There’s something quietly comforting about a bowl of celery soup. It’s warm, smooth, and full of that home-cooked goodness that makes even an ordinary evening feel special. For years, I only thought of celery as the background flavor in soups and stews, never the star. But once I made this homemade cream of celery soup, everything changed.
Unlike canned versions, this recipe is fresh, velvety, and made entirely from real ingredients: butter, broth, milk, and tender celery cooked until soft and aromatic. The result is a perfectly balanced soup that’s both light and rich, familiar yet refined. Whether you’re using it as a cozy starter, folding it into casseroles, or freezing it for later, this homemade celery soup proves that simple vegetables can create something truly satisfying.
It’s budget-friendly, freezer-friendly, and endlessly comforting, the kind of soup that brings warmth back to your kitchen all year long.
A Creamy Classic Reimagined: Homemade Celery Soup
There’s something so comforting about a steaming bowl of celery soup. It’s warm, creamy, and quietly elegant, a dish that proves simple ingredients can do extraordinary things. Growing up, celery was always in the fridge, tucked behind the milk or bundled with carrots. It was the unsung hero of my mom’s soups and stews, the base note that gave everything depth. But I never thought to make it the star until one chilly Sunday when I needed something cozy and quick.
With just a few pantry staples—butter, flour, broth, and milk, I turned that lonely rib of celery into something rich, velvety, and deeply satisfying. A sprinkle of Parmesan added a gentle saltiness, and suddenly, the whole kitchen smelled like comfort. It reminded me that home cooking isn’t about complicated recipes, it’s about small transformations that make ordinary food taste like something special.
The Memory Behind Cream of Celery Soup
For me, celery soup carries the quiet warmth of home. My mom’s kitchen was always filled with the sound of bubbling pots and the smell of butter melting in a pan. Celery was her secret ingredient for balance, it softened strong flavors and brightened heavy dishes. So when I first made my own version, it felt like I was carrying that memory forward.
Homemade cream of celery soup is smooth and gentle, the kind of meal that wraps you up without weighing you down. It’s especially good when paired with a slice of crusty bread or served alongside baked garlic parmesan chicken and potatoes for a cozy weeknight dinner. Every spoonful feels like a reminder that the simplest things often bring the most comfort.
Why Homemade Is Worth Every Minute
Making celery soup from scratch might sound fancy, but it’s honestly one of the easiest soups you’ll ever make. And it’s so much better than anything from a can. You control every flavor, from the buttery richness to the light herbal lift. Plus, it’s healthier—no preservatives, no excess sodium, just clean ingredients that taste like real food.
This soup also freezes beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep. I like keeping a few portions ready to reheat when I want something nourishing and familiar. For more creamy inspiration, try my creamy paprika steak shells—it pairs beautifully with this soup for the ultimate comfort meal.
Building the Perfect Cream of Celery Soup
There’s something magical about turning a few simple ingredients into a bowl of creamy, rich celery soup. Every step in this recipe builds flavor, from melting butter and whisking flour to watching the celery soften into a silky, fragrant base. It’s a process that feels comforting and familiar, the kind of kitchen rhythm that reminds you cooking doesn’t have to be complicated to be good.
This homemade version gives you all the creaminess of the canned kind but with fresher, cleaner flavor and none of the extras you don’t need. Each spoonful delivers warmth, a hint of sweetness from the celery, and a touch of Parmesan that rounds it all out beautifully.
Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor
Here’s what you’ll need to make your own homemade celery soup:
| Ingredient | Purpose |
|---|---|
| ¼ cup butter | Creates a creamy, rich base |
| ¼ cup all-purpose flour | Thickens the soup to perfection |
| 1 ½ cups vegetable broth or chicken stock | Adds savory depth and body |
| ½ cup milk | Brings creamy texture |
| 1 rib celery, chopped (about ¼ cup) | Star ingredient, adds freshness |
| 2 tbsp shredded Parmesan cheese | Adds savory richness |
| ½ tsp salt | Enhances all the flavors |
| ¼ tsp black pepper | Adds a hint of warmth |
How to Make It Step-by-Step
- Melt the butter: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter until it bubbles gently.
- Add flour: Stir in the flour and whisk for 1–2 minutes until smooth—it forms the base for your soup’s texture.
- Add liquid: Slowly pour in the broth and milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
- Add celery: Stir in chopped celery and simmer for 10–15 minutes until the soup thickens and the celery softens.
- Finish it off: Stir in Parmesan, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust as needed.
Pro tip: For a smoother texture, blend the soup lightly before serving.
If you love the texture and body this soup brings, try adding it to casseroles like baked garlic parmesan chicken and potatoes, it creates a creamy layer that elevates the dish.
As America’s Test Kitchen explains, toasting the butter and flour together builds a deeper, nuttier flavor base before the broth and milk even touch the pan.
Creative Ways to Use Celery Soup
Once you’ve made a fresh batch of homemade celery soup, you’ll realize how versatile it truly is. Beyond serving it as a warm bowl of comfort, this creamy base can transform into a secret ingredient that enhances everything from casseroles to sauces. It’s one of those recipes that earns a permanent spot in your weekly rotation, not just because it’s delicious, but because it adapts to whatever you’re cooking.
You can use it as a cozy starter, a creamy sauce, or even a building block for more complex dishes. The texture is silky, the flavor delicate yet rich, and the possibilities endless.
From Simple Bowl to Stunning Side
On its own, celery soup is already satisfying, a perfect way to unwind at the end of a long day. But it also works beautifully as part of a meal. Pair it with grilled cheese or a warm slice of baked garlic parmesan chicken and potatoes for a classic comfort combination.
You can also pour it over roasted vegetables or stir it into mashed potatoes to give them a light, buttery lift. When used as a sauce, it adds a smooth, creamy texture that balances bolder flavors like paprika or black pepper. The best part? It reheats perfectly, keeping that rich consistency every time.
If you want to make it ahead, store portions in freezer-safe containers, it’ll stay good for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, simply reheat and whisk in a splash of milk to restore its silky smoothness.
Beyond Soup: Smart Ways to Cook with It
Homemade celery soup doubles as a healthier alternative to canned cream soups. Use it as a substitute in casseroles, pot pies, or even pasta bakes. I love mixing it into creamy paprika steak shells to add depth and balance to the sauce.
For inspiration, The Kitchn suggests using fresh, real ingredients for homemade bases—it’s an easy way to bring both flavor and nutrition into your kitchen.
Whether you drizzle it over roasted chicken, mix it into rice, or serve it with crusty bread, this celery soup proves that the simplest dishes can make the biggest impression.
Celery Soup Nutrition, Storage & Benefits
Homemade celery soup isn’t just delicious, it’s surprisingly nutritious, too. This creamy bowl of comfort delivers flavor and health in equal measure. Unlike canned versions, it skips preservatives and excess sodium, relying instead on fresh celery, real butter, and wholesome broth. It’s proof that good food doesn’t need to be complicated to be good for you.
Nutrition & Health Benefits
Celery is one of those vegetables that quietly supports your health in powerful ways. It’s low in calories yet rich in antioxidants, fiber, and hydration, great for digestion and heart health. When turned into soup, it becomes soothing and easy to digest, making it perfect for cozy evenings or gentle resets.
Each serving of homemade celery soup (about one cup) offers around 180 calories, mainly from healthy fats and milk. It contains protein from Parmesan, vitamins A and K from celery, and minerals like potassium and calcium from the broth.
Homemade versions like this one also avoid the additives found in processed soups, letting natural flavors shine through while keeping your meal cleaner and more wholesome.
Serving & Storage Tips
One of the best things about celery soup is how well it stores. Once cooled, keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days, or freeze it for up to three months. When reheating, whisk in a splash of milk or broth to bring back that smooth, velvety texture.
It’s perfect for meal prep—pour into small containers or soupercubes for quick, grab-and-go lunches. I love pairing it with baked garlic parmesan chicken and potatoes or creamy paprika steak shells for a cozy, balanced dinner.
Celery Soup
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter until it bubbles gently.
- Stir in the flour and whisk for 1–2 minutes until smooth—it forms the base for your soup’s texture.
- Slowly pour in the broth and milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
- Stir in chopped celery and simmer for 10–15 minutes until the soup thickens and the celery softens.
- Stir in Parmesan, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust as needed.
- Serve warm or cool before storing in airtight containers.
Nutrition
Notes
Make it vegan with plant butter and non-dairy milk.
Perfect as a base for casseroles, sauces, or quick soups.
Blend for a smoother texture, or whisk in milk when reheating to restore creaminess.
From your stove to our hearts
share your delicious take!FAQs About Celery Soup
Can you make soup with celery?
Absolutely! Celery creates a light, savory base that’s perfect for soups. When simmered gently, it adds depth, aroma, and a slightly sweet flavor that balances beautifully with broth and milk.
2. Does celery taste good in soup?
Yes—it tastes fresh, mild, and slightly peppery. Once cooked, celery softens and blends into a smooth, delicate flavor that complements cream-based or broth-based soups perfectly.
3. What are some common celery soup mistakes?
The biggest mistakes are using too much salt, not cooking the celery long enough, or skipping the flour-butter base. Letting the roux toast gently, as America’s Test Kitchen explains, gives your soup a richer flavor and prevents a chalky texture.
4. What are the benefits of celery soup?
Celery soup is hydrating, supports digestion, and is packed with vitamins and minerals. It’s low in calories and high in antioxidants, making it a healthy comfort food that nourishes without heaviness.
Conclusion-Celery Soup
Homemade celery soup is the kind of recipe that reminds you why cooking from scratch matters. It’s simple, clean, and full of real flavor, the kind that comforts you from the inside out. Whether you enjoy it as a light starter, freeze it for later, or stir it into casseroles, it’s proof that a humble vegetable like celery can make something truly memorable.
Once you’ve made this soup, you’ll never look at a can the same way again, it’s fresh, flavorful, and made with the same care that defines every meal at Mellow Dishes.
