Cream Of Soup Recipe

When the weather turns colder, or when you’re craving a comforting, creamy bowl of soup, there’s nothing quite like a homemade cream of soup to satisfy your taste buds. Whether you’re looking to make a simple, classic recipe or experimenting with different flavors, cream soups are an incredibly versatile and indulgent option. They’re smooth, rich, and have that satisfying texture that feels like a hug in a bowl.

Cream soups generally start with a base of vegetables, meat, or mushrooms, complemented by a velvety cream that gives the soup a luscious finish. Not only are they easy to prepare, but they also make for a great base to pair with other dishes or to enjoy on their own as a hearty meal.

This Cream of Soup Recipe is the definition of simple comfort food with a twist! You can tailor it to suit your personal tastes, but the basic foundation of this dish is all about making a creamy, flavorful broth that gets its richness from butter, flour, and milk or cream. Think of it as a base for endless possibilities, whether you prefer cream of mushroom, chicken, or even something a bit more exotic.

Ingredients Needed

To get started on this rich, creamy soup, here’s what you’ll need. The ingredients are common pantry and fridge staples, so you’ll likely have them on hand already.

Butter (3 Tablespoons)

This is essential for sautéing the veggies and creating the rich base. It adds a depth of flavor and gives the soup that luxurious feel.
All-purpose Flour (3 Tablespoons)

Used as a thickening agent. It will turn the soup from a broth into a silky cream soup.
Milk (2 Cups)

Whole milk works best for its creamy texture, but you can substitute with low-fat milk or a non-dairy alternative like almond milk for a lighter option.
Heavy Cream (1 Cup)

This is what makes the soup creamy. It’s the secret to getting that rich, luxurious mouthfeel.
Vegetable Or Chicken Broth (2 Cups)

Adds more depth and savory flavor to the soup. You can use store-bought or homemade stock. Chicken broth adds more body, while vegetable broth keeps it lighter.
Onion (1 Small, Finely Chopped)

Adds flavor and sweetness to the base of the soup. You can sauté it in the butter to soften and bring out its natural sweetness.
Garlic (2 Cloves, Minced)

For that aromatic kick. Garlic pairs perfectly with butter, giving the soup a savory undertone.
Salt And Pepper (to Taste)

These are the essential seasonings that will balance out all the richness. Adjust according to your personal preferences.
Optional: Fresh Herbs (parsley, Thyme, Or Bay Leaves)

Fresh herbs bring another layer of flavor to the soup. They can also add a hint of freshness to balance out the creaminess.

Cooking Instructions

Now that we’ve got everything ready, let’s get cooking. This recipe comes together quickly and easily, making it perfect for a weeknight meal or when you want something comforting on a lazy afternoon.

Sauté The Vegetables

In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes, until softened and slightly golden. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Make The Roux

Sprinkle the flour over the cooked onions and garlic, stirring constantly to form a roux (a thick paste). Continue cooking the roux for about 2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste. You’re aiming for a light golden color, not brown.
Add The Liquids

Slowly pour in the broth while stirring constantly to avoid any lumps. Then, pour in the milk, followed by the heavy cream. Stir the mixture until it’s smooth and well combined.
Simmer

Bring the soup to a simmer, allowing it to cook for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. The soup should thicken and become velvety as it cooks. If it’s too thick for your liking, add a little extra milk or broth to thin it out.
Season

Season with salt and pepper to taste. If you’re using fresh herbs, add them now. For an extra flavor kick, feel free to add a pinch of nutmeg or a dash of hot sauce.
Blend (Optional)

If you like a super smooth texture, use an immersion blender to blend the soup until velvety smooth. If you prefer a little more texture, leave it as is.
Serve

Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped herbs or a drizzle of cream. Serve alongside crusty bread or crackers for the perfect comfort meal.

Ingredient Insights

Butter: Beyond adding richness, butter helps to form a stable base for the soup. It also helps to enhance the flavor of other ingredients, especially when combined with the flour to create the roux. If you’re aiming for a lighter version, you can use olive oil or even ghee.
Flour: Flour plays a crucial role in thickening the soup, but too much flour will make the soup too thick or pasty. The key is to balance it properly with the liquids. If you prefer gluten-free options, you can use cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend.
Milk & Cream: Whole milk adds a creamy consistency, but it’s the heavy cream that provides that luscious, decadent finish. If you want a lighter version, consider reducing the cream and adding more milk. Alternatively, coconut cream or cashew cream can work well for a dairy-free twist.
Broth: The broth is the backbone of the flavor. Using homemade stock can elevate the taste significantly, but store-bought varieties work just as well. Chicken broth is more savory, while vegetable broth keeps it light and fresh.

Expert Tips

Don’t rush the roux: The flour needs to cook for a couple of minutes to get rid of that raw flour taste. If you skip this step, it will affect the overall flavor of your soup.
Add texture: For a bit of texture, toss in a handful of sautéed mushrooms, shredded chicken, or steamed veggies like carrots or broccoli. These additions will provide not only flavor but also visual interest.
Herbs & spices: Don’t be afraid to play with flavors! A bay leaf added during simmering will give the soup a lovely fragrance. You can also add thyme, rosemary, or a bit of sage for more complexity. A dash of white pepper can be a subtle but great touch.
Leftovers: Cream soups tend to thicken as they cool. If you’re storing leftovers, you may need to add a splash of milk or broth when reheating to loosen it up to the right consistency.

Recipe Variations

Cream of Mushroom Soup: Simply add 2 cups of sautéed mushrooms after the onion and garlic. Blend for a smooth texture, or leave it chunky for a more rustic feel.
Cream of Chicken Soup: Shred some cooked chicken and stir it in after the soup has thickened. This makes for a hearty, filling meal.
Vegan Version: Swap the butter for olive oil, use plant-based milk (like almond or oat milk), and replace the cream with coconut milk or cashew cream for a dairy-free alternative.
Spicy Cream of Soup: Add a touch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika for a subtle heat. You could even toss in some diced jalapeños for an extra kick.

Final Words

Making a cream of soup is a simple yet satisfying process. With just a few basic ingredients, you can create a bowl of comfort that’s both rich and flavorful. The beauty of this recipe is in its versatility-whether you want to keep it simple or experiment with add-ins, you can make this dish your own.

Cream Of Soup Recipe