Create Your Own Lower Sodium Cream of Anything Soup Mix for Healthier Holiday Cooking

The holiday season often means rich meals and comforting dishes, but it can also bring a significant challenge for those watching their sodium intake. Many canned soups, especially cream-based ones, contain dangerously high levels of sodium that can add up quickly in your favorite casserole recipes. What if you could enjoy the creamy texture and flavor needed for your holiday baking and savory dishes without the extra salt? This blog post shares a simple recipe for a homemade Low Sodium Cream of Anything Soup Mix that makes the equivalent of nine cans of soup, with only about 90 mg of sodium per "can". It’s a great way to keep your low sodium holiday baking and cooking flavorful and truly heart-healthy.

Homemade Cream of Anything Soup Mix

Why Choose a Homemade Cream Soup Mix?

Canned cream soups are a staple in many holiday casserole recipes, sauces, and savory pies. However, they often contain high sodium levels, preservatives, and additives that may not fit well with a heart-healthy diet. Using a homemade soup mix lets you control the ingredients, significantly reduce sodium, and avoid unnecessary chemicals, making it perfect for preparing low sodium casserole recipes.

This mix uses instant nonfat dry milk and cornstarch as the base, providing creaminess and thickness without added fat or salt. The sodium-free chicken bouillon powder is key to achieving flavor without the salt punch found in commercial bouillons. Dried herbs and spices bring natural aroma and taste, making this mix versatile for your low sodium holiday baking needs.

Ingredients for Your Cream of Anything Soup Mix

Here’s what you’ll need to make the dry mix that replaces nine cans of cream soup:

• 2 cups instant nonfat dry milk

• 3/4 cup cornstarch

• 1/4 cup sodium-free chicken bouillon powder

• 2 tablespoons dry minced onions

• 1 tablespoon dried parsley

• 1 tablespoon dried thyme leaves

• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

  
  

Using this mix to replace canned soup in your low sodium casserole recipes is simple and quick. To replace one can of cream soup in your recipe:

How to Use the Cream Soup Mix

Using this mix is simple and quick. To replace one can of cream soup in your recipe:

1. Combine 1/3 cup of the dry soup mix with 1 1/4 cups of cold water.

2. Whisk the mixture until smooth.

3. Heat it on the stove over medium heat, stirring constantly.

4. Simmer until the mixture thickens, about 3 to 5 minutes.

   
   

This method creates a creamy, thick soup base ready to use in casseroles, sauces, or as a soup on its own.

Customize Your Soup Mix with Flavor Variations

One of the best parts of this homemade mix is how easy it is to customize. Here are some ideas to tailor the flavor for different recipes:

• Cream of Mushroom: Add 1/4 cup mushroom powder to the dry mix before using. This adds an earthy, savory flavor perfect for casseroles or gravies.

• Cream of Celery: Mix in 1/2 cup chopped celery for a fresh, cream of celery soup.

• Cream of Chicken: Add 1/4 cup finely diced cooked chicken for a richer, meaty flavor.

• Cream of Broccoli: Stir in 1/2 cup finely ground chopped broccoli to add a subtle vegetable taste.

  
  

These variations let you create a range of cream soups without buying multiple cans, saving money and reducing sodium intake.

Benefits of Lower Sodium Soup Mix During Holidays

The holidays often mean more salt in meals, which can be tough for people managing blood pressure or heart health. Using this homemade soup mix helps you:

• Control sodium intake: Each serving contains about 90 mg of sodium, much lower than most canned soups.

• Avoid preservatives: No artificial additives or preservatives, just natural ingredients.

• Save money: Making your own mix is cost-effective, especially when you need large quantities for holiday cooking.

• Customize flavors: Adjust herbs and spices to suit your family’s tastes or dietary needs.

  
  

By swapping canned soups for this mix, you can enjoy your favorite holiday dishes with less worry about excess salt.

Tips for Storing and Using Your Soup Mix

• Store the dry mix in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. It will keep fresh for several months.

• Label the container with the date and any added flavor variations.

• When cooking, whisk the mix with cold water first to avoid lumps.

• Use the prepared soup base immediately or keep warm on low heat.

  
  

This mix is also great to keep on hand for quick weeknight meals or last-minute holiday dishes.

Sample Recipe Using the Cream of Anything Soup Mix

Here’s a simple casserole recipe using the homemade soup mix:

Chicken and Rice Casserole

• 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded

• 1 cup cooked rice

• 2 cups mixed vegetables (frozen or fresh)

• 1/3 cup Cream of Anything Soup Mix

• 1 1/4 cups cold water

• Pepper to taste

  
  

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Prepare the soup base by whisking the soup mix with water and simmering until thick.

3. In a large bowl, combine chicken, rice, vegetables, and soup base.

4. Season with salt and pepper as needed.

5. Pour mixture into a greased casserole dish.

6. Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and heated through.

   
   

This dish is creamy, comforting, and lower in sodium than versions made with canned soups.

Final Thoughts on Making Your Own Cream Soup Mix

Making your own Cream of Anything Soup Mix is a simple way to enjoy creamy dishes with less sodium and more control over ingredients. It’s especially useful during the holidays when rich, comforting foods are common but health concerns rise. With just a few pantry staples and some dried herbs, you can create a versatile mix that saves money, reduces salt, and tastes great.

Try this recipe and experiment with different flavor additions to find your family’s favorites. Your heart and taste buds will thank you.