Best Cream of Mushroom Soup Substitutes: 7 Practical Alternatives

The best alternatives for cream of mushroom soup include homemade mushroom sauce (sautéed mushrooms with flour, broth, and cream), mushroom gravy, blended sautéed mushrooms with cream or coconut milk, and commercial substitutes like condensed mushroom soup alternatives or mushroom-flavored plant-based creams. The ideal choice depends on your dietary needs and specific recipe requirements.

When your recipe calls for cream of mushroom soup but you're out of the canned version or need a dietary adaptation, knowing reliable substitutes becomes essential. Whether you're accommodating vegan diets, avoiding gluten, seeking healthier options, or simply don't have a can in your pantry, practical alternatives exist that maintain the rich umami flavor and creamy texture this ingredient provides in casseroles, sauces, and soups.

Why You Might Need Cream of Mushroom Soup Alternatives

Cream of mushroom soup serves as a versatile base in countless recipes, from classic green bean casserole to creamy pasta sauces. However, several factors might prompt you to seek alternatives:

• Dietary restrictions (vegan, dairy-free, gluten-free)
• Concerns about preservatives and sodium in canned versions
• Ingredient shortages during grocery shopping
• Desire for fresher, more natural ingredients
• Special dietary needs like low-sodium requirements

Top Homemade Cream of Mushroom Soup Substitutes

Creating your own substitute often yields better flavor and lets you control ingredients. These homemade alternatives work exceptionally well as a homemade cream of mushroom soup substitute in most recipes.

Mushroom Cream Sauce (From Scratch)

This versatile how to make cream of mushroom soup from scratch method produces restaurant-quality results:

1. Sauté 8 oz sliced mushrooms with 1 diced shallot in 2 tbsp butter until golden
2. Add 2 tbsp flour and cook for 1 minute to create a roux
3. Gradually whisk in 1½ cups vegetable or chicken broth
4. Simmer until thickened (about 5 minutes)
5. Stir in ½ cup heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk
6. Season with salt, pepper, and 1 tsp soy sauce for umami boost

This yields approximately 2 cups of substitute—equivalent to one 10.5-ounce can of condensed soup. For a smoother texture, blend before using in sauces.

Vegan Creamy Mushroom Alternative

For those seeking a vegan alternative to cream of mushroom soup, this dairy-free version delivers rich flavor:

• Replace butter with olive oil or vegan butter
• Use 1 cup raw cashews (soaked) blended with 1 cup broth instead of flour/cream
• Add 1 tbsp nutritional yeast for cheesy depth
• Include 1 tsp mushroom powder for intensified flavor

This plant-based option works beautifully in vegan green bean casseroles and pasta bakes without compromising texture.

Alternative Type	Best For	Texture Match	Flavor Match	Prep Time
Homemade mushroom cream sauce	Casseroles, gravies, sauces	★★★★☆	★★★★★	20 minutes
Mushroom gravy	Pot pies, meat dishes	★★★☆☆	★★★☆☆	15 minutes
Blended sautéed mushrooms + cream	Creamy soups, pasta	★★★★☆	★★★★☆	15 minutes
Cashew cream mushroom blend	Vegan recipes	★★★☆☆	★★★☆☆	25 minutes (includes soaking)
Commercial mushroom cream soup	Quick substitutions	★★★☆☆	★★☆☆☆	0 minutes

Store-Bought Cream of Mushroom Soup Alternatives

When time is limited, these canned mushroom soup alternatives can save the day:

Commercial Condensed Mushroom Soups

Several brands now offer mushroom-specific condensed soups that work as direct replacements. Look for varieties labeled "condensed" to match the thickness of traditional cream of mushroom soup. These provide the quickest best substitute for cream of mushroom soup in recipes when you need convenience.

Mushroom Gravy Mixes

Dry mushroom gravy mixes (like those from Oregon Mushrooms) reconstituted with milk or cream create a serviceable alternative. Use a 1:1 ratio of prepared gravy to canned soup, though you may need to reduce additional liquids in your recipe.

Plant-Based Creamed Mushroom Products

Brands like Pacific Foods offer mushroom-flavored plant-based cream soups that serve as excellent dairy-free cream of mushroom soup option for vegan cooking. These typically contain cashew or coconut milk bases with real mushrooms.

Dietary-Specific Substitutions

Gluten-Free Solution

For a reliable gluten-free cream of mushroom soup replacement, replace the flour in homemade versions with:

• Rice flour (1:1 substitution)
• Cornstarch (use half the amount of flour)
• Arrowroot powder (use 2:1 ratio compared to flour)

Ensure all broth and additional ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with celiac disease.

Low-Sodium Alternative

When reducing sodium is crucial:

• Use homemade versions with low-sodium broth
• Omit added salt and boost flavor with extra mushrooms, garlic, and herbs
• Add 1 tsp lemon juice at the end to enhance perception of saltiness without adding sodium

Recipe-Specific Adaptation Tips

The ideal substitute varies based on how you'll use it:

For Casseroles

When making green bean casserole or similar baked dishes, the homemade mushroom cream sauce works best. The fresh ingredients caramelize beautifully during baking, creating superior flavor compared to canned alternatives.

For Creamy Sauces and Gravies

In pan sauces or gravies, use a thinner version of the homemade substitute (reduce thickening agents slightly) to achieve proper consistency. The best substitute for cream of mushroom soup in recipes for sauces often requires slightly less thickener than casserole applications.

For Soups and Stews

When thickening soups, consider using just sautéed mushrooms blended with some of the broth from your soup—this integrates seamlessly without altering the overall liquid balance.

Common Substitution Mistakes to Avoid

Even with the right cream of mushroom soup alternatives, these errors can ruin your dish:

• Over-thickening: Homemade versions often thicken more as they cool. Aim for slightly thinner consistency than canned soup.
• Under-seasoning: Canned soups contain significant salt. Taste before adding additional salt to homemade versions.
• Texture mismatch: For recipes requiring the distinct texture of canned soup (like some casseroles), consider adding 1 tbsp tomato paste to homemade versions for similar body.
• Flavor imbalance: Canned soups contain flavor enhancers. Add ½ tsp soy sauce or 1 tsp mushroom powder to boost umami in homemade substitutes.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Homemade substitutes keep well:

• Refrigerate for up to 4 days in airtight containers
• Freeze in ice cube trays, then transfer to bags for portioned use (keeps 3 months)
• When using frozen portions, thaw overnight or add directly to simmering dishes

Can I use regular mushroom soup instead of cream of mushroom soup?

Regular mushroom soup (not condensed) has higher liquid content than cream of mushroom soup. To substitute, simmer 1.5 cups regular mushroom soup until reduced to 1 cup, or add a slurry of 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp cold water to thicken it properly for recipe use.

What's the best dairy-free cream of mushroom soup substitute for green bean casserole?

For green bean casserole, the best dairy-free option is a cashew cream mushroom sauce: blend 1 cup soaked cashews with 1 cup broth, 8 oz sautéed mushrooms, 1 tbsp nutritional yeast, and 1 tsp mushroom powder until smooth. This creates the right creamy texture while maintaining authentic flavor.

How do I thicken my homemade mushroom substitute to match canned soup consistency?

To match canned soup thickness, use a roux (2 tbsp fat + 2 tbsp flour) for every 1.5 cups liquid. Simmer until it coats the back of a spoon. If already made, create a slurry with 1 tbsp cornstarch and 2 tbsp cold liquid, then whisk into your simmering substitute until it reaches proper thickness.

Can I use cream of chicken soup as a substitute for cream of mushroom?

Cream of chicken soup lacks the earthy mushroom flavor but can work in a pinch. For better results, add 2-3 tbsp finely minced sautéed mushrooms and 1 tsp mushroom powder to the cream of chicken soup to approximate mushroom flavor while maintaining similar texture and creaminess.

How much homemade substitute equals one can of cream of mushroom soup?

One 10.5-ounce can of condensed cream of mushroom soup equals approximately 1.25 to 1.5 cups of homemade substitute. For recipes calling for 'undiluted' canned soup, use 1.25 cups of your homemade version. For recipes specifying to dilute the can with milk, use 1.5 cups of homemade substitute without additional liquid.