The best cream of mushroom soup substitute is a thick white sauce with sauteed mushrooms. For one 10.5-ounce can of condensed cream of mushroom soup, use about 1 1/4 cups of thick sauce. That amount works well in casseroles, skillet meals, pot pies, and baked pasta.
Best Cream of Mushroom Soup Substitutes
| Substitute | Use for 1 can condensed soup | Best in | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| White sauce plus mushrooms | About 1 1/4 cups thick sauce | Casseroles, stroganoff-style dishes, pot pies | Closest homemade option |
| Other cream soup | 1 can | Casseroles and bakes | Changes flavor; cream of chicken, celery, or potato may work |
| Sour cream or Greek yogurt | 1 cup plus mushrooms or broth as needed | Stroganoff-style sauces and skillet meals | Add near the end and avoid hard boiling |
| Plain white sauce | About 1 1/4 cups | Recipes where mushroom flavor is optional | Add onion, garlic, herbs, or mushrooms for flavor |
Quick Homemade Substitute
Saute 4 to 8 ounces sliced mushrooms in butter until browned. Stir in 2 tablespoons flour and cook briefly. Whisk in about 1 cup milk, broth, or a mix of both. Simmer until thick, then season with pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and a small amount of salt if needed.
For Casseroles
Use a thick sauce, not a thin soup. Condensed cream soup adds both moisture and structure, so a watery substitute can make casseroles loose. If your sauce is thin, simmer it longer or use less liquid before adding it to the casserole.
For Gluten-Free Cooking
Use cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend instead of wheat flour, and check labels on broth, bouillon, and packaged substitutes. Many canned cream soups and bouillon products vary by brand.
FAQ
What can I use instead of cream of mushroom soup?
Use a thick white sauce with sauteed mushrooms. Other cream soups, sour cream, or Greek yogurt can also work depending on the recipe.
How much substitute replaces one can of cream of mushroom soup?
Use about 1 1/4 cups of thick sauce to replace one 10.5-ounce can of condensed cream of mushroom soup.
Can I use cream of chicken instead of cream of mushroom?
Yes if chicken flavor fits the dish. It works well in many casseroles but is not vegetarian.
Can sour cream replace cream of mushroom soup?
It can in some skillet and stroganoff-style dishes. Add mushrooms and seasoning, and avoid boiling hard after adding sour cream.
Can I make a dairy-free cream of mushroom substitute?
Yes. Use oil, mushrooms, a thickener, and an unsweetened milk alternative or broth. Choose a neutral milk alternative so it does not add sweetness.