Cream Of Cheddar Soup Recipe

There are few things as comforting as a hearty, flavorful soup. It’s the kind of dish that wraps you up like a cozy blanket on a cold day, warming you from the inside out. Among the many varieties out there, Cream of Cheddar Soup stands out not just for its rich, velvety texture but for its bold and satisfying flavor. Whether you’re looking for a starter for a cozy dinner or a soup to enjoy on its own, this is a recipe that will win over your taste buds and become a regular in your meal rotation.

This soup combines the creamy richness of cheddar cheese with a smooth base of cream, creating a luxurious, velvety texture. It’s a versatile dish that can be paired with a slice of crusty bread, served as a side, or even enjoyed as the main event. So, if you’re craving a cheesy, indulgent bowl of comfort, let’s dive into the recipe that will bring this warm and cheesy delight straight to your table.

Cream Of Cheddar Soup Recipe

This recipe for Cream of Cheddar Soup is designed to be simple yet incredibly satisfying. It’s a great way to showcase the glorious, sharp flavor of cheddar cheese while keeping the process accessible, even for beginner cooks. With just a few basic ingredients, you’ll have a comforting bowl of cheese soup ready to enjoy.

Ingredients Needed

To make this rich and velvety cream of cheddar soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• Butter – 4 tablespoons, for the base and sautéing.
• Onion – 1 medium, finely chopped, for flavor depth.
• Carrots – 1 large, finely grated, to add a natural sweetness and texture.
• Celery – 2 stalks, finely chopped, for a subtle flavor and balance.
• Garlic – 3 cloves, minced, for an aromatic, savory depth.
• All-purpose flour – 1/4 cup, to help thicken the soup.
• Chicken or vegetable broth – 4 cups, for a rich, savory base.
• Heavy cream – 1 cup, for the luscious, smooth texture.
• Cheddar cheese – 2 cups, shredded, preferably sharp cheddar for the best flavor.
• Salt and pepper – To taste, for seasoning.
• Fresh parsley – For garnish (optional).

This combination of ingredients results in a balanced, flavorful soup that’s packed with cheesy goodness but not overwhelmingly rich.

Cooking Instructions

Now that we have everything we need, let’s walk through the steps to create this delicious soup. It’s pretty straightforward, but it’s important to follow each step carefully to ensure the best texture and flavor.

1. Sauté The Vegetables

   • In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat.
   • Add the chopped onion, celery, and grated carrots. Stir them around to coat them in the butter.
   • Cook for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables have softened and the onions are translucent. This softening step is crucial for developing the flavor base.

2. Add Garlic And Flour

   • Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
   • Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables, stirring constantly to form a roux (a thick paste). Cook this for another 2-3 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.

3. Add Broth

   • Slowly pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, stirring continuously to prevent lumps from forming.
   • Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 10 minutes. The soup should begin to thicken slightly.

4. Add The Cream

   • Pour in the heavy cream and stir well to combine. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the soup is creamy and smooth.

5. Cheese Time

   • Lower the heat to low and gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese in small batches, stirring constantly until the cheese has fully melted into the soup. This helps prevent any separation or curdling.

6. Season

   • Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper as needed. The cheese is already salty, so be cautious with the salt!

7. Serve

   • Once the soup is perfectly creamy and cheesy, ladle it into bowls. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and a bit of freshness.

Ingredient Insights

Here’s a closer look at some of the ingredients that make this cream of cheddar soup both delicious and rich in flavor:

• Cheddar Cheese: The star of the show! Using a sharp cheddar will give the soup a more intense and tangy flavor, but feel free to experiment with other types like mild cheddar or white cheddar for a different vibe.
• Heavy Cream: The heavy cream is what makes the soup rich and smooth. It helps balance the sharpness of the cheddar cheese and gives the soup a luxurious mouthfeel. You can substitute with half-and-half for a lighter version, but don’t expect quite as much richness.
• Vegetables: The carrots, celery, and onions may seem like a basic trio, but they add a subtle complexity to the flavor profile. The sweetness from the carrots, the earthiness of the celery, and the depth of the onions complement the cheese beautifully.
• Flour: Used to thicken the soup, flour helps create the perfect consistency. You could substitute with cornstarch if you prefer a gluten-free version.

Expert Tips

• Use freshly grated cheese: Pre-shredded cheese can contain anti-caking agents that affect how the cheese melts. Grating the cheese yourself ensures a smooth, uniform melt.
• Low and slow: When melting the cheese into the soup, make sure the heat is on low. High heat can cause the cheese to seize up and become stringy or greasy.
• Blend for smoothness: If you prefer an ultra-smooth texture, you can use an immersion blender to blend the soup after cooking, making it even creamier.
• Broth options: While chicken broth adds depth and flavor, vegetable broth is a great option if you want to keep the soup vegetarian or vegan-friendly (just make sure you use plant-based cream and cheese).

Recipe Variations

• Add protein: Want to make the soup heartier? Add cooked bacon bits or shredded chicken for a protein-packed version.
• Add spices: For an extra kick, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or paprika to give the soup a little heat.
• Roasted garlic: Instead of regular garlic, try roasting the garlic beforehand. Roasted garlic has a sweeter, milder flavor that can add a subtle richness to the soup.
• Vegetable additions: Want to up the vegetable factor? Try adding broccoli or cauliflower for extra texture and nutrients, or even potatoes for a heartier soup.
• Vegan version: Substitute the cream with coconut milk or cashew cream, and use vegan cheese to make this recipe dairy-free.

Final Words

This Cream of Cheddar Soup is more than just a bowl of comfort. It’s a versatile, flavorful dish that can be enjoyed in many ways, whether you’re savoring it with a crunchy piece of bread or as the base for a more complex meal. With just a few steps, you can bring the kind of warmth and satisfaction that only a great cheese soup can provide.

The recipe’s simplicity allows for plenty of room to experiment with your own twists. Whether you prefer a bolder cheese flavor, a dash of spice, or a heartier soup, you can adjust to suit your preferences. The key, however, is to savor every spoonful-because this is the kind of soup that begs for a slow, thoughtful tasting.