3 Easy Ways To Upgrade That Old Can Of Campbell’s Soup

Fall is here and that means one thing. Okay, it actually means several. But this isn’t another article about pumpkin spice, this is about the best savory food from fall: soup. There’s nothing better than a crisp autumn day and a warm bowl of hearty soup to make you feel cozy and content. 

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But soup can be a tricky mistress. It takes a long time to really build the good flavor. Most soups and stews are best when they’ve sat and gelled together for hours on the stovetop. But not everyone has that time. And well… canned soup is okay in a pinch, but it just doesn’t quite pack the same punch as homemade. So, if you don’t have time, are you just stuck with either no soup or lackluster canned options? Not with our help!

We’ve got a few things you can do to your canned soup to make them taste homemade and like they didn’t just come out of a can. Who says ramen is the only cheap meal that gets to be upgraded, huh? All soup should be tweaked a little, even if you just throw in a little more seasoning (not salt though―canned soup is typically salty enough already). 

Herbs And Spices

Now this may seem obvious, but not everyone is thinking of throwing some new spices into a can of soup. But while it’s warming, additional seasonings can create new and complex taste profiles that you wouldn’t get otherwise. If you happen to have fresh herbs, too? Then that’s even better. Those herbs go a long way in adding delicious flavor while being cheap (especially if you have a herb garden or some herb pots on your sill or even just a spare stem from another meal). And it doesn’t have to be as simple as adding salt or pepper. Try adding some paprika for a smoky kick or some rosemary for an herbaceous note. Even adding some hot sauce or bouillon can help add more flavor. 

Add Extras

Ramen has gotten massive makeovers from its humble beginnings as a college dorm struggle meal. Now, you can find all sorts of media that shows the different ways to elevate your 50 cent pack of ramen without breaking the bank. But why should ramen be the only soup you’re adding extra things to? While you may not want to add a soft boiled egg to your creamy potato soup from the can, the principle still applies. Add extras.

Anything that fits the soup you’re making. Got a veggie stew? Add some fresh veggies. Even just some fresh onion and garlic will add a boost to the boring canned base. Add more cheese or noodles if there’s no starch. You can even add new or more protein. That veggie stew? Add some quick seared thin sliced steak. Got leftover steak? Cube it up and toss it in. Now you’ve got some extra protein and a great flavor boost to your soup. 

Don’t Microwave

Now look, I know the point of canned soup is that it’s convenient and fast. It even has the microwave directions on the can. But trust me, if you really want to get the best out of your canned soup, you want to heat it a little more slowly on the stove rather than going with speed in the microwave. 

The microwave will cause some of the flavors to dissipate, meaning you’re going to be more likely to have bland soup out of the microwave. Microwaving also makes adding extras harder as they rely on that cook time on the stove to meld together. If you don’t believe me, get two cans of soup and heat one in the microwave and one on the stove and see the difference in taste. The stove and extra dish will be worth it when you have better tasting soup that’s still affordable. (As a little bonus, warming a soup in a slow cooker with some add-ins allows for a great tasting soup that required little effort to execute.)

The Point? Be Creative

There are limitless possibilities to upgrading your soup because there are just so many soups. The tips here are broad on purpose because they have to apply to a range―but they work for any and all canned soups. And with so many canned soups out there and so many add-ons? You can have a new kind of soup every day for years and never repeat the same, even using the same soup base. Talk about variety. 

There’s nothing wrong with canned soups. They’re affordable and they offer long cooking foods for people who just don’t have the time. Canned soup is much like ramen. It’s a humble little meal for those that need to watch where they spend. But that doesn’t mean they can’t have a meal that feels filling and satisfying. You just got to make some tweaks and additions. Follow these tips and you can have the best canned soup with ease.