Cream Of Celery Soup Recipe Made From Scratch

Why You’ll Love This Cream Of Celery Soup

If you’ve never made a homemade cream of celery soup before, you’re in for a true treat! This recipe stands out from any store-bought version you’ve tried, and here’s why you’ll absolutely love it:

• Amazingly easy to prepare: This cream of celery soup comes together in just 30 minutes from start to finish. With basic ingredients and simple steps, even beginner cooks can master this recipe on their first try. It’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you want something comforting without spending hours in the kitchen!
• Packed with nutritional benefits: Unlike canned versions loaded with preservatives, this homemade cream of celery soup highlights the health benefits of celery which include essential vitamins and minerals. Celery is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and being rich in antioxidants, making this soup both delicious and nutritious!
• Incredibly versatile: This cream of celery soup works as a standalone meal, side dish, or even as a base for casseroles and other recipes. You can easily customize it with different herbs, proteins, or vegetables to suit whatever you’re craving or have on hand.
• Distinctive flavor profile: The combination of fresh celery, onions, and garlic creates a depth of flavor that simply can’t be found in canned soup. The smooth, creamy texture perfectly balances the bright, slightly peppery taste of celery, resulting in a soup that’s both comforting and refreshing.

Once you try this homemade version, you’ll never go back to canned soup again. It’s that good!

Essential Ingredients for Cream Of Celery Soup

The magic of this cream of celery soup comes from using simple, wholesome ingredients that come together to create something truly special. Here’s everything you’ll need:

• 1/4 cup butter
• 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
• 2 cups finely chopped celery
• 1 large clove garlic, minced
• 1/3 cup all-purpose unbleached flour
• 1 1/2 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth
• 1 1/2 cups whole milk OR 3/4 cup milk and 3/4 cup cream (for richer results)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar
• 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• Optional: 2 tablespoons shredded Parmesan cheese (for added flavor)

For the best results, use fresh, organic celery for the most vibrant flavor. The combination of butter, flour, and liquid creates a creamy base that perfectly complements the celery’s natural taste. The sugar might seem surprising in a savory soup, but it beautifully balances the flavors and brings out the natural sweetness of the celery.

Special Dietary Options

This cream of celery soup can be easily adapted for various dietary needs:

• Vegan option: Replace butter with plant-based margarine or olive oil and use your favorite plant-based milk (almond, soy, or oat milk work great) instead of dairy milk. Be sure to use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
• Gluten-free option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with an equal amount of a gluten-free all-purpose blend. When adding the substitute, mix it with a small amount of cold liquid before stirring it into the hot soup to prevent lumps.
• Lower-calorie option: Use low-fat milk instead of whole milk or cream, reduce the butter to 2 tablespoons, and increase the celery to 3 cups for more volume with fewer calories.

How to Prepare the Perfect Cream Of Celery Soup: Step-by-Step Guide

Ready to make the most delicious cream of celery soup you’ve ever tasted? Follow these detailed steps and you’ll have a steaming bowl of comforting goodness in no time!

First Step: Prepare Your Ingredients

Before you start cooking, do all your prep work. Finely chop the onion, celery, and mince the garlic. Having everything ready to go makes the cooking process so much smoother and more enjoyable. If you have a food processor, you can save time by using it to chop the celery, onion, and garlic efficiently.

Second Step: Create the Flavor Base

Melt the butter in a Dutch oven or large saucepot over medium-high heat. Once the butter is melted and slightly bubbly, add the chopped onion, celery, and garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are soft and translucent, which should take about 5-7 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the onions are see-through and the celery has turned a bright green color.

Pro tip: Don’t rush this step! Properly sautéing the vegetables builds a deep, flavorful foundation for your cream of celery soup. The celery should be tender but not mushy, retaining a slight bite for texture.

Third Step: Make the Roux

Stir the flour into the softened vegetables and cook, stirring constantly, for an additional minute. This mixture of fat and flour is called a roux, and it’s what will thicken our soup. Make sure to stir continuously to prevent the flour from burning and to eliminate any raw flour taste. The roux should look like a slightly wet paste coating all the vegetables.

Fourth Step: Add Liquids

Gradually whisk in the chicken broth (or vegetable broth if you’re making a vegetarian version) and milk (or milk/cream mixture if you want a richer soup). Add the liquids immediately after cooking the flour to prevent clumping. Whisk constantly as you pour, making sure to scrape the bottom and sides of the pot to incorporate any bits of roux that might be sticking.

Fifth Step: Bring to a Simmer

Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring constantly. You’ll see small bubbles forming around the edges of the pot. Once the soup reaches a simmer, reduce the heat to medium. This gradual heating process allows the flavors to meld together properly.

Sixth Step: Season and Simmer

Add the salt, sugar, and pepper to the soup. Simmer uncovered for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the soup has thickened slightly and the celery is completely tender. The sugar counteracts the potential bitterness of the celery, while the salt and pepper provide a balanced seasoning that allows the celery flavor to shine.

Seventh Step: Optional Addition

If you’re using the optional Parmesan cheese, stir it in now until melted and completely combined. The cheese adds an extra layer of savory flavor that beautifully complements the celery. This step is completely optional but highly recommended if you’re not avoiding dairy!

Final Step: Taste and Adjust

Taste your cream of celery soup and adjust seasoning with additional salt if needed before serving. The final soup should be creamy with a pronounced celery flavor that’s balanced by the richness of the dairy and the subtle sweetness from the sugar.

Serve your cream of celery soup hot, garnished with some extra black pepper or a sprinkle of chopped fresh celery leaves if desired. It pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a simple light side dish for a complete meal.

Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Cream Of Celery Soup

One of the best things about this cream of celery soup recipe is how easily it adapts to different dietary needs and preferences. Here are some ways to customize it based on your requirements or what you have available in your kitchen.

Protein and Main Component Alternatives

While this cream of celery soup is delicious on its own, you can easily transform it into a more substantial meal by adding proteins:

• Chicken addition: Add 1 cup of cooked, shredded chicken to the soup during the last 5 minutes of simmering. This creates a creamy chicken and celery soup that’s hearty enough to be a main course.
• Vegetarian proteins: Stir in 1 cup of white beans, lentils, or chickpeas during the last 5 minutes of cooking. These plant-based proteins make the soup more filling while adding their own flavors and textures.
• Seafood option: Gently fold in 1 cup of cooked flaked salmon or small cooked shrimp right at the end, just before serving. The delicate flavor of seafood pairs surprisingly well with celery!

Vegetable, Sauce, and Seasoning Modifications

Feel free to get creative with the vegetable components and seasonings in your cream of celery soup:

• Other vegetables: Add 1 cup of diced potatoes along with the celery for a heartier soup, or include 1/2 cup of finely chopped carrots for sweetness and color. For a gourmet touch, add 1/2 cup of sliced mushrooms with the onions for an earthy depth.
• Herb variations: Fresh herbs can transform your soup! Try adding 1 tablespoon of fresh thyme during cooking or garnish with chopped fresh parsley or chives before serving.
• Dairy alternatives: For a different flavor profile, substitute the milk with coconut milk for a subtle tropical note, or use cashew cream for an incredibly rich and nutty taste. Learn more about celery’s nutritional value and how it pairs with different ingredients.

Mastering Cream Of Celery Soup: Advanced Tips and Variations

Now that you have the basic technique down, let’s explore some advanced tips and creative variations to take your cream of celery soup to the next level!

Pro Cooking Techniques

For an even more luxurious texture, try one of these professional techniques:

• Partial blending: For a smooth soup with some texture, use an immersion blender to puree about half of the soup directly in the pot. This creates a creamy base while still having recognizable pieces of celery for texture.
• Complete pureeing: For an ultra-silky, restaurant-quality cream of celery soup, blend the entire soup until completely smooth. You can use an immersion blender for convenience or transfer the soup to a traditional blender in batches, being careful with hot liquids.
• Double-straining: After blending, pour the soup through a fine-mesh strainer for an exceptionally smooth texture. This extra step removes any fibrous bits, resulting in an incredibly velvety cream of celery soup.

Flavor Variations

Give your cream of celery soup a global twist with these flavor variations:

• Asian-inspired: Add 1 teaspoon of grated ginger and 1 tablespoon of soy sauce along with the vegetables. Garnish with sliced green onions and a drizzle of sesame oil.
• Herb-infused: Tie thyme, rosemary, and a bay leaf together with kitchen twine and simmer them in the soup. Remove before serving. This aromatic addition elevates the flavor profile significantly.
• Spicy version: Add 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or a finely diced jalapeño with the onions for some heat that balances beautifully with the cooling creaminess.

Presentation Tips

Make your cream of celery soup look as good as it tastes with these presentation ideas:

• Elegant garnishes: Top with finely sliced celery leaves, a drizzle of cream or olive oil, or homemade croutons.
• Color contrast: Add a sprinkle of paprika or chopped fresh herbs to break up the monochromatic color of the soup.

Make-Ahead Options

This cream of celery soup is perfect for meal planning. The flavor actually improves when made ahead, allowing the ingredients to meld together even more. Prepare it up to 3 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk if the soup has thickened too much.

How to Store Cream Of Celery Soup: Best Practices

Proper storage is crucial to maintain the quality of your homemade cream of celery soup. Follow these best practices to keep your soup fresh and delicious for later enjoyment.

Refrigeration Guidelines

To store your cream of celery soup in the refrigerator, allow it to cool completely to room temperature first. Then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate promptly. The soup will maintain its best quality for 3-4 days when properly stored in the refrigerator. Be sure to label the container with the date so you can track its freshness.

Freezing Instructions

Cream of celery soup can be frozen for longer storage. Once cooled, portion the soup into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags, leaving about half an inch of headspace to allow for expansion. The soup can be frozen for up to 3 months. Note that dairy-based soups may experience slight texture changes upon thawing, but the flavor will remain excellent.

For best results when freezing, consider slightly undercooking the soup by a few minutes, as it will continue to cook when reheated. This helps prevent any separation or graininess in the dairy components.

Reheating Methods

When ready to enjoy your stored cream of celery soup, reheat it gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. If the soup has thickened too much in storage, whisk in a small amount of milk or broth until it reaches your desired consistency. Avoid using the microwave for reheating if possible, as dairy can sometimes separate or become grainy when microwaved.

Meal Prep Considerations

This cream of celery soup is a fantastic option for meal prep. Consider doubling the recipe and portioning it into individual containers for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week. If planning to use the soup as a casserole ingredient, note that this recipe yields approximately the equivalent of two standard cans of condensed cream of celery soup when diluted as directed in casserole recipes.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Cream Of Celery Soup

Cream Of Celery Soup

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🥚 Rich and creamy homemade soup that beats canned versions with fresh, natural ingredients
🌿 Nutritious and comforting meal perfect for cold days or when you need satisfying comfort food

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4–6 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

1/4 cup butter

1 small yellow onion, finely chopped

2 cups finely chopped celery

1 large clove garlic, minced

1/3 cup all-purpose unbleached flour

1 1/2 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth

1 1/2 cups whole milk OR 3/4 cup milk and 3/4 cup cream (for richer results)

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon sugar

1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

2 tablespoons shredded Parmesan cheese (for added flavor)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

1-First Step: Prepare Your Ingredients Before you start cooking, do all your prep work. Finely chop the onion, celery, and mince the garlic. Having everything ready to go makes the cooking process so much smoother and more enjoyable. If you have a food processor, you can save time by using it to chop the celery, onion, and garlic efficiently.

2-Second Step: Create the Flavor Base Melt the butter in a Dutch oven or large saucepot over medium-high heat. Once the butter is melted and slightly bubbly, add the chopped onion, celery, and garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are soft and translucent, which should take about 5-7 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the onions are see-through and the celery has turned a bright green color.

3-Third Step: Make the Roux Stir the flour into the softened vegetables and cook, stirring constantly, for an additional minute. This mixture of fat and flour is called a roux, and it’s what will thicken our soup. Make sure to stir continuously to prevent the flour from burning and to eliminate any raw flour taste. The roux should look like a slightly wet paste coating all the vegetables.

4-Fourth Step: Add Liquids Gradually whisk in the chicken broth (or vegetable broth if you’re making a vegetarian version) and milk (or milk/cream mixture if you want a richer soup). Add the liquids immediately after cooking the flour to prevent clumping. Whisk constantly as you pour, making sure to scrape the bottom and sides of the pot to incorporate any bits of roux that might be sticking.

5-Fifth Step: Bring to a Simmer Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring constantly. You’ll see small bubbles forming around the edges of the pot. Once the soup reaches a simmer, reduce the heat to medium. This gradual heating process allows the flavors to meld together properly.

6-Sixth Step: Season and Simmer Add the salt, sugar, and pepper to the soup. Simmer uncovered for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the soup has thickened slightly and the celery is completely tender. The sugar counteracts the potential bitterness of the celery, while the salt and pepper provide a balanced seasoning that allows the celery flavor to shine.

7-Seventh Step: Optional Addition If you’re using the optional Parmesan cheese, stir it in now until melted and completely combined. The cheese adds an extra layer of savory flavor that beautifully complements the celery. This step is completely optional but highly recommended if you’re not avoiding dairy!

8-Final Step: Taste and Adjust Taste your cream of celery soup and adjust seasoning with additional salt if needed before serving. The final soup should be creamy with a pronounced celery flavor that’s balanced by the richness of the dairy and the subtle sweetness from the sugar.

Last Step:

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Notes

🧂 Use fresh, organic celery for the best flavor and texture in your homemade soup
🔄 For a smoother consistency, partially blend with an immersion blender or blend just a portion
❄️ Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3-4 days or freeze for up to 3 months

• Author: Brandi Oshea
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Soup
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian (when using vegetable broth)

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 231
• Sugar: 7
• Sodium: 790
• Fat: 15
• Saturated Fat: 9
• Carbohydrates: 18
• Fiber: 1
• Protein: 6
• Cholesterol: 39