7 Best Substitutes for Cream of Onion Soup

There’s more than one reason why you’re on the hunt for substitutes for cream of onion soup. The most obvious is, you have a recipe to make and you don’t have that ingredient. It’s also possible you want to substitute for cream of onion soup because it’s an ingredient that freaks you out. I mean, it is goopy and thick and lives in a can, so…I get it.

Either way, there are acceptable alternative ingredients you can use. Read on to learn about the best substitutes for cream of onion soup. Only some of them are different variations on the canned cream soup. The others are mixtures you can easily make yourself.

 The best substitutes for cream of onion soup

1. Homemade cream of onion soup

The best-tasting and most straightforward substitution is to make your own cream of onion soup.

Do this by sautéing 1 cup of chopped onions in 4 tablespoons of butter until soft. Then add 2 tablespoons of flour and cook for a minute. Gradually stir in 1 cup of milk or cream and ¾ cup vegetable broth or chicken broth. Simmer until it thickens. Season with salt, pepper, and, optionally, fresh herbs.

You can substitute homemade cream of onion soup in the same measurement as canned cream of onion soup. Make sure your recipe doesn’t call for condensed cream of onion soup, as that will be much thicker.

2. Cream of mushroom soup

Cream of mushroom soup is a common canned substitute that can provide a similar creamy texture and rich flavor, although the mushroom taste will be more dominant than onion.

You can substitute cream of mushroom soup for cream of onion soup in a 1:1 ratio. Remember to verify whether your recipe calls for condensed soup or not, and then use the same form of cream of mushroom soup.

3. Cream of celery soup

Cream of celery soup offers a different vegetable flavor but works as a substitute for cream of onion soup. It’ll have the same texture, so you can substitute in a 1:1 ratio.

4. Onion soup mix and sour cream

Another strategy is to combine a packet of dry onion soup mix with sour cream. This will provide a similar onion flavor and creamy consistency.

The challenge here is that sour cream can break or separate under high heat. If you’re using it in a sauce, add it near the end and keep the heat on low.

5. French onion soup

If you have canned or homemade French onion soup available, you can use it as a substitute. It will be thinner in consistency and have a stronger onion flavor.

You can address the consistency problem using a thickener like cornstarch. Simply mix a tablespoon of cornstarch into a quarter-cup of milk. Then whisk that into your French onion soup.

6. Bechamel sauce with onions

Make a simple white sauce (bechamel) with butter, flour, and milk or cream, then add sautéed onions for flavor. This option can provide a similar texture and taste to cream of onion soup.

7. Vegetable broth and heavy cream

Combine equal parts vegetable broth and heavy cream, and add sautéed onions if desired. This substitute can provide a similar consistency and onion flavor.

What is cream of onion soup exactly?

If you’re planning on whipping up your own substitute, it’s useful to know what cream of onion soup is. (Honestly, before I wrote this article, I couldn’t tell you what ingredients are in cream of onion soup beyond cream and onions. So this is learning for both of us.)

The label on a can of Campbell’s condensed cream of onion soup lists these ingredients:

• Water
• Vegetable oil
• Dried onions
• Modified cornstarch
• Wheat flour
• Cream
• Salt
• Sauterine wine
• Whey
• Soy protein concentrate
• MSG
• Yeast extract
• Beta carotene for color
• Natural flavoring
• Garlic extract

Is it just me or is that list of ingredients off-putting? The wine is a surprise — Sauterne is a sweet white wine. But what I don’t like is the MSG, whey, soy protein concentrate, and yeast extract. Those can be problematic for people with food sensitivities.

This is why I recommend making your own cream of onion soup, even if your supermarket carries it in a can. You will know what’s in your homemade soup, and you can adjust the ingredients as needed. Try making it with olive oil instead of butter, and cornstarch and vegetable broth instead of milk, for example.

Recipes that use cream of onion soup

You’re likely to see cream of onion soup as an ingredient in these dishes:

• Onion soup casserole: This comforting casserole often combines rice, cream of onion soup, ground beef, and vegetables, baked together and topped with cheese.

• Creamy onion chicken: A simple, flavorful dish where chicken breasts are cooked in a sauce made from cream of onion soup, sour cream, and seasonings. It’s typically served over rice or noodles.

• Onion soup pot roast: A tender pot roast cooked with cream of onion soup, sometimes mixed with other condensed soups or seasonings, for a flavorful and moist result.

• Creamy onion and vegetable bake: A side dish made with mixed vegetables, cream of onion soup, and cheese, baked until bubbly and golden.

• Onion soup meatloaf: A moist and flavorful meatloaf made with ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, and cream of onion soup, baked and topped with a glaze.

• Creamy onion scalloped potatoes: Sliced potatoes layered with sautéed onions, and a sauce made from cream of onion soup, milk, and seasonings, baked until tender and bubbly.

• Slow cooker onion soup chicken: Chicken pieces slow cooked with cream of onion soup. This is a tender and flavorful dish that can be served over rice or noodles.

Cream of onion soup substitutes FAQs

Last update on 2023-06-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API