Cream Soup Base
Master the art of homemade comfort food with this versatile Cream Soup Base recipe! This silky, rich base is crafted with pantry staples like unsalted butter, flour, chicken or vegetable broth, and creamy milk or heavy cream, making it the perfect foundation for a variety of soups. Ready in just 20 minutes, it features a smooth roux that transforms into a luscious, thickened broth—ideal for chowders, bisques, or casseroles. Seasoned simply with salt, pepper, and optional garlic and onion powder, it's easily customizable to suit your favorite flavors. Whether you're creating a hearty potato soup or a velvety mushroom bisque, this recipe is your secret weapon for elevating homemade meals. Plus, it can be made ahead and stored, saving you time for weeknight cooking.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 cups whole milk or heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 0.5 teaspoon onion powder (optional)
Instructions
In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat.
Once melted, add the all-purpose flour and whisk constantly to form a smooth roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes, whisking to remove the raw flour taste.
Gradually pour in the chicken or vegetable broth while continuing to whisk to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
Reduce the heat to medium-low and stir in the whole milk or heavy cream. Cook for another 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until the soup base thickens to your desired consistency.
Season with salt, ground black pepper, and, if desired, garlic powder and onion powder.
Remove from heat and use the soup base immediately, or let it cool and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat before use.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
886 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 66.3 g | 85% | |
| Saturated Fat | 38.5 g | 192% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 172 mg | 57% | |
| Sodium | 6006 mg | 261% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 53.7 g | 20% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.3 g | 5% | |
| Total Sugars | 26.5 g | ||
| Protein | 25.9 g | 52% | |
| Vitamin D | 6.2 mcg | 31% | |
| Calcium | 622 mg | 48% | |
| Iron | 2.3 mg | 13% | |
| Potassium | 889 mg | 19% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
