cream of celery soup
See also: Cream of Mushroom Soup
A canned condensed soup built on a celery-flavored white sauce, used the same way cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup is -- as a one-can shortcut for a creamy, thickened base in a casserole or a chowder, rather than being served on its own as a soup.
Buying guidance
"Healthy Request" and other reduced-sodium or reduced-fat versions behave a little differently (thinner, less rich) than the standard version -- if a recipe was developed with one type, swapping in the other can change the final texture and saltiness slightly.
Substitutions
- Cream of chicken or cream of mushroom soup -- similar thickened, creamy base with a different dominant flavor.
- A homemade white sauce (butter, flour, milk) with sautéed celery blended in -- more work, full control over saltiness and thickness.
- Cream of celery soup from a different brand -- interchangeable can-for-can.
Tips & common mistakes
Used undiluted alongside a recipe that also adds a full separate portion of milk or broth can make a dish thinner than a casserole recipe expects if the can's own thickening power was counted on -- check whether a recipe wants it condensed (as-is) or already thinned.
Storage
An unopened can keeps for a year or more in the pantry. Once opened, refrigerate any leftover in a sealed container and use within a few days.