How to Thicken Soup: 7 Proven Methods for Home Cooks

Have you ever sipped a soup and wished it were just a bit thicker, creamier, or heartier? Learning how to thicken a soup can turn a bland, watery dish into a mouthwatering, comforting meal—especially when paired with the right spices!

Cooking the soup longer to remove excess liquid, blending some of the solid ingredients of the soup, or using food scraps like bread or potatoes can thicken the soup, but if you don’t have time to wait, you can use a thickening agent. 

Right here, we’ll cover seven tried-and-true methods—from using a cornstarch slurry to adding an egg-lemon mixture—so you’ll never have to settle for thin, lackluster soup again. Ready to cook like a chef at home? Whether you want to thicken soup with flour or you’re curious about plant-based alternatives, this guide has you covered!

1. How to Thicken Soup With Flour

Using all-purpose flour is one of the best ways to thicken soup quickly. When flour mixes with liquid, the gluten proteins expand, creating a thicker consistency. Flour contributes carbohydrates and a small amount of protein to soups.

1. Create a slurry: In a small bowl, whisk 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour with about 2 tablespoons of cold water or cooled soup until smooth.
2. Combine: Slowly stir the flour mixture into your simmering soup.
3. Adjust: Check the thickness—if it’s not thick enough, repeat in small increments until you reach the desired consistency.

How Much Flour to Thicken Soup?

This is an incredible cooking hack! For a medium-sized pot (4–6 quarts), start with 1 tablespoon of flour (about 8 grams). If you need more thickening power, add a second tablespoon, but always make a new slurry first to avoid lumps.

Alternative Flour Options (e.g., Whole Wheat, Gluten-Free Blends)

• Whole Wheat Flour: Offers a nuttier flavor but can be denser.

Gluten-Free Blends: Ideal if you want to avoid gluten. Some blends may contain xanthan gum or other binding agents, so start slowly to prevent over-thickening.

2. How to Thicken Soup With Cornstarch

Wondering how to thicken a soup with cornstarch? Cornstarch is a favorite among home cooks, especially for gluten-free diets, because it thickens quickly without affecting flavor.

Cornstarch is pure starch, offering a higher carbohydrate content with minimal protein or fiber. It’s effective in small quantities but lacks additional nutrients, according to Verywell Health.

1. Make a cornstarch slurry: Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water until it forms a smooth paste.
2. Incorporate: Gradually stir this cornstarch slurry into your simmering soup.
3. Watch and stir: Continue stirring for a few minutes until the soup thickens.

It’s not difficult to thicken soup with cornstarch. Just follow the instructions above and you’ll see it work its magic!

How Much Cornstarch to Thicken Soup?

Curious about how much cornstarch to thicken soup? Start with 1 tablespoon at a time. You can always add more slurry in small increments to achieve your desired thickness.

Tips for Preventing Lumps and Achieving a Smooth Texture

• Stir slowly but steadily: Gentle, continuous motion helps the starch disperse.
• Beware of over-thickening: Cornstarch works fast—add it little by little.

You can also consider popular cooking substitutions as a shortcut for busy evenings.

3. How to Use Xanthan Gum to Thicken Soup

Xanthan gum is a highly concentrated thickener made by fermenting carbohydrates. It’s a powerhouse when you want a velvety texture but don’t mind investing in a specialty ingredient.

It’s low in calories and carbohydrates, making it suitable for low-carb diets. However, according to Healthline, some individuals may experience digestive discomfort with excessive use.

1. Blend it well: Whisk or blend ½ teaspoon of xanthan gum into a small bowl of soup.
2. Combine: Once it’s fully dissolved and lump-free, stir it back into the main pot.
3. Add gradually: Too much xanthan gum can turn your soup gummy or overly thick.

How Much Xanthan Gum to Thicken Soup?

Start small—about ½ teaspoon per 4–6 quarts of soup—then adjust as needed. If you have gluten sensitivities or require a low-carb option, xanthan gum may be your go-to.

When to Use Xanthan Gum vs. Other Thickeners

• Pros: Low-carb, gluten-free, minimal flavor impact.

Cons: Can be pricier, and it’s easy to overdo.

4. How to Thicken Soup Using Starchy Ingredients

Sometimes, the best way to thicken soup is hiding right in your pantry. By blending or adding certain starchy foods, you can boost thickness naturally.

Pureed beans or potatoes enhance fiber, vitamins, and minerals. But they also increase the carbohydrate content, which may be a consideration for those monitoring their intake.

Blending Beans, Potatoes, or Rice for a Natural Thickener

Using veggies to add thickness is an excellent healthy food swap for your soup. You can also add rice!

1. Cook until soft: Let potatoes, beans, or rice become very tender in your soup.
2. Remove & puree: Scoop out a portion, blend it, then stir it back in.
3. Adjust: Keep pureeing in small batches to get the consistency you prefer.

Using Instant Mashed Potatoes for Quick Thickening

1. Sprinkle & stir: Add a few tablespoons of instant mashed potato flakes directly into the soup.
2. Let it sit: Give the flakes a minute to absorb liquid.
3. Taste-test: Adjust seasoning as potatoes can mellow the soup’s flavor.

5. How to Thicken a Soup With a Beurre Manié (Butter-Flour Paste)

Beurre manié is a classic French technique that blends equal parts softened butter and flour into a kneaded paste. It’s fantastic for thickening a soup, according to Chef Billy Parisi.

This mixture adds both fat and carbohydrates to the soup, increasing its calorie content. It’s not suitable for vegan or dairy-free diets.​

How to Make and Use Beurre Manié for a Silky Texture

1. Form the paste: Knead 1 tablespoon of softened butter with 1 tablespoon of flour until fully combined.
2. Incorporate slowly: Drop the paste into your soup while it simmers and whisk gently.
3. Simmer & stir: Continue cooking until the paste dissolves, leaving your soup glossy and thicker.

This method adds richness, so remember to check if your soup needs any extra salt.

6. How to Thicken Soup With Uncooked Rice

Uncooked rice is another clever way to increase thickness without relying on flour or cornstarch. This method increases the carbohydrate content and provides some fiber, especially if whole grain rice is used.

How Rice Breaks Down to Naturally Thicken Broth

1. Rinse your rice: A quick rinse removes excess starch on the surface.
2. Add to soup: Stir a handful (about ¼ cup) of rice per 4–6 quarts of soup.
3. Simmer: Cook until the rice starts to break down, releasing starches into the broth.

Best Types of Rice to Use

• White Rice: Breaks down faster.
• Brown Rice: Offers more nutrients but takes longer to soften.

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7. How to Thicken a Soup With Dairy and Eggs

Adding cream, yogurt, coconut milk, or even an egg-lemon mixture can transform the body and flavor of your soup. These ingredients enrich soups with proteins and fats, enhancing both texture and nutritional value. 

However, these additions also increase calorie content and may not be suitable for those with dairy allergies or following vegan diets.

Adding Heavy Cream, Yogurt, or Coconut Milk for Richness

1. Temper first: Stir a ladle of hot soup into your cream or yogurt to warm it gently.
2. Add slowly: Pour this mixture back into the soup while whisking constantly.
3. Prevent curdling: Keep the heat low and avoid boiling once the dairy is added.

Using an Egg-Lemon Mixture (Avgolemono) for a Velvety Finish

1. Whisk eggs & lemon: In a bowl, whisk together 2 eggs and the juice of 1 lemon.
2. Temper: Slowly drizzle hot soup into the egg-lemon mix while whisking to prevent scrambling.
3. Combine: Pour the tempered mixture back into the pot and stir gently over low heat.

How to Choose the Best Thickening Method for Your Soup

How Each Thickener Affects Flavor and Texture

• Flour & Beurre Manié: Adds subtle richness and a slightly opaque appearance.
• Cornstarch: Thickens quickly with minimal flavor change.
• Xanthan Gum: Very potent—ideal for low-carb or gluten-free diets.
• Starchy Ingredients: Natural consistency—can add extra flavor or heartiness.
• Dairy & Eggs: Imparts creaminess and depth.

Thickening Methods for Different Diets (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Low-Carb, etc.)

• Gluten-Free: Cornstarch, xanthan gum, arrowroot, potato starch.
• Dairy-Free: Coconut milk or pureed vegetables.
• Low-Carb: Xanthan gum or egg-lemon mixture.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Thickening Soup

• Adding too much thickener at once: Always start small and build up.
• Not mixing thoroughly: Whisk or stir continuously to avoid lumps.
• Boiling dairy or eggs: This can lead to curdling or grainy textures.
• Overcooking starches: Overly long cook times can break down thickening agents, making soup thin again.

Never Worry About Thickening Soup Again

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Wondering how it works? Our meal kits come with precisely portioned, fresh ingredients so you’ll never have to scramble for extra thickening agents or last-minute grocery runs. 

Whether you are looking to eat lean & clean, or just looking for some classic, deliciously simple meals, Gobble has the right menu for you. You can lean into global flavors or stick with your favorite comfort food. 

Our in-house chefs develop recipes that cook in 15 minutes or less, letting you savor every bite without the stress.Ready to level up your dinnertime routine? Choose a meal kit service that fits your lifestyle and experience the benefits for yourself!