Read this article if you are looking for the best substitute for cream of mushroom soup. Here we will list the top alternatives for your needs.
This creamy and rich soup is very popular and used in various cooking applications. However, despite it being a common ingredient, on some occasions, you might need a swap.
Cream of mushroom soup is a popular USA canned soup that you can often find in any grocery store.
It is a versatile soup made with a mix of mushrooms and a creamy base.
You can enjoy it independently or use it as an ingredient in various recipes.
Typically, this soup consists of mushrooms sauteed in butter or oil, then blended with broth and cream, resulting in a smooth and creamy texture.
People usually serve it as a comforting soup, often with fresh herbs or a drizzle of cream.
This soup also makes a good base for many dishes like casseroles, sauces, and gravies. It adds a rich mushroom flavor and a creamy consistency to those recipes.
People use this canned soup as it offers convenience for quick recipes. It is a true staple for many home cooks.
However, homemade cream of mushroom soup can offer a fresher, more customizable flavor and even a healthier twist. It allows you to adjust the ingredients and seasonings to your preferences.
Whether you are looking for the same creamy texture and consistency or the rich flavor of this soup, you can use other ingredients to substitute it. Each substitute will bring its charm to the dish you are making.
Cream of mushroom is a great substitute for Alfredo sauce in several recipes. For this reason, the opposite also works – this creamy sauce is also a good swap for the cream of mushroom.
This substitution will bring a different but delicious flavor to your dishes, especially casseroles.
However, remember that the flavor profile of Alfredo sauce is completely different. Your dish will turn out cheesy instead of meaty and earthy.
The best thing about Alfredo sauce is its creaminess and texture. If you’re after those two, this option is surely one of the best substitutes for the cream of mushroom soup.
Cooking Tips:
Start with half the amount you would use of cream of mushroom soup and work your way up from there. Doing so will not overpower your dish. Try it in a green bean casserole recipe.
Celery soup of cream of celery is another famous soup as it has the same consistency. For this reason, it makes a wonderful substitute in many recipes.
Additionally, it has the same creaminess that many look for in cream of mushroom soup.
However, despite being a vegetable-based soup, it also tastes different.
Celery soup will offer a mild vegetable taste that is less intense. This is a great option if you want a less intense taste for your dishes.
Cooking Tips:
When using celery soup as a substitute for cream of mushroom soup, follow a 1:1 ratio. Use it in recipes as a base for creamy soup recipes and broths.
Chicken soup is the most popular substitute for cream of mushroom soup. It’s also one of the best.
If you’re after the original soup’s consistency and saltiness, your best substitute option is chicken soup.
The biggest difference with chicken soup is that it lacks the savory essence of mushrooms. It has a distinct chicken taste that can significantly alter the flavor of your dish.
For people who like to maintain the taste of their dish, there are better swaps on this list.
On the other hand, this option is a good choice for those who dislike the taste of mushrooms.
Cooking Tips:
You can use chicken soup in a 1:1 ratio when substituting cream of mushroom soup. Note that chicken soup has chicken broth, so it is not vegan. If you follow a vegan diet, skip this swap.
Cream cheese may seem like it’s not a good option, but it works surprisingly well as a cream of mushroom soup substitute.
Note that the cream cheese will be too thick on its own. To begin with, cut the cream cheese into smaller pieces, then add a splash of milk. Use a whisk to mix them.
The consistency will differ depending on what brand of milk and cream cheese you use, so keep mixing until you find the consistency you’re looking for.
Once you have it right, you will have a rich and creamy mushroom soup substitute.
You will most likely use this mixture again the next time you need it, as it tastes great.
Cooking Tips:
Use the same amount of the cream cheese and milk combination as the cream of mushroom your recipe calls for.
Vegetable broth looks so different from the original ingredient, so you may think it won’t be a great substitute.
Still, this broth can be a decent vegan cream of mushroom swap in a pinch. After all, you can find this broth almost anywhere. If not, you can easily make a vegetable broth at home.
The biggest consideration you have to account for when using this broth is its consistency. Without anything to make it thick, it will affect the overall dish completely.
If you want to make sure that it becomes closer to the thickness and richness of cream of mushroom soup, you can add pureed potato.
Cooking Tips:
If mixed with pureed potato, you can use vegetable broth as a substitute in a 1:1 ratio. However, if you’re using it plain, starting with smaller amounts is best so your recipe does not become too watery.
Consider mixing it with cream or coconut milk to get the creaminess closer to that of the original ingredient.
It makes sense to substitute your cream of mushroom soup with another creamy vegetable soup. If you enjoy vegetables or want another vegetarian alternative, broccoli soup is a great go-to.
If you want a richer flavor compared to the other vegetable soup substitutes, this soup is the right one.
This alternative will have a savory flavor profile closer to the original soup’s.
This soup works best for seafood dishes like tuna casseroles and noodles. The best thing? It adds a boost of nutrition, making your dish healthier.
Cooking Tips:
Use a 1:1 ratio when substituting cream of mushroom soup with broccoli soup.
If you enjoy a meaty taste to your alternative, look no further. Potato soup offers a meaty flavor similar to what mushrooms have. This characteristic makes it an ideal swap for the cream of mushroom soup.
Potato soup has a mild flavor, so using it won’t overpower your dish. Additionally, since potatoes are high in starch, you’ll have an equally creamy and thick soup.
The swap will be barely noticeable.
However, you have to remember that potatoes are high in carbohydrates. A potato soup won’t be the best alternative if you are watching your carbohydrate intake.
Cooking Tips:
Like other creamy soups, you can use potato soup in a 1:1 ratio as a substitute for cream of mushroom soup. Potato soup is best for beef stroganoff and other thick creamy soups.
A traditional cream of mushroom soup recipe contains heavy cream.
That said, heavy cream would be a good alternative In the absence of cream of mushroom. After all, it is a thick ingredient that can enrich your recipes the same way.
Heavy cream will give it a similar consistency and texture if the soup acts as a base in your dish.
Remember, though, that heavy cream will not give you the savory taste of the mushrooms. Although, if you’re not too fond of the mushroom taste, that’s a win.
Cooking Tips:
Heavy cream thickens when you heat it, so it’s safe to use a 1:1 substitution ratio. However, for those worried about the final dish’s consistency, it’s okay to start with half the amount. Just add until you reach your desired texture.
Add spices and seasonings such as garlic powder and onion powder to the heavy cream until you get your desired taste.
Dry cream soup mix is one of the most accessible canned cream of mushroom soup substitutes.
It’s readily available in almost any grocery store, so you won’t have trouble finding it. Dry cream soup mix is basically a combination of cream, herbs, and spices in powder form.
Adding hot water to the cream soup mix will turn it into a liquid you can use as a substitute for mushroom soup.
This alternative is best used as a mushroom soup substitute for side dishes rather than a main ingredient.
Cooking Tips:
Use in a 1:1 ratio. Adding milk instead of hot water is best for a closer flavor and texture match. Adding fresh mushrooms to the mix also makes it more authentic.
If you’re not after the consistency of cream of mushroom soup, golden mushroom soup is a decent alternative.
The main thing that it gets right as a substitute is the taste. Since it is also a mushroom soup, you’ve got the flavor down.
However, since it’s made with beef stock instead of cream, it’s more runny than cream of mushroom.
This soup might not be your best bet in dishes where the texture relies on the original ingredient.
Cooking Tips:
You can use golden mushroom soup in a 1:1 ratio. Reduce the amount of your other liquid ingredients to compensate for the thin consistency of this swap.
Sour cream may not be the first option that comes to mind regarding cream of mushroom soup substitutes, but it’s actually an excellent alternative.
The flavor of sour cream actually does not stray too far away from the taste of the cream of mushroom.
It does have significant differences, though. For instance, sour cream does not have an umami flavor. It is definitely tangier.
The good thing is that you can mask the sour taste of sour cream to make it a closer flavor match.
The rich and thick consistency of sour cream is another thing that makes it an amazing substitute. Additionally, it’s easy to find! It’s also a staple in many kitchens.
Cooking Tips:
It’s best to use half the amount of sour cream as the cream of mushroom soup the recipe calls for.
With so many options, finding the best swap can be challenging. Selecting the best swap depends on various factors. If you want to make sure you have the best for your dish, think of the following:
Consider the flavor of the dish you’re making. Cream of mushroom soup contributes a rich, earthy mushroom flavor.
Many of the swaps here have a different distinct flavor that may alter your recipe. Still, some may make your dish taste better.
If you’re looking for a similar taste, opt for an alternative that can replicate or complement the original soup’s flavor.
Consider the thickness and creaminess of the soup you’re aiming for. Cream of mushroom soup is creamy and velvety.
If you absolutely need a similar texture and consistency, go for alternatives like heavy cream and broccoli soup.
Take into account your personal preferences and dietary restrictions. You may need a dairy-free or vegan substitute; vegetable broth may be the best choice in those cases.
You may also experiment with other alternatives until you find the one that suits your preference and restrictions.
The main difference between these two types of soup is that cream of mushroom soup is made with cream. Regular mushroom soup has no cream, so it is thin and clear.
These two foods differ in their consistency. The former is a rich, creamy soup with mushrooms, onions, butter, flour, broth, cream, and seasonings. The condensed cream soup is a more concentrated and thicker version of the original soup. If you want to substitute one for another, you will have to thin out the condensed soup.
Cream of mushroom soup got its name because of its main ingredients. It consists of a creamy base and chopped mushrooms. The “cream” part of the name also refers to the addition of dairy, which gives the soup its rich and creamy consistency.
Cream of mushroom soup is a great stand-alone dish and a valuable ingredient in many dishes. It is creamy, thick, and flavorful. However, when it’s not available, choose an option from our list above.
You can go for canned pre-made soup or a homemade version. You have many options, including celery soup, heavy cream, broccoli soup, and even cream cheese. In some recipes, you can also opt for dry cream soup mix and golden mushroom soup.
Each alternative will bring about a unique taste and texture to your dish. You may need to adjust your recipes to accommodate the substitutes, and don’t be afraid to experiment until you find the right one.
