Cream of Anything Soup Mix Recipe

Cook Time: 5 minutes

Homemade Cream of Soup Mix

This simple and versatile dry mix can be used in recipes that call for a can of condensed cream of soup. It is a great way to have homemade soup base on hand, without any added preservatives.

Ingredients

• 2 cups instant nonfat dry milk
• 3/4 cup cornstarch
• 1/4 cup chicken bouillon powder
• 2 tablespoons dry minced onions
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

Directions

1. Start by placing 1 cup of instant nonfat dry milk into a 1-liter mason jar with a tight-fitting lid.
2. Add 3/4 cup of cornstarch, 1/4 cup of chicken bouillon powder, 2 tablespoons of dry minced onions, 1 teaspoon of dried parsley, and 1/2 teaspoon of ground black pepper to the jar.
3. Screw the lid on tightly and shake the jar until all ingredients are evenly combined.
4. Next, add the remaining 1 cup of dry milk to the jar. Screw the lid back on and shake again to mix everything thoroughly.
5. Store the jar in a cool, dark pantry until you are ready to use it.

To Use:

1. When a recipe calls for 1 can of condensed cream of soup, measure out 1/3 cup of the dry mix and add it to a small saucepan.
2. Whisk in 1 cup of cold water.
3. Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and cook for about 5 minutes, whisking constantly to prevent lumps.
4. Once the mixture thickens, remove the saucepan from heat and set it aside for 5 minutes to cool and thicken further.
5. You can now use the prepared mixture in any recipe that calls for one can of condensed cream of soup.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories	96
Total Fat	0g (1%)
Saturated Fat	0g (1%)
Cholesterol	3mg (1%)
Sodium	650mg (28%)
Total Carbohydrate	17g (6%)
Dietary Fiber	0g (1%)
Total Sugars	8g
Protein	5g (11%)
Vitamin C	2mg (2%)
Calcium	178mg (14%)
Iron	0mg (1%)
Potassium	261mg (6%)

Note: Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

The Story Behind Cream of Anything Soup Mix

The Cream of Anything Soup Mix is a quintessential example of American ingenuity in home cooking. Originating in mid-20th century kitchens, this mix was born out of a need for convenience, shelf-stable ingredients, and cost-effective meal preparation. Before the rise of grocery store chains and widespread refrigeration, home cooks relied heavily on canned soups as a base for casseroles and comfort foods. The homemade powdered soup mix offered the same creamy consistency as canned versions but allowed families to control the quality and quantity of ingredients, reducing sodium and additives while stretching their grocery budgets.

Regional Variations and Adaptations

While the basic mixconsisting of dry milk, cornstarch, bouillon, and seasoningsremains consistent, regional adaptations reflect local tastes. In the Midwest, onion and parsley are common, giving the soup a familiar, hearty flavor reminiscent of traditional family casseroles. In the South, some variations include a pinch of garlic powder or a hint of smoked paprika to complement local comfort foods. Coastal regions sometimes incorporate seafood-flavored bouillon, transforming it into a versatile base for clam or shrimp dishes. These small tweaks demonstrate the mixs adaptability and its role as a canvas for regional culinary identity.

What Sets It Apart from Similar Dishes

Unlike canned cream of soups, which are pre-made and require refrigeration after opening, this powdered mix is shelf-stable and customizable. It differs from instant soup packets in that it is specifically formulated as a cooking ingredient rather than a standalone soup, allowing it to be incorporated into recipes ranging from green bean casseroles to creamy sauces for pasta or chicken. Its ease of preparation and neutral base distinguish it from commercially flavored soups, offering home cooks control over flavor, seasoning, and texture.

Where Youll Typically Find It

Cream of Anything Soup Mix is most commonly found in home kitchens rather than restaurants. It is a staple in family cookbooks, church potlucks, and holiday gatherings across the United States. During Thanksgiving and Christmas, it is frequently used as the base for green bean casserole, a dish that has become almost synonymous with American holiday meals. It also finds a place in casual weekday dinners where quick, creamy sauces are needed without opening multiple cans or buying expensive pre-made options.

Interesting Facts and Trivia

• This mix was popularized in church cookbooks and community recipe exchanges, where sharing pantry-friendly recipes was essential.
• It allows cooks to avoid the waste associated with half-used cans of condensed soup, which must otherwise be refrigerated and consumed quickly.
• The recipe is highly adaptable: by swapping chicken bouillon for vegetable or beef bouillon, it can be turned into a vegetarian-friendly or meat-based version without altering its creamy texture.
• Many cooks report that homemade mixes taste fresher and less processed than canned versions, providing a subtle depth to casseroles and soups.
• It embodies a larger tradition of DIY convenience foods from the mid-20th century, when home cooks developed pantry staples that saved both money and time.

Overall, Cream of Anything Soup Mix is more than a simple recipe; it represents a culinary philosophy of practicality, adaptability, and homegrown creativity that has endured across generations. Its combination of history, regional flair, and versatility makes it a truly unique ingredient in American kitchens.

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