Gravy is the perfect finishing touch to many meals, adding warmth, flavor, and that comforting richness we all love. But what if you don’t have the time or ingredients to make gravy from scratch? Enter cream of mushroom soup—a pantry hero that can be transformed into a luscious, creamy mushroom gravy with minimal effort. If you’ve ever wondered how to make gravy with cream of mushroom soup, you’re in the right place. Let’s dive into an easy, foolproof way to whip up this tasty gravy that pairs beautifully with chicken, pork chops, mashed potatoes, and more.
Why Use Cream of Mushroom Soup for Gravy?
Cream of mushroom soup is a condensed, flavorful base that already contains mushrooms, cream, and seasoning. This makes it a fantastic shortcut for gravy because it provides a rich mushroom flavor and creamy texture without needing to start from scratch. Plus, it’s versatile and quick—perfect for busy weeknights or when you want a comforting meal without the fuss.
What You’ll Need
To make gravy with cream of mushroom soup, you don’t need many ingredients. Here’s a simple list to get you started:
– 1 can of condensed cream of mushroom soup (about 10 oz)
– 1 stock cube (chicken or vegetable), crumbled
– 1 to 2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk (for extra creaminess)
– Ground black pepper to taste
– Optional: Butter and sliced mushrooms for extra flavor and texture
– Optional: Garlic or onion powder for seasoning
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Cream of Mushroom Soup Gravy
1. Warm the Soup
Start by pouring the entire can of cream of mushroom soup into a saucepan or skillet. Warm it over low heat, stirring occasionally. As it heats, the soup will thin out, making it easier to turn into gravy.
2. Add the Stock Cube
Once the soup is warm and starting to loosen, crumble in a stock cube. This boosts the savory depth of your gravy. Stir well until the stock cube dissolves completely and the mixture begins to simmer.
3. Adjust the Consistency
Add heavy cream or milk gradually—start with about 1 to 2 tablespoons. This step adds richness and helps you control the thickness of your gravy. If you prefer thinner gravy, add a little more liquid. Keep stirring and simmering until you reach your desired consistency.
4. Season to Taste
Add ground black pepper to taste. You can also sprinkle in some garlic powder or onion powder if you want to enhance the flavor further. Taste your gravy and adjust seasoning as needed.
5. Optional: Sauté Mushrooms and Garlic
If you want to elevate your gravy, sauté some fresh sliced mushrooms and minced garlic in butter before adding the soup. This step adds texture and a fresh mushroom flavor that complements the creaminess beautifully. Once the mushrooms are golden and tender, stir in the soup and continue with the recipe.
6. Serve Warm
Once your gravy is smooth, creamy, and flavorful, remove it from the heat and serve immediately over your favorite dishes like roasted chicken, pork chops, mashed potatoes, or even biscuits.
Tips for Perfect Cream of Mushroom Soup Gravy
– Use the pan drippings: If you’ve just cooked meat in a skillet, use that same pan to make your gravy. Leave the browned bits in the pan—they add incredible flavor.
– Control thickness: If your gravy is too thick, add a splash more broth, cream, or milk. If it’s too thin, simmer a little longer or whisk in a small amount of flour mixed with water.
– Make ahead: This gravy can be made ahead and reheated gently on the stove. Stir occasionally to keep it smooth.
– Customize your flavor: Feel free to add herbs like thyme or parsley for a fresh touch.
Variations to Try
– Cream of chicken soup: Swap the mushroom soup for cream of chicken soup for a different flavor profile.
– Add wine: A splash of white wine added while simmering can add complexity.
– Use vegetable broth: For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth and skip the meat drippings.
Why This Recipe Works So Well
Using cream of mushroom soup as a base for gravy simplifies the process tremendously. It eliminates the need for making a roux (the butter and flour mixture traditionally used to thicken gravy) and chopping lots of ingredients. The soup already provides a creamy texture and mushroom flavor that’s hard to beat. Plus, it’s quick—ready in about 10 minutes—making it ideal for last-minute meals or holiday dinners when time is tight.
Making gravy with cream of mushroom soup is a simple, tasty way to add comfort and flavor to your meals. With just a few ingredients and easy steps, you can create a creamy mushroom gravy that will impress your family and friends every time. Give it a try next time you want a quick gravy fix!