Cream of celery soup is a classic ingredient that adds flavor and texture to many dishes.
However, there’re times when you may not have the cream of celery soup on hand or need an alternative due to dietary restrictions.
Fortunately, there are several substitutes for cream of celery soup that can be used in its place. Let’s take a glance at some of the best alternatives.
What is Cream of Celery soup? What does Cream of celery soup taste like?
Cream of celery soup is a savory blend of pureed celery, butter, and cream. This classic dish is rich in flavor and full of nourishing nutrients like potassium, dietary fiber, vitamin A, Vitamin C, and Folate.
The slightly bitter taste of celery combined with hints of creaminess creates a flavorful harmony that will tantalize your taste buds.
For an extra boost of flavor, leave a few crunchy pieces of celery floating in the mix!
When served warm, the salty broth and creamy texture make this soup a perfect choice for a comforting meal anytime.
Cream of Celery Soup can be enjoyed all year round and is sure to become one of your go-to dishes when you’re looking for something delicious and nutritious!
What is the cream of celery soup made of?
Cream of celery soup is an incredibly simple yet very flavorful and satisfying dish.
The base for the soup consists of celery, onion, garlic, vegetable stock, or chicken stock—all cooked together until the vegetables are tender.
Depending on the recipe, some may also include carrots or potatoes for added flavor and nutrition.
The cooked mixture is then blended with heavy cream or half-and-half to give it a rich and creamy consistency.
Aromatics like fresh herbs, white pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice add complex dimensions to this classic soup that make it ideal for any occasion.
Best Substitutes for Cream of Celery soup you can use
1. Coconut Milk
If you need something dairy-free, substitute coconut milk instead of cream of celery soup.
Coconut milk has a slightly sweet flavor that works wonderfully in savory dishes like curries or stews without adding too much sugariness.
To keep things low-carb, try using light coconut milk instead of full-fat varieties; it still provides plenty of flavors but with fewer calories per serving.
If you can’t find light coconut milk, regular canned coconut milk will work as well (but be sure to adjust your recipe’s other ingredients accordingly).
Alternatively, you could also opt for oat or almond milk as substitutes too!
2. Evaporated Milk
Evaporated milk is another great alternative when you don’t have the cream of celery soup on hand.
It’s made by evaporating around 60 percent of the water content from regular cow’s milk, so it has a richer taste than regular cow’s milk but still retains its sweetness.
Evaporated milk is perfect for recipes that call for heavy cream because it has the same texture but with fewer calories per serving than heavy cream does.
However, evaporated milk doesn’t require any thickening agents, either!
Just make sure not to confuse it with sweetened condensed milk; those two products are very different!
3. Chicken Stock/Broth and Celery Seed
One of my favorite and easy substitutions for the cream of celery soup is combining chicken stock or broth with celery seed.
This blend will provide a similar flavor as cream of celery without the additional fat and calories from the added cream.
Additionally, this combination can be easily adjusted to fit your desired level of flavor intensity by adding more or less broth or celery seed as needed.
4. Mashed Potatoes and Celery
Another option is using mashed potatoes and celery as a substitute for cream of celery soup.
This combination provides a unique flavor profile that is still reminiscent of the classic dish but has more subtle notes than traditional cream-based soups.
To make this substitution, simply mash cooked potatoes with butter, milk, salt, pepper, and finely diced celery.
5. Mirepoix
Mirepoix is a classic French cooking base made up of onions, carrots, and celery that is commonly used in soups and stews.
It provides the same hearty flavor as cream of celery while also adding extra vegetables into your dish for an added health boost.
To make mirepoix as a substitute for cream of celery soup, simply dice the vegetables into small pieces before sautéing them in oil until they are soft and fragrant.
Then add them directly to your dish in place of the creamy soup base.
6. Cream of Mushroom Soup
Cream of Mushroom Soup is a wonderful substitution for the Cream of Celery Soup, as it has a very similar flavor profile.
While mushrooms may have a more intense taste than celery, the rich, salty, and savory combination of condensing mushroom-based soups also makes them ideal for thickening sauces or adding deeper flavors to favorite recipes.
Mushroom soup can range from mild to bold in flavor depending on the added ingredients; however, no matter which brand you choose, you’re sure to find a delicious replacement for that creamy celery flavor!
7. Heavy Cream
Instead of using traditional cream of celery soup, many cooks now prefer to use heavy cream.
This dairy product is known for its thick and rich consistency, making it the perfect substitute for soups that call for a smooth, creamy texture and taste.
With just a few spoonfuls added in, dishes ranging from casseroles to chowders can benefit from heavy cream’s velvety richness.
It can be used just like the original soup in any recipe and is, perhaps, even more delicious due to its high-fat content and unmistakable flavor.
Incorporating heavy cream into one’s kitchen is sure to provide an unexpected twist on almost any classic dish.
8. Cream of Chicken Soup
Although Cream of Celery soup is a classic base for many recipes, sometimes you need to switch things up.
Cream of Chicken Soup can be an excellent substitute for Cream of Celery if you’re looking to change it up.
The texture is similar, and thanks to other ingredients, including herbs and seasonings, you won’t have much impact on the overall taste.
There are also several variations of Cream of Chicken Soup that allow you to create different flavor profiles with ease.
From creamier versions to low-sodium and gluten-free options, there’s something for everyone.
The simple substitution is a great way to tweak a tried-and-true recipe without disrupting the familiar flavors.
9. Broccoli Cheese Soup
If you are looking for a delicious alternative to the cream of celery soup, broccoli cheese soup is a perfect choice.
This creamy and flavorful soup blends roasted broccoli with a rich and tangy cheese sauce to create a taste experience that is sure to please.
Unlike cream of celery soups which may be overly salty, this dish offers a unique combination of textures and flavors that remain light yet satisfying.
Broccoli cheese soup also provides you with plenty of vitamins and minerals from its healthy vegetable base, meaning it’s not only tasty but nutritious as well!
10. Cream of Spinach Soup
Cream of Spinach Soup is a great healthy alternative to the cream of celery soup. It adds a delicious, rich flavor to dishes that are usually low in collagen and can be used whenever celery soup is called for.
The spinach gives this creamy soup an earthy, slightly sweet vegetal kick.
Plus, it has the same texture and thickness as cream of celery soup, making it easy to incorporate into your favorite recipes.
Whether you are looking for a substitution or just want to add an extra element of flavor to your cooking, Cream of Spinach Soup is ideal!
11. Cream of Asparagus Soup
If you’re searching for a substitute for the traditional cream of celery soup, Cream of Asparagus Soup is an ideal alternative.
It has an incredibly distinct taste that serves as a delicious addition to any number of dishes.
This type of soup contains no cholesterol and significantly fewer calories than cream of celery soup without compromising on flavor.
Best of all, it can be quickly and easily prepared in just minutes, so you can get back to enjoying your meal in no time.
12. Cream of Cauliflower Soup
Cream of celery soup is my favorite ingredient in casseroles, soups, and other dishes. Its hearty, creamy texture adds a touch of richness to every meal.
But did you know that Cream of Cauliflower Soup makes for an even better substitution for the traditional Cream of Celery Soup?
Being lighter in flavor than celery, it can be used in any recipe without overpowering the taste.
Additionally, it is lower in calories and a great option if you are also looking to cut down on fat.
So if you’re looking to give your recipes an added twist of flavor with all the goodness of cream soup- swap traditional celery out for cauliflower- you won’t regret it!
Make Your Own Creamy Soup Base (My tips)
The easiest way to get the same flavor as cream of celery soup is to make your own creamy base from scratch.
To do this, start by sautéing some diced onions and celery in butter or olive oil over medium heat.
Once the vegetables are soft and translucent, add some garlic and cook for a few more minutes until fragrant.
Then, add your favorite broth (vegetable broth works great) and bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat, season with salt and pepper, and simmer till the vegetables are cooked through.
Finally, use an immersion blender or food processor to blend everything together until smooth and creamy. This makes a great base for soups, stews, sauces, casseroles—you name it!
Conclusion on substitute for cream of celery soup
The possibilities don’t end there! If you’re searching for an alternative to traditional cream-based soups like cream of celery soup, then these options are definitely worth considering.
From simple combinations like chicken stock and celery seed to more complex blends like mashed potatoes and finely diced vegetables in mirepoix form – there’s something here for everyone!
With these easy-to-find ingredients at your disposal, you can now create delicious dishes without relying solely on creamy soups like cream of celery!
FAQs on substitute for cream of celery soup
Q1. Can I substitute cream of celery for cream of mushroom?
It is possible to substitute cream of celery for cream of mushroom in some recipes, but it will likely change the flavor. Cream of celery tends to be slightly milder and sweeter than cream of mushroom, so it may not pair as well with certain flavors or flavors that you may want to include in the recipe.
Additionally, cream of mushroom tends to be a bit thicker than cream of celery, so the texture of your dish may also be affected. You may require to adjust cooking times or ingredients if you decide to make this substitution. Ultimately, it is up to you and what flavors or textures you are looking for in the recipe!
Q2. Does cream of celery taste like cream of chicken?
No, cream of celery does not taste like cream of chicken. Cream of celery has a unique flavor that cannot be compared to any other type of soup. Its savory taste is similar to the vegetable itself, with hints of richness and depth that come from the herbs and spices often used in its preparation.
Unlike cream of chicken, cream of celery is light in texture and does not contain any heavy cream or broth. It’s a great substitute for cream-based soups, creating it a healthy option for those trying to cut back on fat and calories.
Cream of celery pairs well with many different dishes, but its unique flavor really shines when served as an accompaniment to roasted vegetables or fresh salads.
