Oh, hey there, fellow home cooks! So, I’ve got a little confession for you. My pantry used to be a graveyard of forgotten cans, especially those cream of mushroom soup cans. You know the ones – lurking in the back, only to be pulled out for a last-minute casserole, and even then, I always felt a little… meh about them. The flavor was just never quite right, and the ingredients list? Let’s just say it was longer than my grocery list!
But then, a few years ago, I had an epiphany. Why not make my own? And let me tell you, whipping up your own homemade cream of mushroom soup mix is a total game-changer. It’s become this absolute kitchen essential for me. Seriously, it’s so convenient, and the flavor? Miles better than anything you’ll find in a can. I’ve reached for this mix more times than I can count on those crazy busy weeknights when I just need a quick, comforting bowl of soup, or when a recipe calls for that creamy mushroom goodness. It’s truly transformed my meal prep, and I just know it’ll do the same for you!
Why You’ll Love This Homemade Cream Of Mushroom Soup Mix
Okay, so now that you know my little secret, let’s talk about *why* this homemade cream of mushroom soup mix is about to become your new kitchen MVP. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it. It’s not just about ditching the can; it’s about embracing convenience and flavor that you just can’t get any other way.
The Ultimate Convenience of Cream Of Mushroom Soup Mix
Imagine this: you’ve had a long day, you’re tired, and dinner feels like a monumental task. But then you remember your homemade cream of mushroom soup mix! It’s right there, ready to go. Just a few scoops, a little water, and boom – creamy, delicious soup in minutes. It’s a lifesaver for those busy weeknights and makes meal prep an absolute breeze. Seriously, it’s convenience redefined!
Unbeatable Flavor and Quality from Your Own Kitchen
This is where the magic really happens. When you make your own cream of mushroom soup mix, you’re in control of every single ingredient. No weird preservatives, no mystery additives, just pure, wholesome goodness. And the flavor? Oh my gosh, it’s so much richer and more authentic than anything from a can. You’ll taste the difference, and so will everyone you cook for!
Essential Ingredients for Your Cream Of Mushroom Soup Mix
Alright, let’s get down to brass tacks! The beauty of this cream of mushroom soup mix is how simple the ingredients are, yet they pack such a punch. You probably have most of these hanging out in your pantry right now, which is just another reason why this recipe is so fantastic. We’re talking about pantry staples that, when combined, create something truly magical. No fancy, hard-to-find stuff here, just good, honest ingredients that work together to build that rich, savory flavor we all crave.
What You’ll Need for the Perfect Cream Of Mushroom Soup Mix
Here’s the lineup for your soon-to-be favorite kitchen shortcut. You’ll want to grab:
- 2 cups dry milk powder: This is key for that creamy base! Any brand you like will do.
- 1 cup cornstarch: Our thickening agent! It helps make the soup wonderfully smooth.
- 1/4 cup dried minced onion: Adds a lovely savory depth.
- 2 tablespoons dried parsley flakes: For a pop of color and fresh herb flavor.
- 1 tablespoon mushroom powder: This is my secret weapon! You can find it online or at specialty stores. It seriously amps up the mushroom flavor.
- 2 teaspoons salt: Adjust to your taste, of course, but this is a good starting point.
- 1 teaspoon black pepper: Freshly ground if you’ve got it, but pre-ground is fine too.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Because everything’s better with a little garlic, right?
That’s it! Simple, right? Trust me, these humble ingredients are about to transform into something truly delicious.
Crafting Your Own Cream Of Mushroom Soup Mix: Step-by-Step
Okay, so you’ve got all your glorious ingredients lined up. Now for the fun part! Making this cream of mushroom soup mix is seriously one of the easiest things you’ll do in the kitchen, but the payoff is huge. There are just a couple of simple steps to get your mix ready to store, and then we’ll talk about how to turn it into that warm, comforting bowl of soup you’re dreaming of. No weird techniques or complicated maneuvers here, just straightforward mixing!
Simple Steps to Prepare Your Cream Of Mushroom Soup Mix
Get ready for how quick this is! First things first, grab a really big bowl. You want one that gives you plenty of room to whisk without making a mess. Now, toss in all your dry ingredients: the dry milk powder, cornstarch, dried minced onion, dried parsley flakes, that magical mushroom powder, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Don’t be shy!
Now, here’s the crucial bit: whisk, whisk, whisk! You want to make sure everything is super well combined. We’re talking no lumps of cornstarch hiding, and all those lovely spices evenly distributed. Give it a good, vigorous whisk for a minute or two until it looks like one uniform, beautiful mix. That’s it! Seriously. Once it’s all blended, spoon it into an airtight container. A Mason jar works perfectly, or any container with a tight-fitting lid. Store it in a cool, dry place, and it’ll be ready for action whenever you are.
Preparing Delicious Cream Of Mushroom Soup from Your Mix
Alright, so you’ve got your fabulous homemade mix, and now you’re craving some soup. Good choice! This is where the magic happens in minutes. For each serving, you’ll want to grab a saucepan and combine 1/2 cup of your incredible mix with 2 cups of cold water. Now, here’s a pro tip: whisk it really well *before* you put it on the heat. This helps prevent any lumps and ensures a super smooth soup.
Once it’s smooth, pop it on the stove over medium heat. Keep whisking constantly as it comes to a boil. You’ll notice it start to thicken up beautifully. Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and let it cook for just 1-2 minutes, still stirring, until it reaches your desired creamy consistency. And just like that, you’ve got a hot, delicious bowl of homemade cream of mushroom soup. Amazing, right?
Tips for Success with Your Cream Of Mushroom Soup Mix
So, you’ve got your awesome homemade cream of mushroom soup mix, and you’re already feeling like a kitchen wizard, right? Well, let’s make sure every single batch is a winner! I’ve got a few little tricks up my sleeve that will help you get the absolute most out of this versatile mix, whether you’re making a cozy bowl of soup or using it in your favorite recipes. These are the little things that really elevate it from good to absolutely incredible.
Getting the Most from Your Cream Of Mushroom Soup Mix
Want to really amp up the flavor? Trust me, try using chicken or vegetable broth instead of water when you prepare the soup. It adds so much more depth! And if you’re a mushroom fanatic like me, feel free to toss in some fresh sliced mushrooms or even a can of drained mushrooms during the last few minutes of simmering. For consistency, if you like it thicker, just simmer a little longer; for thinner, add a splash more liquid. Easy peasy!
Creative Uses for Your Cream Of Mushroom Soup Mix
This mix isn’t just for soup, my friends! Oh no, that’s just the beginning. It’s a fantastic substitute for canned cream of mushroom soup in pretty much any recipe. Think creamy casseroles – green bean casserole, chicken and rice bakes, tuna noodle casserole, you name it! You can even whisk it into mashed potatoes for extra flavor, or use it to thicken gravies and sauces. It’s a secret weapon for adding that rich, savory creaminess to so many dishes!
Frequently Asked Questions About Cream Of Mushroom Soup Mix
Okay, so by now, you’re probably buzzing with excitement about making your own cream of mushroom soup mix! That’s awesome. As a fellow home cook, I know questions pop up, so I’ve gathered some of the most common ones I hear about this fabulous mix. Let’s get them answered so you can whip up your best batch ever!
Can I Substitute Ingredients in My Cream Of Mushroom Soup Mix?
Great question! For the most part, yes, you can play around a bit. If you don’t have dried minced onion, you could try onion powder, just use a bit less. As for the mushroom powder, it really gives it that deep mushroomy punch, but if you absolutely can’t find it, you can leave it out – just know the flavor won’t be quite as intense. Feel free to swap out dried parsley for other dried herbs you love, like a pinch of thyme or marjoram!
How Long Does Homemade Cream Of Mushroom Soup Mix Last?
This is important for planning! When stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place, your homemade cream of mushroom soup mix should last for up to 6 months. That’s a pretty good shelf life, right? Just make sure it’s away from heat and moisture to keep everything fresh and prevent clumping. I always write the date on my jar so I know exactly how long it’s been chilling in the pantry.
Is This Cream Of Mushroom Soup Mix Gluten-Free?
That’s a fantastic and important question! The good news is that this specific cream of mushroom soup mix recipe, as written, uses cornstarch, which is naturally gluten-free. So, yes, it totally can be! Just double-check the labels on all your individual ingredients, especially the dry milk powder and any spices, to ensure they haven’t been processed in facilities with gluten-containing products if cross-contamination is a concern for you.
Storing Your Homemade Cream Of Mushroom Soup Mix
Once you’ve got your beautiful, well-whisked cream of mushroom soup mix, proper storage is key to keeping it fresh and ready for action! I always recommend using an airtight container – a glass jar with a tight lid, or even a sturdy plastic container, works perfectly. Make sure it’s stored in a cool, dry place, away from any direct sunlight or heat. Think pantry shelf, not next to the stove! This will help prevent any clumping and keep all those lovely flavors locked in for up to 6 months. It’s so handy to have on hand!
Estimated Nutritional Information for Cream Of Mushroom Soup Mix
Just a little friendly heads-up about the nutritional information for this cream of mushroom soup mix! While I’ve provided some estimates for you, please remember that these are just that – estimates. The actual values can totally vary depending on the specific brands of ingredients you use and how precise your measurements are. Think of it as a general guideline, not a strict rule, okay? Happy cooking!
Share Your Cream Of Mushroom Soup Mix Creations
So, you’ve made your own amazing cream of mushroom soup mix! I’d absolutely LOVE to hear how it turned out for you. What did you make with it? Did you add any fun twists? Share your creations and tips in the comments below!
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Cream Of Mushroom Soup Mix: 1 Unbelievable Pantry Secret
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 cups of mix (enough for 8 servings of soup) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Homemade cream of mushroom soup mix, a convenient dry blend for quick and easy preparation of rich, creamy mushroom soup.
Ingredients
- 2 cups dry milk powder
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 cup dried minced onion
- 2 tablespoons dried parsley flakes
- 1 tablespoon mushroom powder
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together the dry milk powder, cornstarch, dried minced onion, dried parsley flakes, mushroom powder, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder until well combined.
- Store the mix in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to 6 months.
- To prepare soup: For each serving, combine 1/2 cup of the mix with 2 cups of cold water in a saucepan.
- Whisk until smooth, then bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 1-2 minutes, or until thickened to your desired consistency.
Notes
- For a richer soup, use chicken or vegetable broth instead of water.
- Add fresh or canned mushrooms during cooking for extra mushroom flavor and texture.
- This mix can also be used as a substitute for canned cream of mushroom soup in recipes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup mix (prepared with water)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Keywords: cream of mushroom soup, soup mix, homemade soup, dry mix, mushroom soup