Are you tired of grabbing ten different ingredients to cook up a homemade soup or sauce? What if there was a dry mix of ingredients all put together that can form a base for any type of soup or sauce you want to make?

Well, there is and it is called SOS mix. It is a huge kitchen helper and I cannot imagine my pantry without it! SOS mix helps me quickly whip up a delicious meal and is my rescue in my kitchen!

Call out for rescue in your own kitchen with your own SOS mix!

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What is SOS Mix

SOS mix is a dry mixture of ingredients that make up a soup or sauce base. Rather than getting out all of your pantry ingredients to mix up a soup or sauce, having an SOS mix on your pantry shelf is a quick and easy way to get started. This SOS mix can be used for many types of recipes. I love how simple it is to just add water and watch the magic happen in your pan by seeing a soup or sauce form instantly.

The source of this SOS mix recipe originated from Utah State University Extension. However, it can be modified to fit your dietary needs as I have discussed the options in this post.

When you keep this jar of dry mix on your pantry shelf, you will always be prepared to make homemade cream of something soup with the ingredients of your choice for your version that fits your dietary needs.

When you need help in your kitchen for a quick and easy delicious meal, reach for your SOS mix jar and start getting creative with a wonderful recipe.

SOS Mix Saves Dinner!

A lot of your homemade cooking anxiety can be relieved by having this SOS mix ready to go for you. Trust me, as a busy mother who works full time and homesteads full time, having an SOS mix on my pantry shelf has saved me tons of time and anxiety in my kitchen when I want to provide a homemade meal for my family.

This is a recipe that makes about a one-quart jar. You can double or quadruple this recipe for as many quart jars as you want to stock in your pantry. This recipe has instructions for the amount needed to make the equivalent of a 10.5-ounce can of creamed soups with directions on how much water to add.

SOS mix is great for soups, sauces, gravies, creamed vegetables, casseroles, and skillet meals. You can save money by using these pantry staples by buying them in bulk and making up your jar mixes for convenience.

Customizing Your SOS Mix

After preparing the SOS base, you can customize your recipe however you like. Whether you are following a recipe that calls for a can of cream of soup or making up your own recipe, this base will allow for a variety of different flavors.

You can save a lot of money by keeping this SOS mix on your pantry shelf. A lot of comfort food recipes call for cream-of-something soups and those cans can rack up your grocery bill. When you buy these pantry staple ingredients in bulk, you can save a lot of money. You can buy flour, cornstarch, powdered milk, chicken or vegetable bouillon, and herbs in bulk for this recipe. You can save even more when you grow your own herbs like onions, parsley, basil, oregano, and thyme to add to this dry mix recipe and dry those herbs yourself! Never buy a canned cream of soup again!

Making your own SOS mix is an excellent idea since you control what ingredients are added. You can opt for a gluten-free and low-sodium version using cornstarch rather than flour and a gluten-free and low-sodium chicken or vegetable bouillon product (vegetable bouillon). You can also make a vegan and lactose version by using dry plant-based milk and vegetable bouillon.

Gluten-Free and Low Sodium Version

5 cups powdered milk
5 cups cornstarch
4 cups instant chicken bouillon (Knorr Concentrated Chicken Low Sodium Bouillon brand)
5 tbsp dried onion flakes or powder
5 tsp Italian seasoning

Vegan and Lactose-Free Version

5 cups powdered vegan milk of choice
5 cups cornstarch or flour
4 cups instant vegetable bouillon
5 tbsp dried onion flakes or powder
5 tsp Italian seasoning

Mix all of the dry ingredients that you have chosen for your version of this recipe together in a large bowl until well combined.

Carefully pour the dry mix into a quart jar or any other size jar that you want to use. I like to keep mine in large quart sizes because I use this mix a lot for my cooking. I also find that a canner funnel works well when pouring the dry mix into the jar to prevent a mess.

Completely fill your jar to the top and put the lid on it. You can fill as many jars as you want as this recipe is shelf stable considering they are all dry ingredients.

For the equivalent of one can of condensed cream of soup, mix 1/3 cup of SOS mix with 1 1/4 cups of water and whisk until well blended. Cook until thickened and add to your favorite recipe.

Conclusion

Having SOS Mix on hand is like having a secret weapon for quick, delicious meals that save time and effort without sacrificing flavor. With just a few pantry staples, you can create creamy soups, sauces, and gravies to elevate your dishes and add homemade goodness. Plus, it’s easily customizable, so you can adjust flavors to suit your family’s tastes. Whether you’re using it in casseroles, pasta, or as a gravy base, SOS Mix makes home cooking easier and more convenient. Give it a try, and enjoy the simplicity and versatility of this essential kitchen staple!

Resources: Here are some helpful resources for further information.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is SOS Mix used for?

SOS Mix is a versatile base for soups, sauces, and gravies. It can replace canned cream soups in recipes, create creamy sauces for pasta or casseroles, and thicken gravies—all with a simple mix of pantry ingredients.

2. How do I store SOS Mix, and how long does it last?

Store SOS Mix in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. When kept properly, it can last up to 6 months, making it a convenient, long-lasting staple in your kitchen.

3. How do I make a sauce or soup with SOS Mix?

To make a sauce, whisk 1/3 cup of SOS Mix with 1 1/4 cups of water in a saucepan over medium heat until it thickens, around 3–5 minutes. Add more mix or water to adjust thickness based on your preference.

4. Can I customize SOS Mix for different flavors?

Yes! You can easily add herbs, spices, or additional bouillon flavors to tailor it to specific recipes. Try garlic powder, basil, or paprika for added depth and variety.

SOS Mix

This SOS Mix recipe is a homemade solution for quick and creamy soups, sauces, and gravies—all in one easy pantry staple! Perfect for busy days, this versatile mix combines dry milk powder, cornstarch, bouillon, and seasonings to give you a rich, savory base that can be used in a variety of dishes, from casseroles to pot pies. Just add water, stir, and cook to create a thick, flavorful sauce that adds a homemade touch to your favorite comfort foods without the hassle. Enjoy delicious, preservative-free meals with this go-to mix that’s ready whenever you need it.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Total Time 15

Servings 1 quart

Equipment

1 quart jar
1 canning jar funnel

Ingredients

5 cups powdered milk of your choice
5 cups flour or cornstarch
4 cups chicken or vegetable bouillon
5 tbsp dried onion flakes or powder
5 tsp dried Italian seasoning

Instructions

Mix all ingredients into a large bowl until evenly mixed.
Pour the dry mix into the quart jar. I find using a canning funnel helps with this step.
Place a lid on the jar and label the jar SOS Mix.
For the equivalent of one can of condensed cream of soup, mix 1/3 cup of SOS mix with 1 1/4 cups of water and whisk until well blended. Cook until thickended and add to your favorite recipe.