Condensed Cheddar Cheese Soup Substitute - Regular and Reduced-Fat Versions

Although very convenient, commercially prepared condensed soups are expensive and may contain additives and ingredients you'd prefer to skip. You can use these condensed soup substitutes in dishes instead of commercially prepared condensed soups. These homemade substitutes are very easy and quick to make! They taste much better, too. I have almost stopped purchasing the canned versions.
Using heart-healthy butter spreads, low-fat or fat-free milk, and low-sodium broth allows you to make these recipes more healthful.
You can customize with these simple recipes by adding other seasonings such as garlic powder, celery salt, onion powder, etc.

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Condensed Cheddar Cheese Soup Substitute

3 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup milk
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
salt, to taste

Melt butter in a saucepan over medium-low heat; add flour and whisk until smooth and bubbly. Remove from heat; gradually add milk, whisking to keep smooth. Return to heat and bring to a gentle boil, whisking constantly until thickened. Add cheese and stir until melted. Add salt.

Reduced-Fat Version: Condensed Cheddar Cheese Soup Substitute

1 tablespoon butter
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup fat-free milk
1 cup shredded 2% cheddar cheese
salt, to taste

Melt butter in a saucepan over medium-low heat; add flour and a bit of the milk; whisk until smooth and bubbly. Remove from heat; gradually add remaining milk, whisking to keep smooth. Return to heat and bring to a gentle boil, whisking constantly until thickened. Add cheese and stir until melted. Add salt.