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If you’ve ever wished for a quick, comforting base that brings incredible creaminess and flavor to your casseroles, pot pies, or sauces, this Homemade Condensed Cream Soup Recipe is about to become your new best friend. It’s wonderfully simple to prepare, uses pantry staples you likely already have, and creates that nostalgic, rich texture without any of the added preservatives or mystery ingredients found in store-bought cans. This recipe is as versatile as it is delicious, making it an essential kitchen hack to elevate countless dishes with just a few steps.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Making this Homemade Condensed Cream Soup Recipe is all about using simple, everyday ingredients that work together in perfect harmony. Each plays a crucial role in developing the soup’s silky texture and savory depth.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Adds richness and acts as the fat to cook the flour for thickening.
- 2 tablespoons flour: The thickening agent that transforms the soup into that perfect condensed consistency.
- 1 cup milk: Provides creaminess and smoothness, balancing the flavors beautifully.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth): Adds a savory depth and subtle umami that brings the soup to life.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors so every bite tastes just right.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Gives a gentle spicy warmth without overpowering.
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder: Imparts a mild, comforting garlic aroma for extra flavor complexity.
How to Make Homemade Condensed Cream Soup Recipe
Step 1: Melt the Butter
Begin by gently melting 2 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan over medium heat. This creates the flavorful base for your soup and ensures the flour blends in smoothly without lumps.
Step 2: Cook the Flour
Whisk in 2 tablespoons of flour, stirring constantly for 1-2 minutes until the mixture turns a beautiful golden brown. This step cooks off the raw flour taste and sets the stage for a luscious thickener.
Step 3: Add Milk and Broth
Gradually pour in 1 cup of milk and 1/2 cup of chicken or vegetable broth while whisking steadily. This slow incorporation is key for a creamy, lump-free texture that feels indulgent on the palate.
Step 4: Thicken the Soup
Continue cooking for 5-7 minutes, stirring regularly, until the soup thickens up to your desired consistency. It should coat the back of a spoon luxuriously without feeling too heavy.
Step 5: Season to Perfection
Mix in 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder. Taste and adjust these seasonings as needed—this final step ensures your homemade condensed cream soup sings with flavor.
Step 6: Use or Store
Once ready, use your Homemade Condensed Cream Soup Recipe immediately in any recipe that calls for condensed soup, or transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 5 days. It’s a handy shortcut that makes weeknight meals effortless.
How to Serve Homemade Condensed Cream Soup Recipe
Garnishes
A simple drizzle of fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives can elevate the dish when serving this soup as a base. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan or a few cracks of black pepper adds a lovely finishing touch that’s both aromatic and flavorful.
Side Dishes
This creamy soup lends itself perfectly to hearty sides—think crusty breadsticks for dipping, buttery mashed potatoes to scoop it onto, or a crisp green salad to brighten up the meal with fresh contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Don’t limit yourself to just using this homemade condensed cream soup inside recipes. Try serving it in mini soup cups as a creamy appetizer, or drizzle it over steamed vegetables and grains for a comforting, elegant meal presentation that’s anything but ordinary.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your homemade condensed cream soup keeps wonderfully in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Store it in a sealed container to preserve freshness and simply give it a quick stir before reheating to restore its silky texture.
Freezing
This soup can be frozen if you want to keep it longer. Pour it into a freezer-safe container, leaving room for expansion. When thawed, it might separate slightly but vigorous stirring or a quick whisk over low heat will revive that creamy goodness.
Reheating
Warm your soup gently on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently to avoid scorching. If it thickens too much during refrigeration or freezing, just add a splash of milk or broth to thin it back out to the perfect consistency.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the butter with dairy-free margarine or coconut oil, and use almond milk or another plant-based milk along with vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The soup will still delight with creamy texture and flavor.
How long does homemade condensed cream soup last in the fridge?
Stored properly in an airtight container, this soup lasts about 5 days in the refrigerator. Make sure to give it a good stir before using if it has been sitting for a while.
Is this recipe suitable as a base for other soups?
Yes, this Homemade Condensed Cream Soup Recipe is a fantastic base for many cream soups. Simply add your choice of cooked vegetables, herbs, or proteins to transform it into a hearty main dish.
Can I add spices or herbs while cooking?
Definitely! Feel free to experiment with thyme, rosemary, or paprika to tailor the flavor profile. Just add them during the seasoning step to allow their aromas to infuse properly.
What’s the consistency I should aim for?
The soup should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon generously but still pour smoothly. If it’s too thick, a little extra milk or broth will help loosen it up without losing creaminess.
Final Thoughts
This Homemade Condensed Cream Soup Recipe is truly a game changer in the kitchen. It’s simple, comforting, and endlessly versatile, perfect for anyone who loves cozy, homemade meals without relying on processed ingredients. Once you try making it yourself, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!
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Homemade Condensed Cream Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 cup (about 1 serving)
- Category: Soup Base
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This homemade condensed cream soup is a versatile and comforting base perfect for a variety of recipes, made from simple pantry ingredients and ready in just 15 minutes. It offers a creamy texture and rich flavor without the need for canned soups, making it a wholesome and fresh alternative.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Melt Butter: In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat to create the base for your roux.
- Cook Flour: Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly until the mixture becomes golden brown, which helps eliminate the raw flour taste.
- Add Liquids: Gradually whisk in the milk and chicken or vegetable broth, stirring continuously to ensure a smooth and lump-free mixture.
- Thicken Soup: Cook the mixture for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the soup thickens to your desired creamy consistency.
- Season: Stir in the salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed to enhance the flavor.
- Use or Store: Use the condensed cream soup immediately in your favorite recipes or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Notes
- You can substitute all chicken broth with vegetable broth to make it vegetarian friendly.
- For a dairy-free version, use a plant-based milk and dairy-free butter substitute, and verify broth suitability.
- Ensure constant stirring when adding milk and broth to prevent lumps.
- This homemade condensed soup can be used as a substitute in casseroles, sauces, or soups that call for canned condensed cream soup.
- If the soup thickens too much after cooling, gently reheat with a splash of milk or broth to loosen it.
