Healthier Cream of Onion Soup Substitute

This post contains some affiliate links, which means I make a small commission at no extra cost to you. Read the full disclosure here.

It seems like many of the comfort food dishes that we know and love call for some sort of “cream of” soup. Whether cream of onion, mushroom, celery, chicken, or whatever else you could possibly create a “cream of” for. I am definitely not hating on the comfort-food we all love, I love a good side of cheesy potatoes or green bean casserole. But I do wonder if there is a better way to make these dishes…..maybe something a little better for us.

This recipe actually came from the fact that I needed cream of mushroom soup for a recipe I was in the middle of, but realized I was out of. When I couldn’t find a can of the needed soup anywhere in the kitchen (not even in the back of the cupboard of the random, forgotten canned foods), I did what anyone would do and performed a quick Pinterest search.

While I did find some helpful recipe ideas, I felt that I could do better. I wanted the consistency of the soup, but also a great flavor and easily adaptable recipe for whatever I might be making. With some experimenting I was able to create, what I believe to be, the perfect cream of onion soup substitute.

Here it is!

Ingredients for the Cream of Onion Soup:

• Butter
• Onion (or whatever vegetable your recipe calls for in the soup)
• Flour
• Milk
• Chicken broth
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Pepper

All ingredients you probably have on hand!

Making the Cream of Onion Soup:

In total, this cream of onion soup substitute only takes about 10-15 minutes to make, making a super easy thing to whip up whenever you need it.

To start, you’ll want to dice about a half cup of whatever veggie you are using for your soup. I typically use onion because I’m not a huge fan of mushrooms, but you can always use mushrooms, celery, or whatever vegetable your recipe calls for.

Next you will add the diced onion and butter to a small saucepan, turning the heat to high/ medium-high. Once the butter has melted and the onion begins to soften, add the flour and allow to cook for the a minute; stirring continuously. At this time you can add the salt, pepper and garlic powder.

Now you will whisk in the broth and milk, continuing to stir until the mixture begins to thicken. Once thickened, remove from heat.

That’s it! Now your cream of onion soup is ready to use in a recipe, or stored until you are ready to use it.

A quick note on storage: if you do not plan to use the soup immediately, I do recommend storing it in a glass container in the refrigerator (I love these jars for this!).

Your Turn!

Homemade Cream of Onion Soup

This homemade cream of onion soup is not only healthier than store bought versions, it's also fully customizable! Made with simple ingredients and your choice of onion, celery, mushrooms, this homemade soup is perfect for any recipe.

• Medium Saucepan
• Wooden Spoon / Spatula
• Whisk

• 2 tbsp Butter
• 1/2 C Diced onion*
• 3 tbsp Flour
• 1/2 C Chicken broth
• 1/2 C Milk
• 1/4 tsp Salt
• 1/4 tsp Garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp Pepper

1. Melt the butter in a saucepan, adding onions and stirring until they become soft

2. Add in flour and continue stirring for about 1 minute

3. Next, add in salt, pepper and garlic powder, continuing to stir

4. Slowly whisk in chicken broth and milk. Continue whisking until the mixture thickens – this usually takes 1-2 minutes.

5. Once thickened, remove from heat.

6. Your soup can either be immediately added to a recipe or stored in an airtight, glass container and refrigerated 3-4 days.

• I like using onions, but you can also use celery, mushrooms or even omit entirely (though this will likely alter the flavor slightly).

Main Course, Side Dish

Side, soup