Sub out the butter for 3 tablespoons (44 mL) of cooking oil if you prefer. Extra virgin olive oil, vegetable oil, coconut oil, and other oil alternatives will work just fine!

This creates a roux. You generally use the same amounts of fat and flour to create a roux.

If you don’t want to use milk, substitute it for the same amount of either chicken or vegetable broth. You could also do a half-and-half mixture of milk and broth. For an even creamier texture, sub out 1 cup (240 mL) of milk for 1 cup (240 mL) of cream. [4] X Research source

For example, if you’re making cream of broccoli and mushroom soup, add 2 cups (400 grams) of chopped broccoli and 1 cup (200 grams) of diced mushrooms to the pot. You can follow a recipe or make up your own proportions.

If your soup still seems runny after the 5 minutes of boiling, add some cornstarch to it. Mix 2 tablespoons (30 mL) of cold water and 1 tablespoon (9 grams) of cornstarch together first in a small bowl, and then add that to the soup. Stir the soup for several minutes as the cornstarch starts to thicken the mixture. [7] X Research source

If you added vegetables to the soup, they’ll soften up nicely during this time.

Cream soups will last for 3 to 4 days in the fridge and for about 5 months in the freezer. [10] X Research source

Other seasonings apart from salt, pepper, and minced garlic could elevate a cream of mushroom soup. Try fresh thyme or rosemary for an aromatic and flavorful addition.

Enjoy cream of celery soup on its own, or use it when recipes call for a “cream of” soup. Casseroles and pasta bakes that get cooked in the oven often use cream soups to bind all the ingredients together, and celery is a great complement to flavors like chicken, turkey, and broccoli.

Find a recipe to follow, or simply use your own judgement when adding additional ingredients to your cream of chicken soup. About a 1/2 cup (100 grams) of each vegetable would add flavor and color to the dish.

Add 1 cup (125 grams) of shredded cheddar cheese to the soup for an extra burst of flavor.

Broccoli pairs great with mushrooms, cheese, or chicken. Consider adding in any of these elements the next time you make cream of broccoli soup!