When to Add Milk to Soup?

The best time to add milk to soup is usually at the end, after the soup has been cooked.

Why Add Milk at the End?

Adding milk at the end helps prevent curdling, especially when using:

• Fat-free half-and-half
• Low-fat milk
• Even cream

The heat from cooking can cause these types of dairy products to separate and look unappetizing.

Tempering Dairy

To further avoid curdling, consider "tempering" the milk before adding it to the hot soup. This involves:

1. Warming the milk in a separate saucepan or bowl.
2. Slowly adding some of the hot soup to the warmed milk, mixing it in.
3. Then, adding this warmed milk mixture to the soup.

How to Add Milk Based on the Soup's Base:

Soup Base	When to Add Milk	Method
Broth	At the end	Temper if needed, then stir in gently.
Stock	At the end	Temper if needed, then stir in gently.
Water	At the end	Temper if needed, then stir in gently.

By following this simple guideline, you can maintain the smooth, creamy texture of your soup without risking curdling.