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Keeping a homemade cream of anything soup mix in the pantry is one of my favorite ways to simplify weeknight cooking. Instead of opening a can of condensed soup, I can whisk together exactly what I need in just a few minutes using ingredients I already have on hand. It’s a great pantry staple for casseroles, pot pies, slow cooker meals, and creamy chicken recipes.
This dry mix stores well, takes only a few minutes to make, and can be customized depending on what you’re cooking. I especially love using it in recipes like Creamy Rotel Chicken Spaghetti Bake, Creamy Chicken Enchiladas, Salsa Verde White Chicken Enchiladas, and Homemade Chicken Pot Pie whenever I want a richer homemade flavor without relying on canned soup.
Throw in a few dried or fresh diced mushrooms to this mix to create your own cream of mushrooms soup to use in an easy Tater Tot Casserole!
Whether you’re stocking your pantry, meal prepping, or simply trying to reduce processed ingredients, this homemade cream soup mix replaces 7 cans of a “cream of” soup and is one recipe you’ll reach for again and again.
See VARIATIONS towards the bottom of this post for different ways to customize this cream of anything soup mix!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Keeps for months in the pantry.
- Replaces canned condensed cream soups in most recipes.
- Easy to customize with different liquids and add-ins.
- Uses simple pantry ingredients.
- Ready in just minutes when you need it.
- Perfect for casseroles, slow cooker meals, pot pies, and creamy pasta dishes.
- Makes meal prep faster throughout the week.
Ingredients
- Instant dry milk powder
- Cornstarch
- Chicken bouillon
- Dried minced onion
- Dried thyme
- Dried basil
- Garlic powder
- Black pepper
- Milk, broth, or water (when preparing)
Equipment
Large Mixing Bowl – A large bowl gives plenty of room to whisk the ingredients evenly without making a mess.
Whisk – A sturdy whisk quickly blends the dry ingredients so every scoop contains the same balance of seasonings.
Measuring Cups & Spoons – Accurate measuring keeps each batch consistent.
Airtight Glass Mason Jar or Food Storage Container – Store your finished soup mix in a sealed container to keep it fresh and dry for months.
Small Saucepan – Perfect for cooking the prepared soup mixture until thick and creamy whenever a recipe calls for condensed soup.
How to Make
Making this pantry mix couldn’t be much easier, but taking a minute to whisk everything thoroughly makes a big difference.
Start by adding all of the dry ingredients to a large mixing bowl before combining them. Whisk until the color and texture look completely uniform and you no longer see pockets of cornstarch or seasonings.
Once blended, transfer the mixture to an airtight container. Storing it in a glass jar makes it easy to scoop whenever you need it for a recipe.
When you’re ready to use it, whisk the dry mix together with your choice of milk, broth, water, or a combination of liquids before placing it over medium heat. Beginning with a smooth mixture helps prevent lumps from forming as it cooks. Continue whisking as it heats until the mixture thickens into a creamy condensed soup consistency.
Using milk creates the richest flavor, while broth adds additional savory depth that works especially well in chicken casseroles and slow cooker meals. Once thickened, use it immediately anywhere a recipe calls for a can of condensed cream soup.
Free Printable Pantry Labels
Want your pantry jars to look as organized as they function? Download my free printable Cream of Anything Soup Mix pantry labels to fit pint, quart, and half-gallon mason jars. They include both front labels and coordinating lid labels, making them perfect for pantry organization or homemade gifts.
This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
PrintHomemade Cream of Anything Soup Mix
Skip the canned soup with this easy homemade cream of anything soup mix. Keep a jar in your pantry and quickly make a creamy soup base for casseroles, slow cooker meals, pot pies, and more using ingredients you probably already have. This mix makes 7 cans worth of mix!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: About 2⅓ cups dry mix- 7 Servings (Replaces 7 cans of cream of soups!)
- Category: Basics
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Dry Soup Mix
- 1 cup instant dry milk powder
- ¾ cup cornstarch
- ¼ cup chicken bouillon powder or granules
- 2 TBSP dried minced onion (⅛ cup)
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp dried basil
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp black pepper
To Make One Batch of Soup
- ⅓ cup dry soup mix
- 1¼ cups liquid (milk, water, chicken broth, vegetable broth, or a combination)
Instructions
Make the Dry Mix
- Whisk together the instant milk powder, cornstarch, bouillon, dried minced onion, thyme, basil, garlic powder, and black pepper until evenly combined.
- Transfer to an airtight container and store in a cool, dry place.
To Make Cream Soup
- In a small saucepan, whisk together ⅓ cup dry mix with 1¼ cups liquid until smooth.
- Cook over medium heat, whisking frequently, until the mixture thickens and becomes creamy, about 3–5 minutes.
- Use immediately anywhere a can of condensed cream soup is called for.
Want your pantry jars to look as organized as they function? Download my free printable Cream of Anything Soup Mix pantry labels to fit pint, quart, and half-gallon mason jars.
Notes
- Use milk for the richest, creamiest flavor.
- For more savory recipes, use chicken or vegetable broth instead of water.
- Add cooked mushrooms, celery, herbs, shredded chicken, or cheese to customize the flavor.
- One prepared batch replaces approximately one 10.5-ounce can of condensed cream soup in most recipes.
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Airtight jar or container
- Small saucepan (to prepare the soup)
Storage
Store the dry mix in an airtight container in a cool, dry pantry for up to 6 months. Stir or shake before each use if the ingredients settle.
If you’re making a batch for yourself or as a gift, don’t forget to download the matching free printable pantry labels before you go.
Recipes That Pair Well With This
This homemade soup mix works beautifully in many comfort food recipes around the kitchen.
- Creamy Rotel Chicken Spaghetti Bake
- Creamy Chicken Enchiladas
- Salsa Verde White Chicken Enchiladas
- Homemade Chicken Pot Pie
- Tater Tot Casserole
- Homemade Pizza Dough (for creamy chicken pizza variations)
- Juicy Garlic Herb Chicken
- Homemade Breadsticks
- Easy Dutch Oven Cheesy Bread
- Homemade Buttermilk Biscuits
More Recipes to Try
- Easy Homemade Lasagna
- Copycat Chick-fil-A Sauce
- Copycat Raising Cane’s Sauce
- Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup
- Homemade Taco Seasoning
- Homemade Pizza Sauce
- Southwest Ranch Dressing
- Mexican Restaurant-Style Spanish Rice
- Homemade Spaghetti Sauce
- Queso (Mexican White Cheese Dip)
Tips for Little Helpers
Kids can help measure each dry ingredient into the mixing bowl before whisking everything together. Older children can practice leveling measuring cups and spoons, while younger helpers enjoy pouring ingredients and helping label the storage jar. It’s an easy recipe for teaching measuring skills with very little cleanup.
Tips for Success
- Whisk the dry ingredients thoroughly so every scoop has an even distribution of seasonings.
- Store the mix in an airtight container to prevent moisture from getting in.
- Shake or stir the jar before each use if the ingredients settle during storage.
- Whisk the dry mix into the liquid before heating to reduce lumps.
- Use milk for the creamiest texture or broth for extra savory flavor.
- Cook over medium heat while whisking until thickened.
- One prepared batch replaces approximately one 10.5-ounce can of condensed cream soup in most recipes. This recipe should make enough to replace 7 cans of “cream of” soups!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use this instead of cream of chicken soup?
Yes. This recipe creates a basic condensed cream soup base that can replace cream of chicken soup in most casseroles. Using chicken broth when preparing it will provide even more chicken flavor.
Can I make it into cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup?
Absolutely. After preparing the soup, simply stir in sautéed mushrooms, cooked celery, or other vegetables depending on your recipe.
Can I use water instead of milk?
Yes, although milk produces the richest and creamiest texture. Chicken or vegetable broth also works well for savory recipes.
Is this gluten-free?
As written, the recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as your chicken bouillon is certified gluten-free. Always check ingredient labels.
How many cans of soup does one batch make?
The full dry mix makes about seven servings, with each serving replacing one standard 10.5-ounce can of condensed soup.
Storage
Store the dry soup mix in an airtight container in a cool, dry pantry for up to 6 months. Keep moisture out of the container and use a dry measuring cup each time you scoop the mix. Give the container a quick shake before using if the ingredients have settled.
I designed a set of free printable pantry labels that fit several mason jar sizes if you’d like your pantry jars to match.
Download my FREE printable Cream of Anything Soup Mix pantry labels here!
Freezing Instructions
The dry mix does not need to be frozen and stores best in the pantry.
Once prepared into condensed soup, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and whisk well while reheating over medium-low heat until smooth and creamy again.
Variations
- Prepare with whole milk for an extra creamy soup base.
- Use chicken broth for richer flavor in casseroles.
- Use vegetable broth for vegetarian recipes (along with vegetarian bouillon).
- Stir in dried, fresh, or sautéed mushrooms to make homemade cream of mushroom soup.
- Add finely diced cooked celery for cream of celery soup.
- Mix in shredded cheddar cheese for an easy cheese sauce.
- Season with fresh herbs after cooking for additional flavor.
Final Thoughts
A jar of homemade cream of anything soup mix is one of those simple pantry staples that saves time and makes homemade meals even better. It’s inexpensive to make, easy to store, and gives you complete control over the ingredients while replacing canned condensed soup in countless family recipes. Once you have it on your pantry shelf, you’ll likely find yourself reaching for it every time a casserole or comforting dinner is on the menu.
If you’re making a batch for yourself or as a gift, don’t forget to download the matching free printable pantry labels before you go.
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