🍲 Soups

Cream Soup Substitutes: to Types & Dietary Alternatives

Find the best substitutes for all types of cream soups including cream of chicken, mushroom, celery, and more. Learn proper ratios and cooking techniques for any recipe.

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Quick Answer

The best general substitutes for cream soups are Homemade Cream Soup, Greek Yogurt + Broth, and Heavy Cream + Broth. For dietary needs, try Coconut Cream + Broth (vegan), Almond Milk + Broth + Cornstarch (dairy-free), or Cauliflower Puree + Broth (low-calorie).

Best Substitutes

Homemade Cream Soup

1:1

Make your own using broth, cream, flour, and seasonings. Control all ingredients and customize flavor to your needs.

Best for:

all recipeswhen you want control over ingredientscustomizing flavorhealthier option

Mix 1 cup broth + 1/2 cup cream + 2 tbsp flour + seasonings. Simmer until thickened. Use appropriate broth for flavor.

Greek Yogurt + Broth

1 cup yogurt + 1/2 cup broth

Healthy substitute that adds protein and probiotics. Creates creamy consistency with tangy flavor.

Best for:

healthy recipeswhen you want added proteincasserolesdipssauces

Use plain, full-fat Greek yogurt. Mix well to avoid curdling. Add at the end of cooking.

Heavy Cream + Broth

1 cup cream + 1/2 cup broth

Rich substitute that provides excellent creaminess and flavor. Use appropriate broth for desired taste.

Best for:

rich recipeswhen you want maximum creaminesscasserolessoupssauces

Use appropriate broth (chicken, mushroom, vegetable) for flavor. Season well with herbs and spices.

Coconut Cream + Broth

1 cup coconut cream + 1/2 cup broth

Vegan and dairy-free substitute with rich, creamy texture. Adds slight coconut flavor.

Best for:

vegan recipesdairy-free dietscasserolessoupssauces

Use full-fat coconut cream, not coconut milk. Mix well and season to taste.

Almond Milk + Broth + Cornstarch

1 cup almond milk + 1/2 cup broth + 2 tbsp cornstarch

Dairy-free and gluten-free substitute. Thicken with cornstarch for proper consistency.

Best for:

dairy-free dietsgluten-free dietsvegan recipeslight preparations

Use unsweetened almond milk. Mix cornstarch with cold liquid first to avoid lumps.

Sour Cream + Broth

1 cup sour cream + 1/2 cup broth

Tangy substitute that works well in many recipes. Adds richness and acidity.

Best for:

tangy recipeswhen you want aciditycasserolesdipsbaked dishes

Mix well to avoid curdling. Add at the end of cooking and don't boil.

Evaporated Milk + Broth

1 cup evaporated milk + 1/2 cup broth

Creamy substitute with similar consistency to cream soups. Less processed than condensed soup.

Best for:

casserolessoupssauceswhen you want creamy texture

Use regular evaporated milk, not sweetened condensed milk. Season to taste.

Cauliflower Puree + Broth

1 cup puree + 1/2 cup broth

Low-calorie, nutrient-dense substitute that provides creaminess without fat. Rich in vitamins and fiber.

Best for:

low-calorie recipeswhen you want added nutrientscasserolessoups

Steam cauliflower until tender, then puree until smooth. Season well with herbs and spices.

Cooking Tips

  • 💡For homemade versions, always mix flour with cold liquid first to prevent lumps
  • 💡When using dairy substitutes, add them at the end of cooking to prevent curdling
  • 💡Season homemade substitutes well - they need more salt and herbs than canned versions
  • 💡For gluten-free options, use cornstarch or arrowroot powder instead of flour
  • 💡Cream soup substitutes work best in slow-cooked dishes like casseroles
  • 💡For keto diets, use heavy cream instead of milk and thicken with xanthan gum
  • 💡Vegetarian options work well but may need additional seasoning for depth of flavor
  • 💡Always taste and adjust seasonings when using substitutes
  • 💡For binding in casseroles, use substitutes with higher fat content or add flour

Frequently Asked Questions

Summary

Find the best substitutes for all types of cream soups including cream of chicken, mushroom, celery, and more. Learn proper ratios and cooking techniques for any recipe.