
- Coconut milk can be used as a dairy-free alternative for creamy texture in some recipes
- Cashew cream provides a rich, creamy base for vegan alternatives to cream soups
- For a lighter option, use chicken or vegetable broth with a small amount of cornstarch for thickening
- Consider using sour cream or cream cheese mixed with broth for a tangy, creamy alternative
Questions
8 questionsCan I use cream of mushroom soup instead of cream of onion soup?
Yes, cream of mushroom soup is the most common substitute for cream of onion soup. Use it in a 1:1 ratio - it has different flavor but identical texture and cooking properties.
What's the best substitute for condensed cream of onion soup?
Cream of mushroom soup or cream of celery soup are the best substitutes for condensed cream of onion soup. Both work in a 1:1 ratio and have identical cooking properties.
How do I make homemade cream of onion soup?
Sauté ½ cup diced onions in 2 tbsp butter until soft. Add 2 tbsp flour, cook 1 minute. Gradually whisk in 1 cup milk, simmer until thickened. Season with salt and pepper. This makes the equivalent of one can of condensed soup.
Can I use cream of chicken soup instead of cream of onion soup?
Yes, cream of chicken soup works as a substitute for cream of onion soup in a 1:1 ratio. It adds chicken flavor to your dish but provides the same creamy texture and cooking properties.
What's a healthier substitute for cream of onion soup?
For a healthier option, use Greek yogurt mixed with onion powder, milk, and flour. Or make homemade cream of onion soup to control the ingredients and reduce sodium content.
Can I substitute cream of onion soup in casseroles?
Yes, any cream soup substitute works well in casseroles. Cream of mushroom, cream of celery, or homemade cream of onion all provide the same creamy base and thickening properties.
What's the difference between cream of onion soup and cream of mushroom soup?
Cream of onion soup has a sweet, mild onion flavor, while cream of mushroom soup has an earthy, mushroom flavor. Both have identical texture and can be used interchangeably in recipes.
Can I make cream of onion soup without condensed soup?
Yes, you can make homemade cream of onion soup using onions, butter, flour, milk, and seasonings. This gives you full control over ingredients and avoids processed foods.