Cheese soup is a rich, creamy delight that dates back to the Middle Ages. You'll love how it combines sharp cheddar cheese with sautéed vegetables for a comforting meal. Making it is simple—you sauté ingredients, add cheese gradually, and blend to a smooth texture. Customize it with your favorite veggies or toppings like bacon bits and croutons. If you're curious about more ways to enjoy and prepare this classic dish, there's plenty to explore!
History
Cheese soup has a rich history that stretches back to ancient culinary traditions, where variations emerged across cultures, especially in Europe.
The earliest recipes, often crafted in France during the Middle Ages, showcased local cheeses combined with available vegetables. As cheese gained popularity, American cookbooks in the 19th century began featuring cheese soup recipes, allowing this comforting dish to flourish in American households.
Cheese soup's journey began in medieval France, blending local cheeses with vegetables, later becoming a beloved staple in 19th-century American cookbooks.
By the mid-20th century, cheese soup became a staple in restaurants and homes alike. Today, modern variations like broccoli cheddar soup have become iconic, celebrated as ultimate comfort food.
These adaptations reflect the enduring love for cheese soup, connecting you to centuries of culinary evolution while satisfying your cravings for warmth and flavor.
Recipe
Cheese soup is a delightful and comforting dish that brings warmth to any table. Rich and creamy, this indulgent soup can serve as a hearty appetizer or a satisfying main course. The base of the soup is often made with sharp cheddar cheese, which provides a robust flavor, combined with a blend of creams and sautéed vegetables such as carrots, onions, and celery. This combination not only enhances the taste but also adds nutritional value, making the dish a favorite among cheese lovers.
Preparing cheese soup is a straightforward process that involves creating a roux to thicken the soup while adding layers of flavor. After sautéing the vegetables, flour is incorporated to form the roux, which is then combined with heavy and light cream, followed by the star ingredient—the cheese!
An important aspect of cheese soup is blending the mixture until it reaches a creamy consistency, ensuring that every spoonful is rich and velvety. Whether enjoyed on a chilly day or served at a gathering, cheese soup is sure to please.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend)
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup light cream
- 4 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- Salt and pepper to taste
In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat and add the chopped onions, diced carrots, and diced celery. Sauté the vegetables until they're tender, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the flour to create a roux, cooking for an additional 2 minutes.
Gradually whisk in the broth while continuing to stir, then bring the mixture to a simmer. Once it has thickened slightly, reduce the heat and stir in the heavy cream and light cream. Gradually add the shredded sharp cheddar cheese, stirring until fully melted and the soup is creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve hot.
When making cheese soup, it's essential to avoid boiling the soup once the cheese has been added, as this can lead to a grainy texture. If you prefer a smoother soup, consider blending it with an immersion blender for a few seconds after cooking.
Additionally, feel free to customize the soup by adding your favorite vegetables or proteins, such as broccoli or cooked chicken. Remember that cheese soup is best enjoyed fresh, but it can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days for convenient leftovers.
Cooking Steps
To make your cheese soup, you'll start by preparing a flavorful base broth.
Once you've got that ready, it's time to add the cheese and stir until everything blends together smoothly.
Don't forget to adjust the consistency with cream and season it to your liking!
Step 1. Prepare the Base Broth
Start by melting butter in a large pot over medium heat to create a flavorful base.
Once the butter is bubbling, sauté chopped onions, carrots, and celery for about 3-4 minutes until they're translucent and aromatic. This enhances the broth's taste significantly.
Next, sprinkle all-purpose flour over the sautéed vegetables, stirring for about a minute to form a roux that will thicken your broth.
Gradually add heavy cream and light cream to the roux while continuously whisking to prevent lumps, aiming for a smooth consistency.
Finally, incorporate chicken broth into the mixture, stirring well to combine everything. Allow the flavors to meld before you move on to the next step of adding cheese.
Enjoy the process!
Step 2. Add Cheese and Stir
Gently fold in the grated cheese after the soup has simmered with the vegetables and broth.
Use low heat to prevent the cheddar from becoming grainy or separating. Gradually stir to combine the cheese, ensuring it melts evenly and creates a smooth, creamy soup.
Stir continuously to avoid clumping, and if the soup becomes too thick, thin it out with a little chicken broth or milk until you reach your desired consistency.
If you prefer a chunkier soup, reserve some cheese to sprinkle on top before serving; it'll melt beautifully into the hot soup.
Enjoy the rich flavors and textures as you savor your homemade cheese soup!
Step 3. Incorporate Seasonings and Spices
As the cheese soup simmers, adding seasonings and spices becomes essential for elevating its flavor.
Start by incorporating garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika to enhance the cheese's deliciousness. A pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce can add subtle heat, balancing the soup's richness. To deepen the flavor profile, experiment with ground mustard or nutmeg.
Don't forget fresh herbs like thyme, parsley, or chives; add these at the end for a burst of freshness.
Lastly, adjust salt and pepper to taste, keeping in mind that the cheese itself contributes to the overall saltiness.
With these seasonings and spices, your cheese soup transforms into a delightful culinary experience!
Step 4. Blend Until Smooth
With the seasonings and spices perfectly blended into your cheese soup, the next step is to achieve that smooth, creamy texture.
Use an immersion blender to blend until smooth, or transfer the soup in batches to a countertop blender. Blend for about 30-60 seconds, adjusting until you reach your desired consistency.
As you blend, gradually add the cheese on low heat to prevent clumping and ensure that creamy texture you crave. If you prefer a thick consistency, consider blending in more cheese or adjusting with additional milk or broth afterward.
Remember to let the soup cool slightly before blending to avoid splattering.
Finally, gently reheat the soup before serving—it's soup time!
Step 5. Adjust Consistency With Cream
To achieve that perfect creamy consistency in your cheese soup, start by gradually incorporating heavy or light cream after blending the base ingredients. This will ensure your soup maintains a rich, creamy texture without becoming too thin.
If you find the soup too thick, simply add more milk or broth, stirring continuously until you reach your desired consistency.
For a chunkier texture, blend only a portion of the soup, leaving some vegetables whole, then mix in cream for balance.
Always add the cream over low heat to prevent curdling and achieve a velvety finish.
Lastly, remember to taste and adjust the seasoning, as the cream may require additional salt, pepper, or spices to enhance the overall flavor.
Final Thoughts
Cheese soup offers a deliciously satisfying experience that warms both the body and soul.
With its rich, creamy texture and the bold flavor of shredded cheddar, this creamy soup is sure to delight. You can easily customize your cheese soup by adding your favorite vegetables and toppings like croutons or bacon bits, enhancing both taste and appearance.
When cooking, keep the heat at medium to achieve the perfect consistency without burning. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Remember to enjoy this indulgent dish in moderation, as it can be part of a balanced diet while still providing essential nutrients from the included vegetables.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Cheese Soup Made Of?
When you think about what a creamy soup might include, consider a rich base made from cream and perhaps a roux for thickness.
You can add chopped vegetables like carrots and onions to deepen the flavor.
Don't forget to incorporate a strong cheese for that signature taste.
Finally, topping it with something crunchy, like croutons, can elevate the dish.
It's all about balancing textures and flavors to create something delicious!
What Type of Cheese Is Best for Soup?
When it comes to crafting the perfect soup, choosing the right cheese is like picking the right star for your movie—it's essential!
Sharp cheddar's bold flavor and smooth melting properties are a fantastic choice, while mild cheddar offers a gentler taste.
Blending cheeses can elevate your soup's complexity, or you might opt for Gruyère for its nutty richness.
Just remember, always grate your cheese from a block for the best results!
Can Kids Eat Beer Cheese Soup?
You might wonder if kids can eat beer cheese soup. It's important to consider the alcohol content, which may not be suitable for children.
Even if you cook it at high temperatures, some alcohol might still remain. You can modify the recipe by using broth or non-alcoholic beer to make it kid-friendly.
Always think about your child's age and dietary needs, and consult a pediatrician if you're unsure about serving this dish.
Can You Eat Campbell's Cheddar Cheese Soup by Itself?
Absolutely, you can eat Campbell's Cheddar Cheese Soup by itself!
It's a convenient option that's ready to enjoy straight from the can. The creamy texture and rich flavor make it a satisfying choice, whether you're looking for a quick snack or a comforting meal.
If you want to elevate it, consider adding vegetables or spices, but it's delicious just as it is.
Enjoy the convenience and warmth of this tasty soup!
